The effect of age on the association between diabetes and mortality in adult patients with COVID-19 in Mexico

Comprehensive assessment of COVID-19 case fatality rate and influential factors in Khuzestan Province, Iran: a two-year study

BACKGROUND

The emergence of a new pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) resulted in a high mortality rate across the world. This study sought to comprehensively analyze the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) associated with COVID-19 in the Khuzestan province of Iran". The primary objective was to discern patterns and determinants influencing CFR, shedding light on the evolving impact of the pandemic on morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective examination was performed on a dataset encompassing confirmed COVID-19 cases and related fatalities in Khuzestan. Data, spanning from December 2020 to April 2022, underwent rigorous statistical analysis. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and temporal trends were scrutinized to identify key factors influencing CFR.

RESULTS

Preliminary findings revealed dynamic shifts in CFR, capturing the nuanced nature of the pandemic over time. Demographic nuances, particularly age and gender, emerged as significant determinants impacting CFR, the reported CFR of COVID-19 in Khuzestan province was 1.79%.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes critical insights into the CFR landscape of COVID-19 in Khuzestan, providing a foundation for evidence-based decision-making in public health. The identified factors influencing mortality rates offer valuable information for tailoring interventions and optimizing resource allocation. Continuous monitoring and further investigations are recommended to adapt strategies to the evolving nature of the pandemic.

R. HusseinSalahRehabAliYasmin Khairy NasrEldin MohamedWassimKyrillosElgazzarYumna ATharwatSamarAzzamAhmed Y.HabibAyman abdelmawgoadAbosheaishaaHazem MaaroufAzabMohammed AGalboisArnaudCharronCyrilGuerotEmmanuelBeschGuillaumeRigaudJean-PhilippeMaizelJulienDjibréMichelBurtinPhilippeGarconPierreNseirSaadValetteXavierAlexandruNicaMarinNathalieVaissiereMariePlantefeveGaëtanVanderlindenThierryJurcisinIgorMegarbaneBunoCaillardAnaisValentArnaudGarnierMarcBessetSebastienOzielJohannaRaphaelenJean-herléDaugerStéphaneDumasGuillaumeGoncalvesBrunoPitonGaëlKelmMalteWolffGeorgBarthEberhardGoebelUlrichBarthEberhardKunsteinAnselmSchusterMichaelWelteMartinLutzMatthiasMeybohmPatrickSteinerStephanPoernerTudorHaakeHendrikSchallerStefanKindgen-MillesDetlefMeyerChristianKurtMuhammedKuhnKarl FriedrichRanderathWinfriedWollbornJakobDindaneZouhirKabitzHans-JoachimVoigtIngoShalaGonxheFaltlhauserAndreasRovinaNikolettaAidoniZoiChrisanthopoulouEvangeliaPapadogoulasAntoniosGurjarMohanMahmoodpoorAtaAhmedAbdullah khudhurMarshBrianElsakaAhmedComelliniVittoriaRabhaAhmedAhmedHazema Namendys-SilvaSilvioGhannamAbdelilahGroenendijkMartijnZegersMariekede LangeDylanCornetAlexEversMirjamHaasLennekeDormansTomDieperinkWillemRomundstadLuisSjøbøBrittAndersenFinn HStrietzelHans FrankOlasveengenTheresaHahnMichaelCzuczwarMiroslawGawdaRyszardKlimkiewiczJakubde Lurdes Campos SantosMariaGordinhoAndréSantosHenriqueAssisRuiOliveiraAna Isabel PinhoBadawyMohamed RaafatPerez-TorresDavidGomàGemmaVillamayorMercedes IbarzMiraAngela PradoCuberoPatricia JimenoRiveraSusana AriasTomasaTeresaIglesiasDavidVázquezEric MayorAldecoaCesarFerreiraAida FernándezZalba-EtayoBegoñaCanas-PerezIsabelTamayo-LomasLuisDiaz-RodriguezCristinaSanchoSusanaPriegoJesúsAbualqumbozEnas M.Y.HillesMomin Majed YousufSalehMahmoudBen-HAmoudaNawfelRobertiAndreaDullenkopfAlexanderFleuryYvanSchefoldJoerg CAl-SadawiMohammedSerckNicolasDewaeleElisabethKumarPritpalBundesenCamillaInnesRichardGoochJamesCagovaLenkaPotterElizabethReayMichaelDaveyMiriamHumphreysSallyBerlemontCaroline HauwChoustermanBenjamin GlennDépretFrançoisFerreAlexisVettorettiLucieTheveninDidierFaltlhauserAndreasMilovanovicMilenaSimonPhilippLorenzMarcoStollSandra EmilyDublerSimonFuestKristinaMulitaFranceskKondiliEumorifaAndrianopoulosIoannisMeynaarIwanCornetAlexander DanielSjøbøeBrittKluzikAnnaZatorskiPawełDrygalskiTomaszSolek-pastuszkaJoannaOnichimowskiDariuszStefaniakJanStefanska-WronkaKarinaZabulEwaCardosoFilipe SousaBanzoMaria José ArcheTomasa-IrriguibleTeresa MariaMiraÁngela PradoArias-RiveraSusanaFrutos-VivarFernandoLopez-CuencaSoniade GopeguiPablo RuizAbidiNourChauIvanPughRichardSmutsSaraZotterKlemens. Diabetes mellitus is associated with 90-day mortality in old critically ill COVID-19 patients: a multicenter prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Several studies have found an association between diabetes mellitus, disease severity and outcome in COVID-19 patients. Old critically ill patients are particularly at risk. This study aimed to investigate the impact of diabetes mellitus on 90-day mortality in a high-risk cohort of critically ill patients over 70 years of age.

