1
|
Dell'Aquila M, Cafiero C, Micera A, Stigliano E, Ottaiano MP, Benincasa G, Schiavone B, Guidobaldi L, Santacroce L, Pisconti S, Arena V, Palmirotta R. SARS-CoV-2-Related Olfactory Dysfunction: Autopsy Findings, Histopathology, and Evaluation of Viral RNA and ACE2 Expression in Olfactory Bulbs. Biomedicines 2024; 12:830. [PMID: 38672185 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been a health emergency with a significant impact on the world due to its high infectiousness. The disease, primarily identified in the lower respiratory tract, develops with numerous clinical symptoms affecting multiple organs and displays a clinical finding of anosmia. Several authors have investigated the pathogenetic mechanisms of the olfactory disturbances caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, proposing different hypotheses and showing contradictory results. Since uncertainties remain about possible virus neurotropism and direct damage to the olfactory bulb, we investigated the expression of SARS-CoV-2 as well as ACE2 receptor transcripts in autoptic lung and olfactory bulb tissues, with respect to the histopathological features. METHODS Twenty-five COVID-19 olfactory bulbs and lung tissues were randomly collected from 200 initial autopsies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Routine diagnosis was based on clinical and radiological findings and were confirmed with post-mortem swabs. Real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor RNA was carried out on autoptic FFPE lung and olfactory bulb tissues. Histological staining was performed on tissue specimens and compared with the molecular data. RESULTS While real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 23 out of 25 lung samples, the viral RNA expression was absent in olfactory bulbs. ACE2-receptor RNA was present in all tissues examined, being highly expressed in lung samples than olfactory bulbs. CONCLUSIONS Our finding suggests that COVID-19 anosmia is not only due to neurotropism and the direct action of SARS-CoV-2 entering the olfactory bulb. The mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 neuropathogenesis in the olfactory bulb requires a better elucidation and further research studies to mitigate the olfactory bulb damage associated with virus action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dell'Aquila
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Belcolle Hospital, ASL Viterbo, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Concetta Cafiero
- Medical Oncology, SG Moscati Hospital, 74010 Statte, Italy
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fabrizio Spaziani Hospital, 03100 Frosinone, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Stigliano
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Ottaiano
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Molecular Biology, Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - Giulio Benincasa
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Molecular Biology, Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - Beniamino Schiavone
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Molecular Biology, Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - Leo Guidobaldi
- Cytodiagnostic Unit, Section of Pathology Sandro Pertini Hospital, ASL Rm2, 00157 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Arena
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmirotta
- Section of Sciences and Technologies of Laboratory Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ponticelli D, Losa L, Campagna D, Magliuolo R, Vitale A, Cacciapuoti D, Zampella A, Alleanza L, Schiavone B, Spicuzza L, Ferrara P. Smoking habits predict adverse effects following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: Empirical evidence from a pilot study. Public Health 2023; 219:18-21. [PMID: 37086592 PMCID: PMC10028337 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this research was to investigate the possible association between smoking habits and the incidence of adverse effects (AE) following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Study design A longitudinal observational study was conducted in a sample of Italian healthcare workers (HCW). Methods HCWs who were administered mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (either BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) were evaluated for the occurrence of AEs after three vaccine doses. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses were fitted to predict AE risk according to smoking characteristics – such as number of tobacco cigarettes smoked per day, smoking time and use of electronic cigarette (e-cig). Results Out of 320 total participants, 72 (22.5%) smoked cigarettes and 50 (15.6%) used e-cig, 49 of which being dual users. Tobacco smoking significantly increased the risks of muscle and joint pain during the primary COVID-19 vaccination cycle, and of chills during the whole vaccination series. The number of cigarettes smoked per day and vaping variously predicted AE onset during the whole cycle, with a tendency to respectively reduce and increase their risks. Duration of smoking did not affect any AE, except for headache after booster dose. Most results remained significant after Bonferroni adjustment of significance level. Conclusion Our pilot study indicated a possible effect of smoking habits on AE onset. Our research offers evidence that helps understanding possible predictors of the interindividual variability in COVID-19 vaccine response, serving as a reference for further studies on the effect smoking on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - L Losa
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - D Campagna
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; UOC MCAU, University Teaching Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Magliuolo
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - A Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | | | - A Zampella
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - L Alleanza
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - B Schiavone
