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Musat O, Sorop VB, Sorop MI, Lazar V, Marti DT, Susan M, Avram CR, Oprisoni A, Vulcanescu DD, Horhat FG, Bagiu IC, Horhat DI, Diaconu MM. COVID-19 and Laboratory Markers from Romanian Patients-A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1837. [PMID: 37763241 PMCID: PMC10532991 DOI: 10.3390/life13091837] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has significantly impacted the whole world, and Romania was no exception. Biomarkers play a crucial role in understanding and managing the disease. However, research regarding laboratory analyses for patients with COVID-19 is fairly limited. For detection, PCR testing is still considered the golden standard, while antibodies are still useful for monitoring both patients and their vaccination status. In our country, biomarkers such as CRP, LDH, transaminases, cardiac, and iron markers have been used to assess the status of patients and even predict illness outcome. CRP, IL-6, LDH, FER, fibrinogen, creatinine, and vitamin D levels have been associated with increased severity, risk of ICU admission, and death. Cardiac markers and D-dimers are also good predictors, but their role seems more important in patients with complications. HDL cholesterol and BUN levels were also suggested as potential biomarkers. Hematological issues in SARS-CoV-2 infections include neutrophilia, lymphopenia and their ratio, while PCT, which is a marker of bacterial infections, is better to be used in patients with co- or supra-infections. The current research is a narrative review that focuses on the laboratory results of Romanian COVID-19 patients. The goal of this article is to provide an update on the research on biomarkers and other laboratory tests conducted inside the borders of Romania and identify gaps in this regard. Secondly, options for further research are discussed and encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Musat
- Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Sector 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Ophthalmology, “Dr Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Mircea Vulcanescu Street, No. 88, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Virgiliu Bogdan Sorop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.S.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Madalina Ioana Sorop
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.I.S.); (D.D.V.)
| | - Viorica Lazar
- Department of General Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” University of Medicine, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania;
- Pediatric Clinic II, Clinical Hospital Emergency of Arad County, Andrényi Károly Street, No. 2-4, 310037 Arad, Romania
| | - Daniela Teodora Marti
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” University of Medicine, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania;
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory Clinical Hospital Emergency of Arad County, Andrényi Károly Street, No. 2-4, 310037 Arad, Romania
| | - Monica Susan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre for Preventive Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Cecilia Roberta Avram
- Department of Residential Training and Post-University Courses, “Vasile Goldis” Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street 86, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Andrada Oprisoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Discipline of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Dan Dumitru Vulcanescu
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.I.S.); (D.D.V.)
- Department of Microbiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “Louis Turcanu” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florin George Horhat
- Department of Microbiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “Louis Turcanu” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Cristina Bagiu
- Department of Microbiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “Louis Turcanu” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Delia Ioana Horhat
- Department of ENT, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Mircea Mihai Diaconu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.S.); (M.M.D.)