METHODS

This multicentre international prospective cohort study was performed in 151 ICUs across 26 countries. We included patients ≥ 70 years of age with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the intensive care unit from 19th March 2020 through 15th July 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the presence of diabetes mellitus. Primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Kaplan-Meier overall survival curves until day 90 were analysed and compared using the log-rank test. Mixed-effect Weibull regression models were computed to investigate the influence of diabetes mellitus on 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

This study included 3420 patients with a median age of 76 years were included. Among these, 37.3% (n = 1277) had a history of diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes showed higher rates of frailty (32% vs. 18%) and several comorbidities including chronic heart failure (20% vs. 11%), hypertension (79% vs. 59%) and chronic kidney disease (25% vs. 11%), but not of pulmonary comorbidities (22% vs. 22%). The 90-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with diabetes than those without diabetes (64% vs. 56%, p < 0.001). The association of diabetes and 90-day mortality remained significant (HR 1.18 [1.06-1.31], p = 0.003) after adjustment for age, sex, SOFA-score and other comorbidities in a Weibull regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes mellitus was a relevant risk factor for 90-day mortality in old critically ill patients with COVID-19.

STUDY REGISTRATION

NCT04321265, registered March 19th, 2020.

Magnitude and associated factors of mortality among patients admitted with COVID-19 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow around the world and has caused enormous mortality and morbidity. The severity and mortality of coronavirus disease are associated with various comorbidities. The infection fatality rate was reported to be inconsistent with different studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with mortality among patients admitted to Eka Kotebe General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Eka Kotebe General Hospital among patients who were admitted for COVID-19 from January 15, 2021, to June 30, 2021. A total of 393 records of patients were selected by simple random sampling. Data was extracted from compiled data forms where available information was already tabulated. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The determinant factors associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients were identified using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A statistical association was declared with multivariable logistic regression using a 95% confidence interval and a P-value of less than 0.05. The proportion of COVID-19 mortality among patients admitted to Eka Kotebe General Hospital was 8.1% (95% CI (5.4-10.8%)). Age >50 years [AOR = 7.91; 95% CI (2.34-25.70)], being male [AOR = 2.09; 95% CI (1.20-3.65)], having diabetes mellitus [AOR = 2.64; 95% CI (1.30-5.35)], having hypertension [AOR = 2.67; 95% CI (1.22-5.88)] and having chronic kidney disease [AOR = 12.04; 95% CI (4.03-14.22)] were determinant factors of COVID-19 mortality. The current study findings revealed that COVID-19 mortality was high among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were discovered to be independent predictors of COVID-19 mortality. Therefore, older COVID-19 patients and those with established comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease should receive comprehensive preventative efforts, including vaccination.

