Acute hypertriglyceridemia in patients with COVID-19 receiving tocilizumab

COVID-19-associated hypertriglyceridemia and impact of treatment

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated hypertriglyceridemia was observed among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) in Qatar. This study aimed to describe COVID-19-associated-hypertriglyceridemia in ICU patients and the impact of treating hypertriglyceridemia on clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study of adult patients who were admitted to the ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia according to the World Health Organization criteria. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as triglyceride level of 1.7 mmol/L (≥150 mg/dL) and severe hypertriglyceridemia as fasting TG of ≥5.6 mmol/L (≥500 mg/dL).

Results

Of 1,234 enrolled patients, 1,016 (82.3%) had hypertriglyceridemia. Median age was 50 years and 87.9% were males. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia showed significantly longer time to COVID-19 recovery, ICU and hospital stay, and time to death (29.3 vs. 16.9 days) without a difference in mortality between groups. Of patients with hypertriglyceridemia, 343 (33.8%) received treatment (i.e., fibrate and/or omega-3). Patients in treatment group showed longer time to COVID-19 recovery and hospital stay with no difference in death rates in comparison with those in no-treatment group. Relatively older patients were less likely to experience hypertriglyceridemia (odd ratio (OR) 0.976; 95% CI: 0.956, 0.995) or to receive treatment (OR 0.977; 95% CI: 0.960, 0.994). Whereas patients who received tocilizumab were more likely to experience high TG level (OR 3.508; 95% CI: 2.046, 6.015) and to receive treatment for it (OR 2.528; 95% CI: 1.628, 3.926).

Conclusion

Hypertriglyceridemia associated with COVID-19 did not increase death rate, but prolonged time to death and length of stay. Treating hypertriglyceridemia did not translate into improvement in clinical outcomes including mortality.

Pancreatic and Hepatic Injury in COVID-19: A Worse Prognosis in NAFLD Patients?

The novel disease produced by SARS-CoV-2 mainly harms the respiratory tract, but it has shown the capacity to affect multiple organs. Epidemiologic evidence supports the relationship between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pancreatic and hepatic injury development, identified by alterations in these organ function markers. In this regard, it is important to ascertain how the current prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) might affect COVID-19 evolution and complications. Although it is not clear how SARS-CoV-2 affects both the pancreas and the liver, a multiplicity of potential pathophysiological mechanisms seem to be implicated; among them, a direct viral-induced injury to the organ involving liver and pancreas ACE2 expression. Additionally, immune system dysregulation, coagulopathies, and drugs used to treat the disease could be key for developing complications associated with the patient's clinical decline. This review aims to provide an overview of the available epidemiologic evidence regarding developing liver and pancreatic alterations in patients with COVID-19, as well as the possible role that NAFLD/NASH might play in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying some of the complications associated with COVID-19. This review employed a comprehensive search on PubMed using relevant keywords and filters. From the initial 126 articles, those aligning with the research target were selected and evaluated for their methodologies, findings, and conclusions. It sheds light on the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this relationship. As a result, it emphasises the importance of monitoring pancreatic and hepatic function in individuals affected by COVID-19.

Risks associated with acute pancreatitis (AP) with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in COVID-19 patients: a literature review

Background

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has become a global pandemic, and medical experts are scrambling to understand the wide range of symptoms and consequences of the virus. Although acute pancreatitis (AP) and pancreatic damage have been associated with SARS-CoV-2, the mechanism behind this is still unclear. The current article explores whether COVID-19 is an additional cause of AP and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The article illustrates the conditions associated with AP and DKA among COVID-19 patients and diabetes mellitus (DM). Another critical condition is acute kidney injury (AKI), often associated with DKA.

Methods

A search strategy for the article was assigned and retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from 2020 to June 2022. The articles which discussed case studies on AP, DKA, and AKI were included in the study.

Results

The present review of 24 reported case studies represented conditions of AP (12), DKA (5), AP and DKA (5), AP and AKI (1), and DKA and AKI (1) among COVID-19 participants, and showed a potential relationship between the complications.

Conclusion

Healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic plays a major role among AP, DKA, and AKI-associated COVID-19 patients. A compilation of case studies suggests effective management of COVID-19 infection-related complications such as AP, DKA, and AKI.