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Pescaru CC, Crisan AF, Marc M, Trusculescu AA, Maritescu A, Pescaru A, Sumenkova A, Bratosin F, Oancea C, Vastag E. A Systematic Review of Telemedicine-Driven Pulmonary Rehabilitation after the Acute Phase of COVID-19. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4854. [PMID: 37510969 PMCID: PMC10381369 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144854] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The acute phase of COVID-19 often leaves patients with persistent pulmonary deficits. Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) has been recommended as an essential part of post-acute COVID-19 management. In light of the global pandemic, telerehabilitation has been increasingly employed to deliver PR. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine-driven PR in patients recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19, assessing variations in telerehabilitation practices and identifying the degree of change in mental health, physical health, quality of life, and lung function. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus up until April 2023. Studies focusing on telerehabilitation in PR for post-acute COVID-19 patients with outcomes including pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life were included after careful assessment of this study's protocol. The selection process involved careful scrutiny of abstracts and full texts, and the quality assessment was performed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) tool. Seven studies, published between 2021 and 2022, involving a total of 412 patients, were included. The evaluated telerehabilitation programs stretched between 4 and 10 weeks, involving a mobile app or video connection with the patient, integrating a mix of aerobic and resistance training, breathing exercises, functional activities, and muscle strengthening. Findings revealed that telemedicine-driven PR significantly improved physical health, measured by the step test score (73 vs. 71), 6MWD (30.2 vs. 17.1) and BPAQ, mental health evaluated by SF-12 (6.15 vs. 4.17) and PHQ-4, quality of life measured by the SF-12 (7.81 vs. 3.84), SGRQ (31.5 vs. 16.9), and CAT scores, and some parameters of pulmonary function in post-acute COVID-19 patients (mMRC, STST, and MVV). This review substantiates the potential of telemedicine-driven PR to improve various health outcomes in post-acute COVID-19 patients. The findings underscore the importance of integrating telerehabilitation into the management of post-acute COVID-19 and call for further exploration of its long-term effects, cost-effectiveness, and best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Corina Pescaru
- Center for Research and Innovation in Personalized Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Pulmonology Clinic, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology, "Victor Babes", Gheorghe Adam Street 13, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandru Florian Crisan
- Center for Research and Innovation in Personalized Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Pulmonology Clinic, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology, "Victor Babes", Gheorghe Adam Street 13, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for the Assessment of Human Motion, Functionality and Disability (CEMFD), "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Monica Marc
- Center for Research and Innovation in Personalized Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Pulmonology Clinic, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology, "Victor Babes", Gheorghe Adam Street 13, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Adriana Trusculescu
- Center for Research and Innovation in Personalized Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Pulmonology Clinic, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology, "Victor Babes", Gheorghe Adam Street 13, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adelina Maritescu
- Pulmonology Clinic, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology, "Victor Babes", Gheorghe Adam Street 13, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Pescaru
- Faculty of General Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anastasiia Sumenkova
- Penza State University, Faculty of Medicine, Ulitsa Krasnaya 40, 440026 Penza, Russia
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes" Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Center for Research and Innovation in Personalized Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Pulmonology Clinic, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology, "Victor Babes", Gheorghe Adam Street 13, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emanuela Vastag
- Center for Research and Innovation in Personalized Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Pulmonology Clinic, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology, "Victor Babes", Gheorghe Adam Street 13, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
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Bogdan I, Reddyreddy AR, Nelluri A, Maganti RK, Bratosin F, Fericean RM, Dumitru C, Barata PI, Tapalaga G, Marincu I. Fungal Infections Identified with Multiplex PCR in Severe COVID-19 Patients during Six Pandemic Waves. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1253. [PMID: 37512065 PMCID: PMC10385930 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: With an increasing number of severe COVID-19 cases presenting with secondary fungal infections, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal co-infections in severe COVID-19 patients across the six waves, identify the most common fungal pathogens associated with severe COVID-19, and explore any potential links between patient characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and the prevalence and type of fungal infection. