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Libra A, Ciancio N, Sambataro G, Sciacca E, Muscato G, Marino A, Vancheri C, Spicuzza L. Use of Remdesivir in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 Pneumonia: Effect on the Hypoxic and Inflammatory State. Viruses 2023; 15:2101. [PMID: 37896877 PMCID: PMC10612076 DOI: 10.3390/v15102101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Remdesivir is one of the most attractive options for patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of remdesivir on the hypoxic and inflammatory state in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. We retrospectively enrolled 112 patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia, requiring low-flow oxygen, 57 treated with remdesivir plus standard of care (SoC) and 55 treated only with SoC that were similar for demographic and clinical data. We evaluated changes in hypoxemia and inflammatory markers at admission (Day 0) and after 5 days of treatment (Day 5) and the clinical course of the disease. From Day 0 to Day 5, the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (P/F) increased from 222 ± 62 to 274 ± 97 (p < 0.0001) in the remdesivir group and decreased from 223 ± 62 to 183 ± 76 (p < 0.05) in the SoC group. Interleukine-6 levels decreased in the remdesivir (45.9 to 17.5 pg/mL, p < 0.05) but not in the SoC group. Remdesivir reduced the need for ventilatory support and the length of hospitalization. In conclusion, compared to standard care, remdesivir rapidly improves hypoxia and inflammation, causing a better course of the disease in moderate to severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Libra
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Disease, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.C.); (G.S.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (C.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Nicola Ciancio
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Disease, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.C.); (G.S.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (C.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Gianluca Sambataro
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Disease, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.C.); (G.S.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (C.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Enrico Sciacca
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Disease, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.C.); (G.S.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (C.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Muscato
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Disease, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.C.); (G.S.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (C.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Andrea Marino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Disease, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.C.); (G.S.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (C.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Lucia Spicuzza
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Disease, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.C.); (G.S.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (C.V.); (L.S.)
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De Vito A, Poliseno M, Colpani A, Zauli B, Puci MV, Santantonio T, Meloni MC, Fois M, Fanelli C, Saderi L, Fois A, Fiore V, Sotgiu G, Babudieri S, Lo Caputo S, Madeddu G. Reduced risk of death in people with SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with remdesivir: a nested case-control study. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:2029-2033. [PMID: 36170020 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2129801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several treatment options have been proposed (e.g. steroids, heparin, antivirals and monoclonal antibodies). Remdesivir was the first antiviral approved for the treatment of COVID-19, even though controversial evidence exists concerning the efficacy. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a study to evaluate whether the use of remdesivir was associated with lower mortality in patients with COVID-19. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study of a retrospective cohort collecting medical records of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted in the infectious Disease Unit of Sassari University Hospital (S.C. Clinica di Malattie Infettive, AOU di Sassari, Italy), or in the Infectious Disease Unit of Foggia (AOU "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia), between 1 July 2020 and 10 November 2021. The outcome considered was death; thus, we matched death (cases) to survivors (controls) by sex and age (1:1). RESULTS We included in the study 342 patients, with 171 deaths (cases) and 171 survivors (controls). Remdesivir was administered to 60 people in the control group and to 18 people in the case group (35.1% vs. 10.5%, p < .0001). In the multivariate analysis, treatment with remdesivir and heparin was associated with lower mortality (OR: 0.19 [95% CI :0.10-0.38], p <.0001; OR: 0.39 [95% CI: 0.21-0.74] p = .004, respectively). On the contrary, diabetes, oxygen therapy and CPAP/NIV were associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSION Our study showed lower mortality in people with SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with remdesivir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Vito