Drug-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a systemic disease that affects not only the respiratory system, but also other systems, including gastrointestinal. A great number of different drugs have been used on hospitalized patients for the management of COVID-19, and acute pancreatitis (AP) has been reported as a complication or side effect of these drugs. The development of drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIAP) follows a complex of pathophysiological mechanisms, and particular risk factors play a key role. Diagnosis of DIAP depends on specific criteria, and based on these, a drug may be characterized as having a definite, probable or possible connection with AP. The aim of this review is to present the medications that are used for COVID-19 management and are associated with AP in hospitalized patients. The list of these drugs mainly includes corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiviral agents, antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, estrogens and anesthetic agents. Moreover, the prevention of the development of DIAP is vital, especially for critically ill patients who may receive multiple drugs. DIAP management is mainly non-invasive and the first step concerns the exception of the suspicious drug from patients therapy.

Unusual case of propofol-related infusion syndrome complicating severe COVID-19 ARDS

An elderly man presenting with shortness of breath and hypoxaemia was admitted with acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia. Due to worsening hypoxaemia, he was transferred to the intensive care unit and required mechanical ventilation. Propofol was infused at 1.5-4 mg/kg/hour. Within 48 hours of initiation, we noticed worsening metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated creatine kinase and elevated myoglobin levels. Suspecting propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS), we discontinued his propofol infusion immediately and initiated supportive measures. In 48 hours, there was a significant improvement in metabolic acidosis, hypertriglyceridaemia, rhabdomyolysis and renal function. The propofol infusion rate and cumulative propofol dosage (under 140 mg/kg) were well below levels associated with PRIS. COVID-19's pathogenesis, still under investigation, may have contributed to this presentation. It is imperative for clinicians to maintain a high degree of suspicion once propofol is initiated, regardless of the cumulative dose or rate of infusion.

Severe COVID-19-Induced Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

We reported a case of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening condition, which was suspected to have been triggered by a severe case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A 50-year-old man with a past medical history of ulcerative colitis with recent pancolitis status post colectomy and ileostomy two weeks before presentation presented to the emergency department with one week of subjective fevers, weakness, watery diarrhea, and decreased oral intake. A CT scan showed fluid in the rectum and post-surgical changes from his recent colectomy along with diffuse reticulonodular opacities of the lungs. His COVID-19 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was positive. Over the subsequent days, the patient's condition worsened as he developed worsening acute hypoxic respiratory failure with diffuse lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, worsening cytopenias, and increased ferritin of >100,000 ng/ml on hospital day six. Hematology oncology was consulted and he was started on empiric steroid therapy followed by etoposide. However, his condition continued to worsen, and eventually, the patient passed away on hospital day eight.

COVID-19 and the Pancreas: A Narrative Review

The outbreak of COVID-19, initially developed in China in early December 2019, has rapidly spread to other countries and represents a public health emergency of international concern. COVID-19 has caused great concern about respiratory symptoms, but it is worth noting that it can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. However, the data on pancreatic involvement during SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited. The prevalence and severity of pancreatic damage and acute pancreatitis, as well as its pathophysiology, are still under debate. Moreover, the possible implication of pancreatic damage as an apparent adverse effect of COVID-19 therapies or vaccines are issues that need to be addressed. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated delays and organizational consequences for pancreatic surgery, an element that represent indirect damage from COVID-19. This narrative review aims to summarize and analyze all the aspects of pancreatic involvement in COVID-19 patients, trying to establish the possible underlying mechanisms and scientific evidence supporting the association between COVID-19 and pancreatic disease.

The role of cytokines and their antagonists in the treatment of COVID-19 patients

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has various presentations, of which immune dysregulation or the so-called cytokine storm syndrome (COVID-CSS) is prominent. Even though cytokines are vital regulators of body immunoinflammatory responses, their exaggerated release can be harmful. This hyperinflammatory response is more commonly observed during severe COVID-19 infections, caused by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interferon-gamma, making their blockers and antagonists of great interest as therapeutic options in this condition. Thus, the pathophysiology of excessive cytokine secretion is outlined, and their most important blockers and antagonists are discussed, mainly focussing on tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor blocker approved to treat severe COVID-19 infections.

[Parenteral nutrition-associated complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection]

BACKGROUND

it is unknown whether patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 are at greater risk of developing complications associated with parenteral nutrition (PN).

AIM

to describe the incidence, risk factors, and clinical impact of complications in patients with ARDS-COVID-19 receiving PN.