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology Hospital, "Victor Babes", Romania, between March 2020 and August 2022. Samples were collected from respiratory specimens, blood, and urine, after which a standard nucleic acid extraction protocol was employed. Patients were divided into groups with and without fungal infections, identified using multiplex PCR. The groups were compared based on demographic data, comorbidities, pandemic wave number, and clinical outcomes. Results: Out of 288 patients, 96 (33.3%) had fungal infections, with Candida spp. being the most common. Patients with fungal infections had higher rates of obesity (35.4% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.010) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI > 2) (37.5% vs 25.0%, p = 0.027). Ventilator use was significantly higher in the fungal infection group (45.8% vs. 18.8%; p < 0.001), as was ICU admission (39.6% vs. 26.6%; p = 0.024) and mortality (32.3% vs 12.0%; p < 0.001). The distribution of different fungal species varied across the pandemic waves, with no statistical significance (p = 0.209). The mortality risk notably increased with the degree of drug resistance (OR for three or more drug resistances = 6.71, p < 0.001). The second, fourth, and fifth pandemic waves were significantly associated with higher mortality risk (OR = 3.72, 3.61, and 4.08, respectively, all p < 0.001). Aspergillus spp. and Mucor spp. infections were significantly associated with increased mortality risk (OR = 4.61 and 6.08, respectively, both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study indicates a significant presence of fungal co-infections among severe COVID-19 patients that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with drug-resistant infections. These findings underline the necessity for comprehensive diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment strategies in managing COVID-19 patients, especially during specific pandemic waves and in patients with particular fungal infections. Further research is required to understand the implications of these co-infections and their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Bogdan
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Aditya Nelluri
- School of General Medicine, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru 572107, India
| | - Ram Kiran Maganti
- School of General Medicine, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar 563101, India
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Manuela Fericean
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paula Irina Barata
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gianina Tapalaga
- Department of Odontotherapy and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iosif Marincu
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Dumitrescu A, Doros G, Lazureanu VE, Septimiu-Radu S, Bratosin F, Rosca O, Patel H, Porosnicu TM, Vitcu GM, Mirea A, Oancea C, Mihaicuta S, Stoicescu ER, Barata PI. Post-Severe-COVID-19 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Study on Patient Features and Recovery Dynamics in Correlation with Workout Intensity. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4390. [PMID: 37445425 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134390] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aftermath of severe COVID-19 frequently involves considerable cardiopulmonary damage, necessitating rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on cardiopulmonary health and assess the effectiveness of various rehabilitative interventions. Conducted between September 2021 and September 2022, this prospective study included patients who had been diagnosed with severe COVID-19 and admitted at the "Victor Babes" Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology Hospital, Timisoara, Romania. The patients were stratified into low- and high-intensity rehabilitation groups. The rehabilitation protocols were individually tailored, and the patient recovery was closely monitored over a 3-month period. Our cohort comprised 84 patients, with a mean age of 56.3 years for the low-intensity group (n = 42) and 53.1 years for the high-intensity group (n = 42). Both groups showed significant improvements in the lung injury area, need for oxygen supplementation, ejection fraction, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and forced vital capacity. Additionally, considerable enhancements were observed in maximal voluntary ventilation, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow at 25-75%. The work intensity also demonstrated substantial improvements from the initial testing to the 3-month mark in both groups. This study provides evidence that personalized, targeted rehabilitation strategies can improve long-term cardiopulmonary health in patients recovering from severe COVID-19, proving both low-intensity and high-intensity training as sufficient to improve heart and lung function if performed correctly and over a relatively short duration of 3 months. The study findings underscore the importance of implementing comprehensive cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocols in the care of post-COVID-19 patients and highlight the value of stratified rehabilitation intensity based on individual patient dynamics and recovery features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Dumitrescu
- Cardioprevent Foundation, Calea Dorobantilor 3, 300134 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriela Doros
- Third Discipline of Pediatrics, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Voichita Elena Lazureanu
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Susa Septimiu-Radu
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Harshkumar Patel
- Department of General Medicine, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot 360001, Gujarat, India
| | - Tamara Mirela Porosnicu
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Intensive Care Unit, "Victor Babes" Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pneumology, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriela Mut Vitcu
- Cardioprevent Foundation, Calea Dorobantilor 3, 300134 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Mirea
- Cardioprevent Foundation, Calea Dorobantilor 3, 300134 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Stefan Mihaicuta
- Cardioprevent Foundation, Calea Dorobantilor 3, 300134 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emil Robert Stoicescu