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - L Spicuzza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Respiratory Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Istituto Auxologico Italiano-IRCCS, 20165 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ferrara P, Ponticelli D, Losa L, Romeo C, Magliuolo R, Vitale A, Zampella A, Alleanza L, Borrelli M, Schiavone B, Mantovani LG. Risk of Repeated Adverse Effects following Booster Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine: Results from the MOSAICO Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020247. [PMID: 36851125 PMCID: PMC9959434 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful deployment of safe and effective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been crucial in reducing the global disease burden. Owing to the need for vaccination series over time, continuous observational studies are needed to estimate the COVID-19 vaccine response in real-world conditions. In particular, the detection, assessment, and understanding of adverse effects following immunization (AEFI) with a COVID-19 vaccine are crucial to better address vaccination strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the risk of repeated AEFI post-administration of a booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a sample of healthcare workers (HCWs) in an Italian teaching hospital. The data on any local and systemic AEFI were studied in multivariate Poisson regression analyses to model the association between the incidence of each postvaccination symptom and its prior reporting after the administration of the previous doses. Overall, compared with the primary vaccination series, the majority of post-third dose AEFI were less reported. The results from multivariable models showed that the likelihood of reporting an AEFI after the third dose was higher in those who experienced the same postvaccination symptom after the second dose (all AEFI except for itch at injection site) and, although not significant for all AEFI, after the first dose. Any associations with age, gender, smoking habits, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and other characteristics, as well as the health impact of AEFI were also assessed. Taken together, the results from this research support reframe AEFI symptoms as signals of a robust postvaccination reaction as well as of common vaccine response, and they add important data to inform booster vaccination strategies in HCWs and, extensively, in the adult population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan–Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano—IRCCS, 20165 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Lorenzo Losa
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan–Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Claudia Romeo
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan–Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - Anna Zampella
- Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lorenzo Giovanni Mantovani
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan–Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano—IRCCS, 20165 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cafiero C, Palmirotta R, Micera A, Ottaiano MP, Re A, Pedata F, Costagliola D, Ponticelli D, Pisconti S, Schiavone B, Benincasa G. SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination in Italian health care workers: a case report. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2022; 45:249-254. [PMID: 35283546 PMCID: PMC8898326 DOI: 10.1007/s40009-022-01106-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Following the approval of COVID-19 vaccination program by EMA and national authorities, an immunization campaign started in Italy with BNT162b2mRNA vaccine, initially focused on healthcare workers. The active immunization was monitored by systemic antibody titration and continuous surveillance was guaranteed by antigenic/molecular tests on swabs. Cases of infection have been recently observed in vaccinated healthcare workers. Herein we describe an outbreak of infection occurring in five physicians out of 656 healthcare workers belonging to a private hospital, referring mild symptoms of COVID-19. Healthcare workers underwent complete vaccination and screening for antibody titration. Five out of 656 healthcare workers were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs and referred mild COVID-19 symptoms. Molecular analyses were carried out to identify possible variants of Spike protein. Their genotyping performed on RNA extracts highlighted the presence of del69/70, N501Y, A570D, and 1841A > G (D614G) sequence variants, all indicative of VOC 202012/01-lineage B.1.1.7, suggesting a common source of infection. These cases might represent a serious emergency because outbreaks can compromise frail patients with important concomitant diseases.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ponticelli D, Madotto F, Conti S, Antonazzo IC, Vitale A, Della Ragione G, Romano ML, Borrelli M, Schiavone B, Polosa R, Ferrara P, Mantovani LG. Response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Italy: a 3-month follow-up. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:481-486. [PMID: 34637084 PMCID: PMC8505466 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-021-02857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs) in an Italian teaching hospital. 444 participants were surveyed with either multiple RT-PCR assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal swabs or serology testing for the research of virus-specific immunoglobulins. Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were reported. Two weeks after the first dose anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies exceeded reactivity cut-off in 82.5% the participants. Four HCWs tested positive at nasopharyngeal swab after 3 months. More than three-quarters reported AEFIs. Our findings offer an insight regarding the vaccine response after 3 months from its administration, with a special focus on effectiveness data, as well as the type and number of AEFIs complained by HCW recipients. The presented study may serve as reference for future research which will be necessary to explore the long-term safety of this vaccine, especially in population at high risk for infection, such as HCWs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiana Madotto
- Value-Based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Conti
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Ippazio C Antonazzo
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Riccardo Polosa
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy.
- Value-Based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy.
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy.