Impact of diabetes on COVID-19 patient health outcomes in a vulnerable racial minority community

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a growing health concern in the United States and especially New York City. New York City subsequently became an epicenter for the coronavirus pandemic in the Spring of 2020. Previous studies suggest that diabetes is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between diabetes and COVID-19 outcomes as well as assess other covariates that may impact health outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 hospitalized patients from March to May, 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 1805 patients were tested for COVID-19 and 778 tested positive for COVID-19. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: diabetes (measured by an Hba1c >6.5 or had a history of diabetes) and those without diabetes.

RESULTS

After controlling for other comorbidities, diabetes was associated with increased risk of mortality (aRR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.57, p = 0.0231) and discharge to tertiary care centers (aRR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.04-2.77, p = 0.036). compared to non-diabetes. Age and coronary artery disease (CAD) increased the risk of mortality among diabetic patients compared to patients with diabetes alone without CAD or advanced age. The diabetes cohort had more patients with resolving acute respiratory failure (62.2%), acute kidney injury secondary to COVID-19 (49.0%) and sepsis secondary to COVID-19 (30.1%).

CONCLUSION

This investigation found that COVID-19 patients with diabetes had increased mortality, multiple complications at discharge, and increased rates of admission to a tertiary care center than those without diabetes suggesting a more severe and complicated disease course that required additional services at time of discharge.

Diabetes as a risk factor of death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients - an analysis of a National Hospitalization Database from Poland, 2020

Introduction

Diabetes is one of the comorbidities associated with poor prognosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this nationwide retrospective study, we evaluated the risk of in-hospital death attributed to diabetes.

Methods

We analyzed data from discharge reports of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2020 as submitted to the Polish National Health Fund. Several multivariate logistic regression models were used. In each model, in-hospital death was estimated with explanatory variables. Models were built either on the whole cohorts or cohorts matched with propensity score matching (PSM). The models examined either the main effects of diabetes itself or the interaction of diabetes with other variables.

Results

We included 174,621 patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in the year 2020. Among them, there were 40,168 diabetic patients (DPs), and the proportion of DPs in this group was higher than in the general population (23.0% vs. 9.5%, p<0.001). In this group of COVID-19 hospitalizations, 17,438 in-hospital deaths were recorded, and the mortality was higher among DPs than non-diabetics (16.3% vs. 8.1%, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regressions showed that diabetes was a risk factor of death, regardless of sex and age. In the main effect analysis, odds of in-hospital death were higher by 28.3% for DPs than for non-diabetic patients. Similarly, PSM analysis including 101,578 patients, of whom 19,050 had diabetes, showed that the risk of death was higher in DPs regardless of sex with odds higher by 34.9%. The impact of diabetes differed among age groups and was the highest for patients aged 60-69.

Conclusions

This nationwide study confirmed that diabetes was an independent risk factor of in-hospital death in the course of COVID-19 infection. However, the relative risk differed across the age groups.

Global prevalence and effect of comorbidities and smoking status on severity and mortality of COVID-19 in association with age and gender: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression

A COVID-19 patient often presents with multiple comorbidities and is associated with adverse outcomes. A comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 is essential. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of comorbidities, severity and mortality with regard to geographic region, age, gender and smoking status in patients with COVID-19. A systematic review and multistage meta-analyses were reported using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and EMBASE were searched from January 2020 to October 2022. Cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, case series studies, and case-control studies on comorbidities reporting among the COVID-19 populations that were published in English were included. The pooled prevalence of various medical conditions in COVID-19 patients was calculated based on regional population size weights. Stratified analyses were performed to understand the variations in the medical conditions based on age, gender, and geographic region. A total of 190 studies comprising 105 million COVID-19 patients were included. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software, version 16 MP (StataCorp, College Station, TX). Meta-analysis of proportion was performed to obtain pooled values of the prevalence of medical comorbidities: hypertension (39%, 95% CI 36-42, n = 170 studies), obesity (27%, 95% CI 25-30%, n = 169 studies), diabetes (27%, 95% CI 25-30%, n = 175), and asthma (8%, 95% CI 7-9%, n = 112). Moreover, the prevalence of hospitalization was 35% (95% CI 29-41%, n = 61), intensive care admissions 17% (95% CI 14-21, n = 106), and mortality 18% (95% CI 16-21%, n = 145). The prevalence of hypertension was highest in Europe at 44% (95% CI 39-47%, n = 68), obesity and diabetes at 30% (95% CI, 26-34, n = 79) and 27% (95%CI, 24-30, n = 80) in North America, and asthma in Europe at 9% (95% CI 8-11, n = 41). Obesity was high among the ≥ 50 years (30%, n = 112) age group, diabetes among Men (26%, n = 124) and observational studies reported higher mortality than case-control studies (19% vs. 14%). Random effects meta-regression found a significant association between age and diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), asthma (p < 0.05), ICU admission (p < 0.05) and mortality (p < 0.001). Overall, a higher global prevalence of hypertension (39%) and a lower prevalence of asthma (8%), and 18% of mortality were found in patients with COVID-19. Hence, geographical regions with respective chronic medical comorbidities should accelerate regular booster dose vaccination, preferably to those patients with chronic comorbidities, to prevent and lower the severity and mortality of COVID-19 disease with novel SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC).

Association of underlying comorbidities and progression of COVID-19 infection amongst 2586 patients hospitalised in the National Capital Region of India: a retrospective cohort study

This study is conducted to observe the association of diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the prognosis and mortality of COVID-19 infection in hospital admitted patients with above mentioned comorbidities. This is a single centre, observational, retrospective study carried out at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India. The burden of comorbidities on the prognosis and clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients admitted patients from April 8, 2020, to October 4, 2020. Chi-square and relative risk test were used to observe the association of comorbidities and disease prognosis. A total of 2586 patients were included in the study consisting of 69.6% of male patients. All the comorbidities were significantly associated with ICU admission and mortality. The relative risk showed that CKD is most prone to severity as well as mortality of the COVID-19 infection followed by HTN and DM. Further with the increase in number of underlying comorbidities, the risk of ICU admission and mortality also increases. Relative risk of the severity of COVID-19 infection in younger patients with underlying comorbidities are relatively at higher risk of severity of disease as well as to mortality compared to the elderly patients with similar underlying condition. Similarly, it is found that females are relatively at higher risk of mortality as compared to the males having same comorbid conditions except for the hypertensive patients. Diabetes, hypertension and CKD, all are associated with progression of COVID-19 disease to severity and higher mortality risk. The number of underlying comorbid condition is directly proportional to the progression of disease severity and mortality.

Factors associated with covid-19 deaths in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2020: a cross-sectional study with "Notifique Aqui" system data

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the clinical conditions and sociodemographic characteristics associated with covid-19 deaths in the first year of the pandemic in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2020.

METHODS

this was a cross-sectional study with covid-19-induced severe acute respiratory syndrome cases recorded in 2020 via the "Notifique Aqui" (Report Here) electronic system of the Pernambuco Center for Strategic Information on Health Surveillance. Association between death and sociodemographic and clinical variables was analyzed. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using adjusted Poisson regression.

RESULTS

the prevalence of death was 28.4% (2,833 cases; 95%CI 27.51;29.28). The associated factors were male sex (PR = 1.05; 95%CI 1.01;1.08), age ≥ 60 years (PR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.72;0.79), dyspnea (PR = 1.06; 95%CI 1.02;1.10), respiratory distress (PR = 1.06; 95%CI 1.03;1.09), oxygen saturation < 95% (PR = 1.08; 95%CI 1.04;1.11) and chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

covid-19 deaths were more prevalent among male, older adults, and people with pre-existing health problems, these being priority groups for combating the pandemic.