- Discipline of Physiology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paula Irina Barata
- Discipline of Physiology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Revolutiei Square 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
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Porosnicu TM, Sirbu IO, Oancea C, Sandesc D, Bratosin F, Rosca O, Jipa D, Boeriu E, Bandi SSS, Pricop M. The Impact of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Inflammatory Markers and Acute Phase Reactants in Patients with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050867. [PMID: 37241099 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Due to the poor prognosis and the very high mortality rate associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, various regimens have been tried to stop the evolution of the inflammatory cascade, such as immunomodulatory therapy and plasma clearance of the acute phase reactants involved. Therefore, the objective of this review was to analyze the effects of using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), also known as plasmapheresis, on the inflammatory markers of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: A thorough scientific database search was performed, and it included a review of articles published on PubMed, Cochrane Database, Scopus, and Web of Science from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 until September 2022 that focused on the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections using plasma exchange for patients admitted to the ICU. The current study included original articles, reviews, editorials, and short or special communications regarding the topic of interest. Results: A total of 13 articles were selected after satisfying the inclusion criterion of three or more patients enrolled with clinically severe COVID-19 that were eligible for TPE. From the included articles, it was observed that TPE was used as a last-resort salvage therapy that can be regarded as an alternative treatment method when the standard management for these patients fails. TPE significantly decreased the inflammatory status as measured by Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocyte count, and D-dimers, as well as improving the clinical status measured with PaO2/FiO2 and duration of hospitalization. The pooled mortality risk reduction after TPE was 20%. Conclusions: There are sufficient studies and evidence to show that TPE reduces inflammatory mediators and improves coagulation function and the clinical/paraclinical status. Nevertheless, although it was shown that TPE decreases the severe inflammatory status without significant complications, the improvement of survival rate remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Mirela Porosnicu
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Intensive Care Unit, "Pius Brinzeu" Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Ovidiu Sirbu
- Center for Complex Network Sciences, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Disease, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dorel Sandesc
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Jipa
- Intensive Care Unit, "Pius Brinzeu" Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Estera Boeriu
- Department of Pediatrics, Discipline of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Satya Sai Sri Bandi
- Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Suraram Main Road 138, Hyderabad 500055, India
| | - Marius Pricop
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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A Retrospective Analysis of the Challenges of Urothelial Cancer Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Single Academic Center in Romania. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060812. [PMID: 36981469 PMCID: PMC10048588 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in the healthcare sector due to adaptations required to hospitalize and treat an impressive number of patients. This retrospective study intended to collect reliable information on urothelial cancer patients in Romania. The primary objective was to compare the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods to observe the differences that occurred in the management of patients with urothelial carcinoma. The secondary objective was to determine the risk factors for urothelial cancer progression in the study cohort correlated with the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients that were diagnosed and treated at our clinic with a diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma) during 2019–2021 were included in the current study. A total of 1122 eligible unique cases were identified during the study period. The number of patients who underwent intervention in the pre-pandemic year was 421, followed by a 22.6% decrease in 2020 to 326 cases and a 13.1% increase in 2021 to 375 cases. The proportion of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) cases was significantly higher during the pandemic years, from 30.5% MIBC cases in 2019 to 37.4% in 2020 and 39.4% in 2021, suggesting a delay in presentations during the pandemic. Stage III and IV (TNM) cases were significantly more frequent, even though approximately 40% of all patients were operated on in stage I. The number of cystectomies increased significantly, from 5.2% in 2019 and 4.3% in 2020 to 10.1% in 2021, while the number of elective surgeries decreased, although no significant difference was observed regarding the in-hospital mortality and disease progression at six months. Patients with stage III and IV at presentation had the highest likelihood of disease progression at six months (HR = 5.61). Distant invasion was the second highest risk factor (HR = 5.13), followed by MIBC type (HR = 2.49). Nevertheless, the duration of hospitalization and year of diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic were not significant risk factors for cancer progression at six months. It can be concluded that there was a significant delay in patient presentations in 2020, and we advocate for increased public health awareness for urothelial cancer and increased attention toward the screening and management of these patients in the following years.