- Health Direction, MultiMedica Group, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo G Mantovani
- Value-Based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ferrara P, Ponticelli D, Agüero F, Caci G, Vitale A, Borrelli M, Schiavone B, Antonazzo IC, Mantovani LG, Tomaselli V, Polosa R. Does smoking have an impact on the immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines? Evidence from the VASCO study and need for further studies. Public Health 2022; 203:97-99. [PMID: 35038631 PMCID: PMC8786634 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the possible impact of smoking on the humoral response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (also known as the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine). STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal sero-epidemiological study was conducted in sample of Italian healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS HCWs who were administered two doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, 21 days apart, between December 2020 and January 2021, were invited to undergo multiple serology tests to identify SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Participants also responded to questions about their smoking status (i.e. current smokers vs non-smokers) in a survey. RESULTS Sixty days after the completion of the vaccination cycle, serological analyses showed a difference in vaccine-induced IgG titre between current smokers and non-smokers, with median antibody titres of 211.80 AU/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 149.80-465.50) and 487.50 AU/mL (IQR 308.45-791.65) [P-value = 0.002], respectively. This significant difference in vaccine-induced IgG titres between current smokers and non-smokers remained after adjusting for age, sex, and previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS This study observed that vaccine-induced antibody titres decrease faster among current smokers than non-smokers. Further research to investigate the impact of smoking on the immunological response to COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy; Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy.
| | - D Ponticelli
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - F Agüero
- Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Caci
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - M Borrelli
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - B Schiavone
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - I C Antonazzo
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - L G Mantovani
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - V Tomaselli
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Polosa
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ponticelli D, Antonazzo IC, Caci G, Vitale A, Della Ragione G, Romano ML, Borrelli M, Schiavone B, Polosa R, Ferrara P. Dynamics of antibody response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after 6 months. J Travel Med 2021; 28:6410146. [PMID: 34697627 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This sero-survey describes the level and time-trend of antibodies elicited by BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine up to 6 months. A strong seroconversion was seen at 30-day serology, with persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG through 6 months from vaccination. However, the level of vaccine-induced antibodies started to decrease from the second month.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ippazio C Antonazzo
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Grazia Caci
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno (Caserta), Italy
| | | | - Maria L Romano
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno (Caserta), Italy
| | - Mario Borrelli
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno (Caserta), Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Polosa
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni (Milan), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cafiero C, Micera A, Re A, Postiglione L, Cacciamani A, Schiavone B, Benincasa G, Palmirotta R. Could Small Neurotoxins-Peptides be Expressed during SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Curr Genomics 2021; 22:557-563. [PMID: 35382352 PMCID: PMC8922328 DOI: 10.2174/1389202923666211221111527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
:
SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis has been recently extended to human central nervous system (CNS), in addition to nasopharyngeal truck, eye, lung and gut. The recent literature highlights that some SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein regions homologous to neurotoxin-like peptides might bind to human nicotinic Acetyl-Choline Receptors (nAChRs). Spike-nAChR interaction can probably cause dysregulation of CNS and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways and uncontrolled immune-response, both associated to a severe COVID-19 pathophysiology. Herein, we hypothesize that inside the Open Reading Frame (ORF) region of spike glycoprotein, the RNA polymerase can translate small neurotoxic peptides by means of a “jumping mechanism” already demonstrated in other coronaviruses. These small peptides can bind the snAChRs instead of Spike glycoproteins. A striking homology occurred between these small peptides observed by sequence retrieval and proteins alignment. Acting as nAChRs antagonists, these small peptides (conotoxins) could be the explanation for the extrapulmonary clinical manifestations (neurological, hemorrhagic and thrombotic expressions, the prolonged apnea, the cardiocirculatory collapse, the heart arrhythmias, the ventricular tachycardia, the body temperature alteration, the electrolyte K+ imbalance and finally the significant reduction of butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE) plasma levels, as observed in COVID-19 patients. Several factors might induce the expression of these small peptides, including microbiota. The main hypothesis regarding the presence of these small peptides opens a new scenario on the etiology of COVID-19 clinical symptoms observed so far, including the neurological manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS — Fondazione Bietti, Rome,Italy
| | - Agnese Re
- Department of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome,Italy
| | - Loredana Postiglione
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Federico II, Naples,Italy
| | - Andrea Cacciamani
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS — Fondazione Bietti, Rome,Italy
| | | | - Giulio Benincasa