Mortality Risk Factors for Coronavirus Infection in Hospitalized Adults in Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented high morbidity and mortality, with associated high socioeconomic costs. Brazil ranks third in the number of COVID-19 cases, behind only India and the United States.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze risk factors for mortality in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Brazil.

METHODS

Observational retrospective cohort study including data from all Brazilian states and regions. The study included information from 468,226 in-hospital patients from all regions of Brazil from 1 January 2021 to 31 July 2021. Data from the influenza epidemiological surveillance system were used. The participants were adults hospitalized with COVID-19. A Cox regression model was used to analyze factors associated with mortality in adults with COVID-19.

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality lethality was 37.5%. The risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality were older age, with a linear increase with increments in age, male sex, black or mixed race, low education level, comorbidities, use of ventilatory support, and living in the southeast, north, or northeast regions of the country.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results illustrate the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and reinforce that policies and practices to deal with this disease should focus on groups and regions with higher risk, whereas public policies should promote nonpharmacological measures and vaccination in the Brazilian population.

Diabetes and SARS-CoV-2-Is There a Mutual Connection?

SARS-CoV-2, a newly emerged virus described for the first time in late 2019, affects multiple organs in humans, including the pancreas. Here, we present the bilateral link between the pathophysiology of diabetes and COVID-19, with diabetes being COVID-19 comorbidity, and a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Analysis of clinical data indicates that patients with chronic conditions like diabetes are at increased risk of severe COVID-19, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death compared to the healthy subjects. Further, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection might be also associated with the development of new-onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. We then discuss the options for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection in pancreatic settings, including the use of human pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic organoids. Further, we review the presence of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in different pancreatic cell types and the infection efficiency based on pancreatic sections from COVID-19 patients and primary human islet in vitro studies. Finally, we discuss the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human pancreatic cell homeostasis, focusing on β-cells.

The Role of Diabetes and Hyperglycemia on COVID-19 Infection Course-A Narrative Review

It was previously reported that subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more vulnerable to several bacterial or viral infections. In the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is reasonable to wonder whether DM is a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, too. It is not yet clear whether DM increases the risk for contracting COVID-19 infection or not. However, patients with DM when infected are more likely to develop severe or even fatal COVID-19 disease course than patients without DM. Certain characteristics of DM patients may also deteriorate prognosis. On the other hand, hyperglycemia per se is related to unfavorable outcomes, and the risk may be higher for COVID-19 subjects without pre-existing DM. In addition, individuals with DM may experience prolonged symptoms, need readmission, or develop complications such as mucormycosis long after recovery from COVID-19; close follow-up is hence necessary in some selected cases. We here present a narrative review of the literature in order to set light into the relationship between COVID-19 infection and DM/hyperglycemia.

Impaired glucose regulation, SARS-CoV-2 infections and adverse COVID-19 outcomes

Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) is common world-wide, and is correlated with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) the virus that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, no systematic reviews are available on the topic, and little is known about the strength of the evidence underlying published associations. The current systematic review identified consistent, reproducible associations but several limitations were observed including: (1) a consistent lack of robust confounder adjustment for risk factors collected prior to infection; (2) lack of data on insulin resistance or glycemia measures [Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) or glucose]; (3) few studies considering insulin resistance, glucose or HbA1c values in the clinically normal range as a predictor of SARS-CoV-2 risk; (4) few studies assessed the role of IGR as a risk factor for infection among initially uninfected samples; (5) a paucity of population-based data considering SARS-CoV-2 as a risk factor for the onset of IGR. While diabetes status is a clear predictor of poor prognosis following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, causal conclusions are limited. It is uncertain whether interventions targeting dysglycemia to improve SARS-CoV-2 outcomes have potential to be effective, or if risk assessment should include biomarkers of diabetes risk (ie, insulin and glucose or HbA1c) among diabetes-free individuals. Future studies with robust risk factor data collection, among population-based samples with pre-pandemic assessments will be important to inform these questions.