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Bogdan I, Gadela T, Bratosin F, Dumitru C, Popescu A, Horhat FG, Negrean RA, Horhat RM, Mot IC, Bota AV, Stoica CN, Feciche B, Csep AN, Fericean RM, Chicin GN, Marincu I. The Assessment of Multiplex PCR in Identifying Bacterial Infections in Patients Hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030465. [PMID: 36978332 PMCID: PMC10044563 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infection can occur in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 in various conditions, resulting in poorer outcomes, such as a higher death rate. This current systematic review was conducted in order to assess the efficiency of multiplex PCR in detecting bacterial infections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as well as to analyze the most common bacterial pathogens and other factors that interfere with this diagnosis. The research was conducted using four electronic databases (PubMed, Taylor&Francis, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library). Out of 290 studies, nine were included in the systematic review. The results supported the use of multiplex PCR in detecting bacteria, considering its high sensitivity and specificity rates. The most common bacterial pathogens found were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. The median age at admission was 61.5 years, and the majority of patients were men (70.3%), out of a total of 1553 patients. The proportion of ICU admission was very high, with a pooled proportion of 52.6% over the analyzed studies, and an average duration of hospitalization of 13 days. The mortality rate was proportionally high, as was the rate of ICU admission, with a pooled mortality of 24.9%. It was discovered that 65.2% of all patients used antibiotics before admission, with or without medical prescription. Antibiotic treatment should be considered consciously, considering the high risks of developing antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Bogdan
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tejaswi Gadela
- School of General Medicine, Bhaskar Medical College, Amdapur Road 156-162, Hyderabad 500075, India
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.D.); (B.F.); (G.N.C.)
| | - Alin Popescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florin George Horhat
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Razvan Mihai Horhat
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ion Cristian Mot
- ENT Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Vasile Bota
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Carmen Nicoleta Stoica
- Oradea Emergency Clinical Hospital, Infectious Diseases Department, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Bogdan Feciche
- Department of Urology, Satu-Mare County Emergency Hospital, Strada Ravensburg 2, 440192 Satu-Mare, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.D.); (B.F.); (G.N.C.)
| | - Andrei Nicolae Csep
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Roxana Manuela Fericean
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gratiana Nicoleta Chicin
- Faculty of General Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Bulevardul Revolutiei 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
- National Institute of Public Health, Strada Doctor Leonte Anastasievici 1-3, 050463 Bucuresti, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.D.); (B.F.); (G.N.C.)
| | - Iosif Marincu
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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8
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Ali FEM, Abd El-Aziz MK, Ali MM, Ghogar OM, Bakr AG. COVID-19 and hepatic injury: cellular and molecular mechanisms in diverse liver cells. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:425-449. [PMID: 36688024 PMCID: PMC9850933 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i3.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global health and economic challenge. Hepatic injuries have been approved to be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The viral tropism pattern of SARS-CoV-2 can induce hepatic injuries either by itself or by worsening the conditions of patients with hepatic diseases. Besides, other factors have been reported to play a crucial role in the pathological forms of hepatic injuries induced by SARS-CoV-2, including cytokine storm, hypoxia, endothelial cells, and even some treatments for COVID-19. On the other hand, several groups of people could be at risk of hepatic COVID-19 complications, such as pregnant women and neonates. The present review outlines and discusses the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hepatic injury, hepatic illness comorbidity, and risk factors. Besides, it is focused on the vaccination process and the role of developed vaccines in preventing hepatic injuries due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Osama M Ghogar
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Assiut, Egypt
| | - Adel G Bakr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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9
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Kanda T, Matsumoto N, Ishii T, Arima S, Shibuya S, Honda M, Sasaki-Tanaka R, Masuzaki R, Kanezawa S, Nishizawa T, Gon Y, Ogawa M, Kogure H. Chronic Hepatitis C: Acute Exacerbation and Alanine Aminotransferase Flare. Viruses 2023; 15:183. [PMID: 36680223 PMCID: PMC9861769 DOI: 10.3390/v15010183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as extrahepatic manifestations such as malignant lymphoma. Currently, direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) against HCV infection can lead to a sustained virological response (SVR) in almost all HCV-infected patients. In this review article, we discuss acute exacerbation and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare in patients with chronic HCV infection. Although acute liver failure caused by HCV infection is rare, careful attention should be paid to the cases with ALT elevation during the natural course of chronic HCV infection. HCV genotype 2 infection, the use of rituximab, and a higher dose of corticosteroid are factors associated with HCV acute exacerbation and ALT flare. Treatment regimens for cancer have been interrupted or changed due to ALT flare due to HCV infection in some patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. The pathogenesis of HCV acute exacerbation and ALT flare could involve cellular as well as humoral immune responses. In the DAA era, the earlier introduction of DAAs may prevent chronic HCV-infected patients with acute exacerbation and ALT flare from developing into a more severe form, although DAAs may not be effective for all of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Kanda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Naoki Matsumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Ishii