METHODS

a prospective cohort study of 87 patients with ARDS-COVID-19 infection. The incidence of complications and odds ratios of risk factors were analysed.

RESULTS

age ≥ 65 years (OR, 2.52, 95 % CI: 1.16 to 5.46), obesity (OR, 3.34, 95 % CI: 2.35 to 4.33) and treatment with propofol (OR, 2.45, 95 % CI: 1.55 to 3.35) or lopinavir/ritonavir (OR, 4.98, 95 % CI: 3.60 to 6.29) were risk factors for hipertriglyceridemia. Obesity (OR, 3.11, 95 % CI: 1.10 to 8.75), dyslipidemia (OR, 3.22, 95 % CI: 1.23 to 8.40) or treatment with propofol (OR, 5.47, 95 % CI: 1.97 to 15.1) were risk factors for intravascular catheter-related infection. No risk factors were described for hiperglycemia. Mortality was higher in patients with intravascular catheter-related infection (46.7 % vs 10.8 %, p = 0.014). Mortality risk was higher in older patients (OR, 2.74, 95 % CI: 1.08 to 6.95) or patients with intravascular catheter-related infection (OR, 3.22, 95 % CI: 1.23 to 8.40).

CONCLUSIONS

the incidence of complications associated with PN in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS is frequent. The mortality risk is higher in older patients or those with catheter-related infection.

Safety profile of COVID-19 drugs in a real clinical setting

PURPOSE

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has affected millions all over the world and has been declared pandemic, as of 11 March 2020. In addition to the ongoing research and development of vaccines, there is still a dire need for safe and effective drugs for the control and treatment against the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Numerous repurposed drugs are under clinical investigations whose reported adverse events can raise worries about their safety. The aim of this review is to illuminate the associated adverse events related to the drugs used in a real COVID-19 setting along with their relevant mechanism(s).

METHOD

Through a literature search conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar database, various adverse events suspected to be induced by eight drugs, including dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ivermectin, and tocilizumab, administered in COVID-19 patients in clinical practice and studies were identified in 30 case reports, 3 case series, and 10 randomized clinical trials.

RESULTS

Mild, moderate, or severe adverse events of numerous repurposed and investigational drugs caused by various factors and mechanisms were observed. Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting were the most frequently followed by cardiovascular, cutaneous, and hepatic adverse events. Few other rare adverse drug reactions were also observed.

CONCLUSION

In light of their ineffectiveness against COVID-19 as evident in large clinical studies, drugs including hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, and ivermectin should neither be used routinely nor in clinical studies. While lack of sufficient data, it creates doubt regarding the reliability of chloroquine and favipiravir use in COVID-19 patients. Hence, these two drugs can only be used in clinical studies. In contrast, ample well-conducted studies have approved the use of remdesivir, tocilizumab, and dexamethasone under certain conditions in COVID-19 patients. Consequently, it is significant to establish a strong surveillance system in order to monitor the proper safety and toxicity profile of the potential anti-COVID-19 drugs with good clinical outcomes.

The immunology and immunotherapy for COVID-19

The ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and significantly impacts the world economy and daily life. Symptoms of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic to fever, dyspnoea, acute respiratory distress and multiple organ failure. Critical cases often occur in the elderly and patients with pre-existing conditions. By binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, SARS-CoV-2 can enter and replicate in the host cell, exerting a cytotoxic effect and causing local and systemic inflammation. Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, and immunotherapy has consistently attracted attention because of its essential role in boosting host immunity to the virus and reducing overwhelming inflammation. In this review, we summarise the immunopathogenic features of COVID-19 and highlight recent advances in immunotherapy to illuminate ideas for the development of new potential therapies.