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Molecular Biology, Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, (CE),Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmirotta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, School of Medicine,Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferrara P, Madotto F, Conti S, Vitale A, Della Ragione G, Romano ML, Borrelli M, Schiavone B, Mantovani LG, Ponticelli D. Field evaluation of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine response in healthcare workers: a 3-month follow-up. Eur J Public Health 2021. [PMCID: PMC8574276 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective and rapid immunologic response to vaccines is a crucial strategy for the control SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Here, we present the results of an ongoing longitudinal observational study conducted among the healthcare workers (HCWs) of the Pineta Grande Hospital (Castel Volturno, Italy), who were administered the two-dose prime-boost mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. Methods Volunteer HCWs underwent either (i) six RT-PCR assay for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs; (ii) or six quantitative serology testing for the research of virus-specific immunoglobulins (Ig) through chemiluminescent immunoassay with a reactivity cut-off of an Index of ≥ 1.0. The first tests were taken before the administration of the vaccine and then according to a predefined timeline. An active surveillance follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 infections was set amongst the vaccinees after the end of the study. Results Overall, among the 435 HCWs who accepted to participated in the study, 9.3% reported a previous laboratory-confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2, though all subjects tested negative at the time of first vaccine dose. In the swab cohort, seven subjects tested positive in the first 15 days after the first vaccine dose and one about a week from the second dose. At 45- and 60-day follow-ups all vaccinees tested negative, but two positive tests were registered at the third month. In the second cohort, two weeks after the first vaccine dose anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies exceeded the reactivity cut-off in 82.5% the participants. At one-month follow-up, almost all (98.4%) the vaccinees had reached the maximum Index value of 10. No statistically significant associations were found between antibody response and HCWs' characteristics. Conclusions Our results showed that surveillance is a critical component of providing safe healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic, also after extended vaccination campaigns, thus enhancing the protection of patients and HCWs. Key messages All healthcare facilities should implement continuous post-vaccination surveillance programs in order to ensure patients and healthcare workers safety, and limit in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Longer field follow-ups are indispensable to investigate immunogenicity trends and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines over time, and to consider booster doses, especially in high-risk population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - F Madotto
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - S Conti
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - A Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | | | - ML Romano
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - M Borrelli
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - B Schiavone
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - LG Mantovani
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schiavone B, Vitale A, Gallo M, Russo G, Ponticelli D, Borrelli M. Overview of Facebook Use by Hospitals in Italy: A Nationwide Survey during the COVID-19 Emergency. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18147225. [PMID: 34299676 PMCID: PMC8304234 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: Facebook is the most popular social network across the world and also allows users access to health information. Our study presents an overview of the official Facebook profiles of hospitals in Italy (n = 1351) and how much they are used. Methods: All hospitals were surveyed on the number of Facebook posts in May (post-lockdown) and October (second pandemic wave) 2020. The number of followers, the creation date of the official page, and the frequency of publication—that is, the average number of days between two subsequent posts—were determined. Results: In Italy, only 28% (n = 379) of the hospitals had official Facebook pages, of which 20.6% (n = 78) were public hospitals, and 79.4% (n = 301) were private hospitals. Of the hospitals with Facebook pages, 49.1% used them every week, and public hospitals published more often. Conclusions: Despite the differences between regions and types of management, the number of hospitals in Italy that use Facebook as a tool for the public dissemination of health information is still low. Hospitals should adopt an effective communication strategy using social networks to improve the quality of health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beniamino Schiavone
- General Management Unit, Pineta Grande Hospital, Via Domitiana, km 30/00, 81030 Castel Volturno, CE, Italy;
| | - Andrea Vitale
- Research and Development Unit, Pineta Grande Hospital, Via Domitiana, km 30/00, 81030 Castel Volturno, CE, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0823-854369
| | - Mena Gallo
- Research and Development Unit, Pineta Grande Hospital, Via Domitiana, km 30/00, 81030 Castel Volturno, CE, Italy;
| | - Gianlucasalvatore Russo
- Communication Office, Pineta Grande Hospital, Via Domitiana, km 30/00, 81030 Castel Volturno, CE, Italy;
| | - Domenico Ponticelli
- Healthcare Management Unit, Pineta Grande Hospital, Via Domitiana, km 30/00, 81030 Castel Volturno, CE, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Mario Borrelli
- Healthcare Management Unit, Pineta Grande Hospital, Via Domitiana, km 30/00, 81030 Castel Volturno, CE, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sessa M, Bernardi FF, Vitale A, Schiavone B, Gritti G, Mascolo A, Bertini M, Scavone C, Sportiello L, Rossi F, Capuano A. Adverse drug reactions during hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals: The role of medication errors, their impact on treatment discontinuation and their preventability. New insights from the Campania Region (Italy) spontaneous reporting system. J Clin Pharm Ther 2018; 43:867-876. [PMID: 30014479 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Medication errors, such as unnecessary treatment discontinuation during treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), can lead to imbalances in the benefit-to-risk ratio. This risk is especially high when the medication error leads to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). However, to date, evidence on the frequency of this phenomenon is scarce. This study aims to provide better insight into ADRs possibly due to medication errors leading to DAA discontinuation and their preventability. METHODS The Italian Pharmacovigilance Network database was used to extract individual case safety reports (ICSRs) generated from July 2012 to March 2017 via the Campania Region (Italy) spontaneous reporting system. ICSRs that included ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, dasabuvir, daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, simeprevir or elbasvir/grazoprevir as suspected drugs were included in this study. A preventability assessment was then performed utilizing the "P-Method," an algorithm that evaluates known risk factors due to medication errors that can be detected in ICSRs. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of the 355 cases included in this study, 6 (1.69%) were classified as preventable and 52 (14.6%) were classified as potentially preventable. The most frequently identified critical criteria (risk factor) for preventable or potentially preventable cases were drug-drug interactions and incorrect drug dosing as part of the antiviral treatment scheme. In total, 89 of the 355 cases (25.1%) discontinued use of the DAAs due to ADRs, of which 20 of the 89 cases (22.5%) were due to an unimportant medical event as classified by the European Medicine Agency important medical event list. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION This study found a proportion of preventable/potentially preventable ADRs involving DAA, which could be improved in the Campania Region (Italy). Additionally, the study identified a high proportion of seemingly unnecessary DAA discontinuations among patients who experienced ADRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Sessa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy.,Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Andrea Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Gritti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Mascolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Bertini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Scavone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Liberata Sportiello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Rossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Agozzino E, Naddei M, Schiavone B. [Day surgery: the role and training needs of nurses]. Ig Sanita Pubbl 2014; 70:81-91. [PMID: 24770365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Medicine and health care are increasingly directed towards the achievement of high quality standards and of costs reduction. It is in this framework that same-day surgery finds its role, being able to satisfy both of the above needs. Despite its recognized benefits, in Italy this efficient model of hospitalization still meets several obstacles and the ratio of services provided in day hospital with respect to ordinary hospital admission is about 1 to 3. Day Surgery services depend on team work and the nurse's role is of utmost importance and responsibility since it involves both clinical care and managerial activities. Through a careful analysis of the skills required of a day surgery nurse, the authors discuss aspects of nurses' training in view of the pre- and post-graduate courses currently offered, including on-the-job training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erminia Agozzino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via S.M. di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 - Napoli
| | - Maria Naddei
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria - Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via S.M. di Costantinopoli 104, 80138 - Napoli
| | - Beniamino Schiavone
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via S.M. di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 - Napoli
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Martino A, Rampone B, Schiavone B, Viviano C, Cuomo O, Iovine L, Sacco M, Maharajan G, Confuorto G. [Traumatic rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst]. G Chir 2010; 31:401-403. [PMID: 20843447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Hydatid disease is endemic in some areas of the world. It is located mostly in the liver. The cysts rupture is possible after a trauma, or spontaneously by the increase of intracystic pressure. Rupture of the hydatid cyst requires urgent surgical intervention. We report our experience in treatment of traumatic rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Martino
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale, Ospedale Pineta Grande, Castel Volturno, CE
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rampone B, Schiavone B, Martino A, Confuorto G. Current role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16:1299-302. [PMID: 20238394 PMCID: PMC2842519 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i11.1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal carcinomatosis is one of the most common routes of dissemination of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is encountered in 7% of patients at primary surgery, while it develops in about 4% to 19% of patients after curative surgery and in up to 44% of patients with recurrent CRC. Peritoneal involvement from colorectal malignancies has been considered traditionally as a manifestation of terminal disease, due to limited response to conventional surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments. In the past few years the introduction of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion has shown promising results in selected patients. Currently, the surgical management of peritoneal surface malignancies of colonic origin with this combined locoregional therapy has resulted in a significant improvement in survival of these patients. However, further controlled studies will help to standardize indications and the technique of this locoregional therapy in order to achieve an improvement of morbidity and mortality rates.
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remains a considerable challenge for surgeons. Surgery, including liver transplantation, is the most important therapeutic approach for patients with this disease. HCC is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate even when surgical resection has been considered potentially curative. This brief report summarizes the current status of the management of this malignancy and includes a short description of new pharmacological approaches in HCC treatment.
Collapse
|
16
|
Martino A, Falco D, Martino G, Schiavone P, Roma V, Schiavone B. [The Poland' syndrome. Case report]. Ann Ital Chir 2009; 80:205-209. [PMID: 20131538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A case of Poland's syndrome in a 2-year-old female is described. The patient had come to our Emergency department for abdominal pain. The thorax's asymmetric depression and the brachysyndactyly of the right hand are fundamental elements to make Poland's syndrome diagnosis in our patient. In this report, the different formes of Poland's syndrome, the classification and the indications for a surgical intervention are described. Besides the importance of a precocious diagnosis is underlined, due to avoid complications related to late rehabilitation and multidisciplinary approach to the patient.
Collapse
|