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shuhei Arima
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shinji Shibuya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Masayuki Honda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Reina Sasaki-Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Ryota Masuzaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shini Kanezawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Nishizawa
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Gon
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kogure
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
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10
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Evaluation of FIB-4, NFS, APRI and Liver Function Tests as Predictors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Elderly Population: A Matched Case-Control Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175149. [PMID: 36079087 PMCID: PMC9457203 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several investigations have revealed that COVID-19 causes a significant death rate due to acute respiratory distress syndrome, alterations in the quantity of ACE2 receptor expression, or the intensity of cytokine storm. Similarly, patients with hepatic impairment that are co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 are more likely to display upregulations of ACE2 receptors and cytokine storm overload, which exacerbates hepatic impairment, potentially increasing the death rate. Moreover, it is expected that the aging population develops a higher degree of hepatic fibrosis in association with other comorbid conditions that are likely to influence the course of COVID-19. Therefore, this research was developed to describe the differences in liver test parameters in elderly individuals with COVID-19 in relation to other inflammatory markers and outcomes. This current observational single-center research followed a case-control design of elderly patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The research was conducted at a tertiary emergency hospital in western Romania during a two-year period. There were 632 patients included in the analysis that were split into two equal groups matched 1:1 based on gender and body mass index. Three hundred sixteen patients made the group of cases with COVID-19 patients older than 65 years, while the other half were the 316 patient controls with COVID-19 that were younger than 65 years old. Disease outcomes showed a higher prevalence of ICU admissions (22.8% vs. 12.7%, p-value < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (17.1% vs. 8.9%, p-value = 0.002) in the group of cases. Specific and non-specific liver biomarkers were identified as risk factors for mortality in the elderly, such as ALP (OR = 1.26), LDH (OR = 1.68), AST (OR = 1.98), and ALT (OR = 2.34). Similarly, patients with APRI and NFS scores higher than 1.5 were, respectively, 2.69 times and, 3.05 times more likely to die from COVID-19, and patients with FIB-4 scores higher than 3.25 were 3.13 times more likely to die during hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our research indicates that abnormally increased liver biomarkers and high liver fibrosis scores are related to a worse prognosis in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.
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11
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Acute Liver Failure and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in COVID-19 Era. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144249. [PMID: 35888013 PMCID: PMC9316387 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), respectively, occur in patients with normal liver and patients with chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis [...]
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12
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Popescu A, Pantea S, Radu D, Gluhovschi A, Dumitru C, Dahma G, Mocanu AG, Neamtu R, Dema S, Tigmeanu CV, Grigoras ML, Pescariu SA, Aabed H, Craina M. The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Advanced Cervical Cancer at a Romanian Academic Center: A Four-Year Retrospective Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061488. [PMID: 35741299 PMCID: PMC9222190 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems worldwide adapted to support COVID-19 patients while continuing to provide assistance to patients with other potentially fatal illnesses. While patients with cancer may be at an elevated risk of severe COVID-19-related complications, their oncologic therapies generally cannot be postponed indefinitely without a negative effect on outcomes. Taking this into account, a thorough examination of the therapy management of various cancers is necessary, such as cervical cancer. Therefore, we aimed to develop a retrospective cohort study to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of cancer care services for women diagnosed with cervical cancer staged IB2-IVA, necessitating chemo- and radiotherapy in Romania, as well as determine the difference in cervical cancer staging between the pandemic and pre-pandemic period. Materials and Methods: Using a multicentric hospital database, we designed a retrospective study to compare the last 24 months of the pre-pandemic period to the first 24 months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to evaluate the variation in the proportion of women diagnosed with cervical cancer and the percentage of inoperable cases requiring chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as to detail their clinical presentation and other findings. Results: We observed that the likelihood of cervical cancer patients requiring radiation therapy at a later stage than before the pandemic increased by about 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients at an advanced FIGO stage of cervical cancer had a 3.39 higher likelihood of disease progression after radiotherapy (CI [2.06−4.21], p-value < 0.001), followed by tumor size at diagnosis with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.12 (CI [2.24−4.00], p-value < 0.001). The factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, postponed treatment and missed appointments, were also identified as significant risk factors for cervical cancer progression (HR = 2.51 and HR = 2.24, respectively). Conclusions We predict that there will be a considerable rise in cervical cancer cases over the next several years based on existing data and that expanding screening and treatment capacity will attenuate this with a minimal increase in morbidity and fatality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alin Popescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.G.); (C.D.); (G.D.); (A.G.M.); (R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Stelian Pantea
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.P.); (D.R.)