Finding answers in lipid profile in COVID-19 patients

INTRODUCTION

A small percentage of patients will develop a severe form of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, it is important to predict the potential outcomes identifying early markers of poor prognosis. In this context, we evaluated the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with lipid abnormalities and their role in prognosis.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective, observational study of COVID-19 patients admitted from March to October 2020. Clinical and laboratory data, comorbidities, and treatments for COVID-19 were evaluated. Main outcomes including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality were analyzed with a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

We selected 1489 from a total of 2038 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19, who had a complete lipid profile before ICU admission. During the follow-up performed in 1109 patients, we observed a decrease in T-c, HDL-c, and LDL-c in 28.6%, 42.9%, and 30.4% of patients, respectively, and an increase in TG in 76.8%. The decrease of both T-c and HDL- c was correlated with a decrease in albumin levels (r = 0.39 and r = 0.37, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival curves found an increased ICU admission in patients with lower T-c (HR 0.55, CI 0.36-0.86), HDL-c (HR 0.61, CI 0.45-0.84), and LDL-c (HR 0.85, CI 0.74-0.97). Higher values of T-c (HR 0.45, CI 0.36-0.57), HDL-c (HR 0.66, CI 0.54-0.81), and LDL-c (HR 0.86, CI 0.78-0.94) showed a protective effect on mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities in lipid profile are a frequent complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and might be related to morbidity and mortality.

FUNDING

Proyectos de Investigación en Salud (FIS) and cofinanced by FEDER.

Severe acquired hypertriglyceridemia following COVID-19

Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a major risk factor for acute pancreatitis. In exceptional cases, it is caused by plasma components inhibiting lipoprotein lipase activity. This phenomenon is predominantly associated with autoimmune diseases. Here, we report a case of severe hypertriglyceridemia due to a transient reduction in lipoprotein lipase activity following an episode of COVID-19 in an otherwise healthy 45-year-old woman. The lipoprotein lipase activity of the patient was markedly reduced compared with a healthy control and did recover to 20% of the healthy control's lipoprotein lipase activity 5 months after the COVID-19 episode. Mixing tests substantiated reduced lipolytic capacity in the presence of the patient's plasma at presentation compared with a homozygous lipoprotein lipase-deficient control, which was no longer present at follow-up. Western blotting confirmed that the quantity of lipoprotein lipase was not aberrant. Fibrate treatment and a strict hypolipidemic diet improved the patient's symptoms and triglyceride levels.

Acute pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia in the COVID-19 era: The role of therapeutic plasma exchange

The psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic caused multifaceted challenges in clinical and therapeutic practices. This was the case at the Therapeutic Apheresis Unit of the Padua University Hospital too. Several published reports describe the increase in alcohol and food addiction diseases. In this context, during the last months, the Padua Therapeutic Apheresis Unit treated many more patients with acute pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia with therapeutic plasma exchange than in the previous ten years. Furthermore, retrospective cohort studies have been recently published describing the onset of acute pancreatitis during the COVID-19 infection even if, to date, there is still insufficient evidence to estabilish a direct causality. Anyway, the COVID-19 pandemic translated into changes of the overall disease prevalence scenario and therefore the Padua Therapeutic Apheresis Unit will need to reorganise its Therapeutic Apheresis activity.

Assessment of pancreatitis associated with tocilizumab use using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database

Tocilizumab (TCZ) is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic inflammatory disorders. There is some evidence suggesting the occurrence of pancreatitis following TCZ use. We aimed to determine the reporting of pancreatitis following TCZ use in comparison with other drugs using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. We extracted adverse event reports submitted to FAERS during 2013-2019. A reporting odds ratio (ROR) with the lower bound 95% confidence interval (CI) > 1 and a lower limit of a two-sided 95% interval of information component (IC₀₂₅) more than zero was considered significant. Following deduplication, 3,383,910 adverse event reports were available; 144 (0.004%) reports were of pancreatic adverse events associated with TCZ use, and 15,907 (0.47%) associated with other drugs. Of the 144 cases, 74 (51.39%) received concomitant medications with pancreatotoxic potential. The likelihood of reporting of pancreatic events, compared with any other adverse event, with TCZ use was 1.32 times higher than that with other drugs. The lower bound of the 95% CI of the ROR and IC remained above the criteria of significance throughout the study period, except 2013. The findings suggest disproportionately high reporting of pancreatitis in patients receiving TCZ as compared with other drugs. This marginally high reporting is not likely to be of immediate clinical concern and needs to be interpreted cautiously.