COVID-19 Propagation Model Based on Economic Development and Interventions

In order to understand the influencing factors affecting the COVID-19 propagation, and analyze the development trend of the epidemic situation in the world, COVID-19 propagation model to simulate the COVID-19 propagation in the population is proposed in this paper. First of all, this paper analyzes the economic factors and interventions affecting the COVID-19 propagation in various different countries. Then, the touch number for COVID-19 High-risk Population Dynamic Network in this paper was redefined, and it predicts and analyzes the development trend of the epidemic situation in different countries. The simulation data and the published confirmed data by the world health organization could fit well, which also verified the reliability of the model. Finally, this paper also analyzes the impact of public awareness of prevention on the control of the epidemic. The analysis shows that increasing the awareness of prevention, timely and early adoption of protective measures such as wearing masks, and reducing travel can greatly reduce the risk of infection and the outbreak scale.

Factors Associated for Mortality of Older People With COVID 19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Whilst people of all ages are affected in some way by COVID-19 virus, older people are at a high mortality risk. This study aimed to systematically review the numerous factors associated with mortality among COVID-19 infected older people.

Method

PubMed and Science Direct were searched from inception to the April 15, 2021. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

Of the 4957 studies identified, 20 were included in the qualitative analysis, while 10 were included in the quantitative analysis. Male sex (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.23-3.99), age (over 75 years old) (OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 2.30-4.90), Dementia (OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 1.99-6.83) and Dyspnoea (OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.61-3.82), were found to be significantly associated with mortality. There is no significant association between Diabetes, or Hypertension.

Conclusion

Older age, male gender, dyspnoea and dementia were associated with a greater risk of death of older people from COVID-19 infection. These findings may help health care professionals to identify high-risk groups, facilitate appropriate remedial measures, and control mortality among older people.

Association of Admission Blood Glucose Level with All-Cause Mortality According to Age in Patients with Community Acquired Pneumonia

Objective

To assess the impact of blood glucose levels on the prognosis of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) who were elderly or middle-aged.

Methods

From January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020, patients with CAP (≥45 years) were retrospectively enrolled in this observational study. They were stratified by age (45-64 or ≥65 years) and blood glucose level (≥11.1 or <11.1 mmol/l). The effect of admission blood glucose on 28-day mortality was assessed with the Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for demographic factors and comorbidity.

Results

Among 1656 patients with CAP, increased blood glucose (HR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.38-3.49; P<0.01) and advanced age (HR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.65-3.77; P<0.01) were significantly associated with a higher risk of 28-day mortality, after controlling for potential confounding factors. The strength of the association of blood glucose level with 28-day mortality decreased with age (P=0.01 for the interaction) as the adjusted HRs for death were 4.48 (95% CI: 1.40-13.65; P<0.01) for middle-age patients 45-64 years and 1.52 (95% CI: 1.09-2.17; P=0.05) for elderly patients ≥65 years.

Conclusion

The association of blood glucose level upon admission for CAP with all-cause mortality was stronger at younger ages.

First and second COVID-19 waves in Brazil: A cross-sectional study of patients' characteristics related to hospitalization and in-hospital mortality

Background

Background The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was more aggressive in Brazil compared to other countries around the globe. Considering the Brazilian peculiarities, we analyze the in-hospital mortality concerning socio-epidemiological characteristics of patients and the health system of all states during the first and second waves of COVID-19.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. Data was obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe) and comprised the period from February 25, 2020, to April 30, 2021, separated in two waves on November 5, 2020. We performed a descriptive study of patients analyzing socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbidities, and risk factors stratified by age. In addition, we analyzed in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in both waves and how it varies in each Brazilian state.