| | - Daniela Radu
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.P.); (D.R.)
| | - Adrian Gluhovschi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.G.); (C.D.); (G.D.); (A.G.M.); (R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.G.); (C.D.); (G.D.); (A.G.M.); (R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - George Dahma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.G.); (C.D.); (G.D.); (A.G.M.); (R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Adelina Geanina Mocanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.G.); (C.D.); (G.D.); (A.G.M.); (R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Radu Neamtu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.G.); (C.D.); (G.D.); (A.G.M.); (R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Sorin Dema
- Discipline of Radiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Codruta Victoria Tigmeanu
- Department of Technology of Materials and Devices in Dental Medicine, Multidisciplinary Center for Research, Evaluation, Diagnosis and Therapies in Oral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Mirela Loredana Grigoras
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Silvius Alexandru Pescariu
- Department VI, Cardiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Hazzaa Aabed
- Department of Plastic Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Marius Craina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.G.); (C.D.); (G.D.); (A.G.M.); (R.N.); (M.C.)
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13
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Papava I, Dehelean L, Romosan RS, Bondrescu M, Dimeny CZ, Domuta EM, Bratosin F, Bogdan I, Grigoras ML, Tigmeanu CV, Gherman A, Marincu I. The Impact of Hyper-Acute Inflammatory Response on Stress Adaptation and Psychological Symptoms of COVID-19 Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116501. [PMID: 35682084 PMCID: PMC9180708 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection induces a significant inflammatory response that are amplified by persistent stress. The pathophysiology of mental illnesses is explored in terms of inflammatory processes. Thus, anxious, depressed, or psychotic episodes may occur as a result of metabolic and immunological imbalances, as a direct result of their effect on the central nervous system, or as a side effect of the COVID-19 medication protocols. As such, the primary objective of this research is to establish if the psychological profiles of COVID-19 patients change substantially according to illness severity. The secondary objective is to determine if particular biological inflammatory indicators are associated with anxiety, sadness, psychoticism, and paranoid ideation. A cross-sectional study was performed on 90 hospitalized patients admitted during a 3-month period in the COVID-19 unit. All patients received the COPE-60 and SCL-90R questionnaires. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected and the information was classified according to the severity of COVID-19.The hyper-acute inflammation encountered in patients with severe COVID-19 infection characterized 80.0% of patients using disengagement coping methods, significantly more than patients with mild or moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection severity (p-value = 0.012), respectively, 73.3% severe COVID-19 patients engaging in emotion-focused coping strategies based on the COPE-60 scale (p-value = 0.037). Additionally, it was determined that negative coping mechanisms (disengagement) and emotion-focused methods are independent risk factors for developing psychoticism symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on the SCL-90 questionnaire (OR = 2.07; CI = 1.44–3.01), respectively (OR = 2.92; CI = 1.44–3.01). Elevated white blood cells and monocytes and inflammatory markers, such as fibrinogen, procalcitonin, IL-6, and D-dimers, were also identified as risk factors for psychoticism symptoms in multivariate analysis. It is particularly important to consider the constant mental-state evaluation in patients with severe COVID-19 that might benefit from early intervention before psychotic symptoms onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Papava
- Department of Neurosciences-Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.P.); (L.D.); (R.S.R.); (M.B.)