Hypertriglyceridemia in Critically Ill Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection

BACKGROUND

Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection could develop severe disease requiring critical care admission. Case reports indicated high incidence of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, which might be related to the drugs.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the risk factors associated with HTG in this population and to investigate the relationship between HTG and lipase.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at our hospital between March 1 and June 30, 2020. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and had triglycerides (TG) checked during their hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of the 111 critically ill patients, 103 patients were included. Males comprised 88.3% of the sample. The median TG at baseline was 197.4 (IQR: 139.8-283) mg/dL. The lipase median level at baseline was 23.00 (IQR: 0.00-69.50) IU/L. The results of the mixed-effects logistic regression analysis indicated that patient-level variables, favipiravir use, blood glucose level, and propofol use were significantly associated with HTG. There was no relationship between lipase and TG levels over time. Furthermore, TG concentrations over time showed a similar trend to inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

The incidence of clinically significant HTG was high and was associated with propofol and favipiravir use. HTG might reflect the high inflammatory state in these patients. Clinicians should look at the full picture before changing therapies based only on HTG. Our findings need to be replicated in a larger prospective study.

Gastroenterology and liver disease during COVID-19 and in anticipation of post-COVID-19 era: Current practice and future directions

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a major threat to global public health. The virus causes the clinical syndrome known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in which multiple organs can get affected. Apart from manifestations of the respiratory system, which predominate, its clinical presentation is frequently accompanied by symptoms of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and liver abnormalities. The correlation of symptoms and abnormalities with disease severity is discussed, leading to ambiguous results from international literature. Moreover, the disease infects patients with co-existing liver and GI disorders affecting both their health status and the availability of healthcare services provided to them. The risk of transmission of the disease during aerosol-generating procedures has changed the diagnostic approach and follow-up algorithms for liver and GI diseases. For the safety of both doctors and patients, telemedicine and distant evaluation have become everyday practice, whereas several routines and emergency visits at outpatient and emergency departments have been postponed or delayed. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is underway, providing hope to humanity and the expectation that the post-COVID-19 era is near. This review aims to update knowledge about the manifestations of COVID-19 related to liver and GI diseases and the effect of the pandemic on the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for these diseases with a special focus on how current practices have changed and what changes will possibly remain in the future.

Acute Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients with COVID-19 Receiving Parenteral Nutrition

Hypertriglyceridemia is a metabolic complication associated with parenteral nutrition (PN). It is unknown if patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 are more at risk. Our aim was to describe the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of hypertriglyceridemia in critically ill patients with ARDS-COVID-19 receiving PN. We designed a cohort study of patients with ARDS-COVID-19 infection that required admission to critical care units and nutritional support with PN. Individual PN prescriptions for macronutrients and insulin were provided. Lipid emulsion contained fish oil (SMOFlipid® or Lipoplus®). Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as plasma levels above 400 mg/dL. Eighty-seven patients, 66.6% men, 60.1 ± 10.8 years old, BMI 29.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2, 71% of whom received lopinavir/ritonavir, 56% received Propofol and 55% received Tocilizumab were included. The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia was 37 × 100 patient-days with PN. This complication was more frequent in obese patients (OR 3.34; 95% CI, 2.35-4.33) and in those treated with lopinavir/ritonavir (OR 4.98; 95% CI, 3.60-6.29) or Propofol (OR 2.45; 95% CI, 1.55-3.35). Total mortality was 33.3%, similar between the type of lipid emulsion (p = 0.478). On average, patients with hypertriglyceridemia had a longer requirement of PN compared to the group without elevated triglycerides (TG), probably because of their longer survival (p = 0.001). TG higher than 400 mg/dL was not a protective factor for mortality (OR 0.31; 95% CI, 0.01-1.30). In conclusion, the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia was 37 × 100 patient-days with PN. The risk of this complication is associated with obesity and the use of lopinavir/ritonavir or Propofol.

Acute pancreatitis and COVID-19: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and has caused more than 80 million infections and 1.7 million deaths worldwide. Although it is primarily a respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2 also has extra-pulmonary effects. Pancreatic injury and cases of acute pancreatitis (AP) have been recognized and attributed to SARS-CoV-2, but the mechanisms of pancreatic injury are still a subject of debate. There is also controversy on whether SARS-CoV-2 can cause AP or if it is an epiphenomenon.

AIM

To review and to explore the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and AP, and to provide an overview of the existing literature on possible mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced pancreatic lesion.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for papers on SARS-CoV-2 infection and AP. A narrative review on possible mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced pancreatic lesion was also performed.