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Poliseno
- S.C. Malattie Infettive, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Agnese Colpani
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Zauli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Valentina Puci
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Teresa Santantonio
- S.C. Malattie Infettive, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Meloni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Fois
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Chiara Fanelli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Laura Saderi
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fois
- Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Vito Fiore
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sergio Babudieri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sergio Lo Caputo
- S.C. Malattie Infettive, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giordano Madeddu
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Di Micco P, Annunziata A, Fiorentino G. Editorial Comment on Special Issue—COVID-19 after One Year of Clinical Experience: Unexpected Clinical Presentations or Complications and Post-COVID-19 Clinical Features. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091715. [PMID: 36141327 PMCID: PMC9498340 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Di Micco
- UOC Medicina, PO A. Rizzoli, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, Lacco Ameno, 80076 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Annunziata
- Department of Respiratory Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation Monaldi–A.O. Dei Colli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiorentino
- Department of Respiratory Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation Monaldi–A.O. Dei Colli, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Ticinesi A, Tuttolomondo D, Nouvenne A, Parise A, Cerundolo N, Prati B, Zanichelli I, Guerra A, Gaibazzi N, Meschi T. Co-Administration of Remdesivir and Azithromycin May Protect against Intensive Care Unit Admission in COVID-19 Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization: A Real-Life Observational Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070941. [PMID: 35884195 PMCID: PMC9311950 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The benefits of remdesivir treatment, with or without co-administration of antibiotics such as azithromycin, are uncertain in COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to assess the effects of remdesivir, with or without azithromycin, on hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and need of non-invasive ventilation. The clinical records of the COVID-19 patients hospitalized in an Italian ward in March 2021 were analyzed, and data on comorbidities and clinical, radiological, and laboratory presentation of the disease were collected. Among 394 participants (234 M), 173 received remdesivir (43.9%), including 81 with azithromycin (20.5%). Remdesivir recipients were younger, with less comorbidities, and had better PaO2/FiO2 and clinical outcomes, including reduced mortality, but the differences were not independent of covariates. Rates of ICU transferal were 17%, 9%, and 1% in the no remdesivir, remdesivir without azithromycin, and remdesivir/azithromycin groups, respectively. In a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, remdesivir/azithromycin co-treatment was independently associated with reduced ICU admission (vs remdesivir alone, OR 0.081, 95% CI 0.008-0.789, p = 0.031; vs no remdesivir, OR 0.060, 95% CI 0.007-0.508, p = 0.010). These data suggest that the therapeutical effect of remdesivir in COVID-19 pneumonia may be potentiated by azithromycin. The association between the two drugs should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ticinesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.T.); (I.Z.); (A.G.); (T.M.)
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.); (N.C.); (B.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Domenico Tuttolomondo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.T.); (I.Z.); (A.G.); (T.M.)
- Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Antonio Nouvenne
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.); (N.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Alberto Parise
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.); (N.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Cerundolo
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.); (N.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Beatrice Prati
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.); (N.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Ilaria Zanichelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.T.); (I.Z.); (A.G.); (T.M.)
| | - Angela Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.T.); (I.Z.); (A.G.); (T.M.)
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.); (N.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Nicola Gaibazzi
- Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Meschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.T.); (I.Z.); (A.G.); (T.M.)
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.); (N.C.); (B.P.)