- Center for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Psychiatry, Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Liana Dehelean
- Department of Neurosciences-Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.P.); (L.D.); (R.S.R.); (M.B.)
- Center for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Psychiatry, Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Radu Stefan Romosan
- Department of Neurosciences-Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.P.); (L.D.); (R.S.R.); (M.B.)
- Center for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Psychiatry, Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Mariana Bondrescu
- Department of Neurosciences-Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.P.); (L.D.); (R.S.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania;
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Zoltan Dimeny
- Department of Psychiatry, Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Eugenia Maria Domuta
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Piata 1 Decembrie 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (E.M.D.); (I.M.)
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.B.); (I.B.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Iulia Bogdan
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.B.); (I.B.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Mirela Loredana Grigoras
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.B.); (I.B.); (M.L.G.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruta Victoria Tigmeanu
- Department of Technology of Materials and Devices in Dental Medicine, Multidisciplinary Center for Research, Evaluation, Diagnosis and Therapies in Oral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Angelica Gherman
- Research Center for Medical Communication, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Iosif Marincu
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Piata 1 Decembrie 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (E.M.D.); (I.M.)
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14
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Pilut CN, Citu C, Gorun F, Bratosin F, Gorun OM, Burlea B, Citu IM, Grigoras ML, Manolescu D, Gluhovschi A. The Utility of Laboratory Parameters for Cardiac Inflammation in Heart Failure Patients Hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040824. [PMID: 35453871 PMCID: PMC9026832 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has been associated with cardiovascular consequences, including myocardial infarction, thromboembolic events, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Numerous overlapping mechanisms, such as the IL-6 dependent cytokine storm and unopposed angiotensin II stimulation, could be responsible for these consequences. Cardiac damage is hypothesized to be a consequence of the direct viral infection of cardiomyocytes, resulting in increased metabolic demand, immunological activation, and microvascular dysfunction. Patients with pre-existing chronic heart failure are therefore at increased risk of decompensation, further heart damage, and significant health deterioration. Based on the aforementioned assumptions, we developed a study aiming to provide a detailed description of changes in biological parameters and cardiac injury markers of patients with heart failure and SARS-CoV-2 infection by correlating them with the clinical presentation and COVID-19 vaccination status, to predict the probability of ICU admission based on their initial hospital presentation. A two-year retrospective study was performed on heart failure patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and detailed records of biological biomarkers; a total of 124 eligible patients with COVID-19 and 236 without COVID-19 were recruited. Patients with heart failure and SARS-CoV-2 infection had significantly elevated baseline biological parameters and cardiac markers compared to those without COVID-19. Several cardiac injury markers were identified as significant independent risk factors for ICU admission: CK-MB (HR = 4.1, CI[2.2–6.9]), myoglobin (HR = 5.0, CI[2.3–7.8]), troponin-I (HR = 7.1[4.4–9.6]) troponin-T (HR = 4.9, CI[1.7–7.4]). The elevation of a basic panel of acute inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6, fibrinogen), D-dimers, and BNP was also a significant risk factor. The follow-up of survivors at four weeks after viral clearance determined a worsened clinical picture by NYHA classification, worsened cardiac ultrasound findings, and a mild improvement in cardiac and inflammatory markers. Increased levels of myocardial damage parameters in association with cardiac ultrasound findings and basic inflammatory markers may enable early risk assessment and triage in hospitalized heart failure patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Nicolae Pilut
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Cosmin Citu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.G.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-722-322-877
| | - Florin Gorun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Oana Maria Gorun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Municipal Emergency Clinical Hospital Timisoara, 1-3 Alexandru Odobescu Street, 300202 Timisoara, Romania; (O.M.G.); (B.B.)
| | - Bogdan Burlea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Municipal Emergency Clinical Hospital Timisoara, 1-3 Alexandru Odobescu Street, 300202 Timisoara, Romania; (O.M.G.); (B.B.)
| | - Ioana Mihaela Citu
- Department of Internal Medicine I, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Mirela Loredana Grigoras
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Diana Manolescu
- Department of Radiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Adrian Gluhovschi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.G.); (A.G.)
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