Findings

Between February 25, 2020 and April 30, 2021, 678 235 patients were admitted with a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2, with 325 903 and 352 332 patients for the first and second wave, respectively. The mean age of patients was 59·65 (IQR 48·0 - 72·0). In total, 379 817 (56·00%) patients had a risk factor or comorbidity. In-hospital mortality increased from 34·81% in the first to 39·30% in the second wave. In the second wave, there were more ICU admissions, use of non-invasive and invasive ventilation, and increased mortality for younger age groups. The southern and southeastern regions of Brazil had the highest hospitalization rates per 100 000 inhabitants. However, the in-hospital mortality rate was higher in the northern and northeastern states of the country. Racial differences were observed in clinical outcomes, with White being the most prevalent hospitalized population, but with Blacks/Browns (Pardos) having higher mortality rates. Younger age groups had more considerable differences in mortality as compared to groups with and without comorbidities in both waves.

Interpretation

We observed a more considerable burden on the Brazilian hospital system throughout the second wave. Furthermore, the north and northeast of Brazil, which present lower Human Development Indexes, concentrated the worst in-hospital mortality rates. The highest mortality rates are also shown among vulnerable social groups. Finally, we believe that the results can help to understand the behavior of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, helping to define public policies, allocate resources, and improve strategies for vaccination of priority groups.

Funding

Coordinating Agency for Advanced Training of Graduate Personnel (CAPES) (C.F. 001), and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (No. 309537/2020-7).

A new interventional home care model for COVID management: Virtual Covid IP

AIM

Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, the health care delivery in India faces major challenges owing to the overwhelming hospitals, exhausted healthcare workers, and shortage of crucial medical supplies such as ventilators and oxygen. The study aims to propose a novel successful interventional home care model, the Virtual COVID In-Patient (VCIP) care for effective COVID management.

METHODS

The Covid-19 positive patients enrolled in VCIP were chosen for the study. A 24/7 active multidisciplinary WhatsApp group was created for each patient, for remote monitoring of temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose, respiratory and pulse rate along with the symptoms. Advice on sleep and exercises were given along with the medication via video-audio consultations. Lab facility was provided at the doorstep. Training on various devices, medications including steroids, delivering subcutaneous injections etc were given via video platforms.

RESULTS

Among the 220 patients who availed the VCIP facility, only two were hospitalized, yielding a 99.5 % success rate in preventing hospitalizations and patients enrolled have been immensely satisfied with their experience.

CONCLUSIONS

With similar pandemics anticipated in near future, VCIP model may be considered for successful domiciliary treatment and overcoming the challenges.

Impact of Prediabetes and Type-2 Diabetes on Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

The true impact of prediabetes and type-2 diabetes in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown, with studies thus far providing conflicting evidence.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective observational study involving 843 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Primary outcomes, mortality, and mechanical ventilation use were compared among the three groups: control, prediabetes, and type-2 diabetes. Binomial regression analysis was used to determine predictors of mortality and mechanical ventilation requirement.

RESULTS

Age was a significant predictor of mortality. On stratifying our patients based on their age, older patients aged 55 years and above had no difference in mortality or mechanical ventilation requirement among the three groups of control, prediabetes, and type-2 diabetes. However, among the younger population aged less than 55 years, patients with type-2 diabetes had significantly higher mortality as compared with patients in control and prediabetes groups (27% vs 12.5% vs 9%, p 0.025). Additionally, newly diagnosed type-2 diabetes patients demonstrated lower mortality rate in comparison to previously known type-2 diabetes patients (18% vs 40%, p 0.005). Outcomes in the prediabetes group were similar to that in the control group. Admission hyperglycemia was associated with higher mortality regardless of diabetes status.

CONCLUSION

In older patients aged 55 years and above, status of type-2 diabetes does not influence their mortality. However, in younger patients aged less than 55 years, the presence of type-2 diabetes is an important driver of mortality. Newly diagnosed type-2 diabetes, in comparison with previously diagnosed type-2 diabetes, may have better survival. Presence of prediabetes did not affect outcomes in patients with COVID-19 infection.