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Poliseno M, Gallo C, Cibelli DC, Minafra GA, Bottalico IF, Bruno SR, D’Errico ML, Montemurro L, Rizzo M, Barbera L, Custodero GE, La Marca A, Lo Muzio D, Miucci A, Santantonio TA, Lo Caputo S. Efficacy and Safety of Remdesivir over Two Waves of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121477. [PMID: 34943688 PMCID: PMC8698274 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to describe the features, the outcomes, and the clinical issues related to Remdesivir administration of a cohort of 220 patients (pts) with COVID-19 hospitalized throughout the last two pandemic waves in Italy. One hundred and nine pts were enrolled from 1 September 2020, to 28 February 2021 (Group A) and 111 from 1 March to 30 September 2021 (Group B). Notably, no differences were reported between the two groups neither in the timing of hospitalization. nor in the timing of Remdesivir administration from symptoms onset. Remarkably, a higher proportion of pts with severe COVID-19 was observed in Group B (25% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). At univariate and multivariate analysis, rather than the timing of Remdesivir administration, age, presence of coexisting conditions, D-dimers, and O2 flow at admission correlated positively to progression to non-invasive ventilation, especially for patients in Group B. However, the rate of admission in the Intensive Care Unit and/or death was comparable in the two groups (7% vs. 4%). Negligible variations in serum GOT, GPT, GGT, and eGFR levels were detected. A mean reduction in heart rate was noticed within the first three days of antiviral treatment (p < 0.001). Low rate of ICU admission, high rate of clinical recovery, and good drug safety were observed in COVID-19 patients treated with Remdesivir during two diverse pandemic waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Poliseno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3471032012
| | - Crescenzio Gallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Donatella Concetta Cibelli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Graziano Antonio Minafra
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Irene Francesca Bottalico
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Serena Rita Bruno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Maria Luca D’Errico
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Laura Montemurro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Marianna Rizzo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Lucia Barbera
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Giacomo Emanuele Custodero
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Antonella La Marca
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Donatella Lo Muzio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Anna Miucci
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Teresa Antonia Santantonio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Sergio Lo Caputo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.C.C.); (G.A.M.); (I.F.B.); (S.R.B.); (M.L.D.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (L.B.); (G.E.C.); (A.L.M.); (D.L.M.); (A.M.); (T.A.S.); (S.L.C.)
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Nayak B, Lal G, Kumar S, Das CJ, Saraya A, Shalimar. Host Response to SARS-CoV2 and Emerging Variants in Pre-Existing Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:753249. [PMID: 34760721 PMCID: PMC8573081 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.753249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 is evolving continuously with emergence of several variants of increasing transmission capabilities and pandemic potential. Generation of variants occurs through accumulation of mutations due to the RNA nature of viral genome, which is further enhanced by variable selection pressures of this ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 presentations of SARS-CoV2 are mainly pulmonary manifestations with or without mild gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatic symptoms. However, the virus has evolved beyond pulmonary manifestations to multisystem disorder due to systemic inflammation and cytokine storm. Definitive cause of acute or late onset of inflammation, infection in various organs, and host response to emerging variants lacks clarity and needs elucidation. Several studies have reported underlying diseases including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders, and immunocompromised conditions as significant risk factors for severe form of COVID-19. Pre-existing liver and GI diseases are also highly predominant in the population, which can alter COVID-19 outcome due to altered immune status and host response. We aim to review the emerging variants of SARS-CoV2 and host response in patients with pre-existing liver and GI diseases. Methods In this review, we have elucidated the emergence and characteristic features of new SARS-CoV2 variants, mechanisms of infection and host immune response, GI and hepatic manifestation with radiologic features of COVID-19, and outcomes in pre-existing liver and GI diseases. Key Findings Emerging variants of concern (VOC) have shown increased transmissibility and virulence with severe COVID-19 presentation and mortality. There is a drastic swift of variants from the first wave to the next wave of infections with predominated major VOC including alpha (B.1.1.7, UK), beta (B.1.351, South Africa), gamma (B.1.1.28.1, Brazil), and delta (B1.1.617, India) variants. The mutations in the spike protein of VOC are implicated for increased receptor binding (N501Y, P681R) and immune escape (L452R, E484K/Q, T478K/R) to host response. Pre-existing liver and GI diseases not only have altered tissue expression and distribution of viral entry ACE2 receptor but also host protease TMPRSS2, which is required for both spike protein binding and cleavage to initiate infection. Altered immune status due to pre-existing conditions results in delayed virus clearance or prolonged viremia. Even though GI and hepatic manifestations of SARS-CoV2 are less severe, the detection of virus in patient’s stool indicates GI tropism, replication, and shedding from the GI tract. COVID-19-induced liver injury, acute hepatic decompensation, and incidences of acute-on-chronic liver failure may change the disease outcomes. Conclusions The changes in the spike protein of emerging variants, immunomodulation by viral proteins, and altered expression of host viral entry receptor in pre-existing diseases are the key determinants of host response to SARS-CoV2 and its disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baibaswata Nayak
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Geetanjali Lal
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonu Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandan J Das
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Anoop Saraya
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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