RESULTS

A literature review revealed a growing body of evidence on SARS-CoV-2-induced pancreatic lesions including the mechanisms of direct virus-mediated injury, systemic inflammatory response and circulating pro-inflammatory interleukins, virus-induced lipotoxicity, and drug-induced injury. A systematic review of the literature revealed 22 cases of AP in COVID-19 patients. However, limitations of the reported cases make it difficult to establish a causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and AP. All of the studies agreed on special monitoring and surveillance of this subset of patients due to the still unknown clinical progression, therapeutic implications, and prognosis.

CONCLUSION

AP should be considered in COVID-19 patients, especially in those exhibiting abdominal pain and systematic, and complete reporting of these cases should be general practice. However, there is still insufficient evidence showing that COVID-19 can cause AP or negatively impact prognosis. Additional studies are needed to clarify the relationship between these two entities and their theragnostic significance.

Immunosuppressive strategies in invasively ventilated ARDS COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. We present the characteristics and outcomes of patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) with immunosuppressive drugs, either tocilizumab or anakinra compared with controls.

METHODS

A Single-center observational prospective study on ICU invasively ventilated COVID-19 patients. The primary outcome was the clinical improvement at day 28. A Bayesian framework was employed and all analyses were adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

Sixty-one consecutive invasively ventilated patients were included, nine (14∙7%) received tocilizumab and 15 (24∙6%) received anakinra. Over the first seven days, tocilizumab was associated with a greater decrease in C-reactive protein (p<0∙001). After adjusting for confounders, the probability of clinical improvement at day 28 compared to control was 7∙6% (OR, 0∙36 [95% CrI, 0∙09-1∙46]) for tocilizumab and 40∙9% (OR, 0∙89 [95% CrI, 0∙32-2∙43]) for anakinra. At day 28, the probability of being in a better clinical category was 2∙5% (OR, 2∙98 [95% CrI, 1∙00-8∙88]) for tocilizumab, and 49∙5% (OR, 1∙00 [95% CrI, 0∙42-2∙42]) for anakinra.

CONCLUSIONS

In invasively ventilated COVID-19 patients, treatment with anakinra was associated with a higher probability of clinical improvement compared to tocilizumab; however, treatment with either drug did not result in clinically meaningful improvements compared with controls.

Clinical course and outcome among patients with acute pancreatitis and COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The data on clinical course and outcome of acute pancreatitis among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are sparse. In this study, we analyzed the clinical profiles of patients with COVID 19 and acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted on Research Patient Data Registry data which was pooled from five Mass General Brigham Healthcare Network hospitals. We extracted data on demographics, symptoms, ICU transfer, mechanical ventilation, laboratories' profiles, imaging findings, and patient outcomes.

RESULT

Of 985 screened adult patients, 17 were eligible for the study, 9 (52.9%) were admitted primarily for respiratory failure and developed acute pancreatitis after a median of 22.5 days (13-76 days) from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. On contrary, eight patients presented with typical symptoms and were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, the majority with mild severity (62.5%) on admission. Patients who were admitted primarily with severe COVID-19 illness were younger (median age 57 vs. 63 years), females (55.6 vs. 25%), of Hispanic ethnicity (55.6 vs. 25%), and obese (88.9 vs. 37.5%). The median peak lipase, C reactive protein, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer were higher among patients who developed acute pancreatitis later during hospitalization. Patients who developed acute pancreatitis later also experienced higher episodes of necrotizing pancreatitis (11.1% vs. 0), thromboembolic complications (55.6 vs. 12.5%), and higher mortality (37.5 vs. 12.5%).

CONCLUSION

Acute pancreatitis is not common among patients with COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 who had acute pancreatitis on admission had more benign course and overall better outcome as compared to the patients who developed acute pancreatitis during hospitalization.

Combination therapy with tocilizumab and corticosteroids for aged patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The role of combination immunomodulatory therapy with systemic corticosteroids and tocilizumab (TCZ) for aged patients with COVID-19-associated cytokine release syndrome remains unclear.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was conducted on consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who developed severe COVID-19 between 03 March and 01 May 2020 and were treated with corticosteroids at various doses (methylprednisolone 0.5mg/kg/12h to 250mg/24h), either alone (CS group) or associated with intravenous tocilizumab (400-600mg, one to three doses) (CS-TCZ group). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality by day +14, whereas secondary outcomes included mortality by day +28 and clinical improvement (discharge and/or a ≥2 point decrease on a 6-point ordinal scale) by day +14. Propensity score (PS)-based adjustment and inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) were applied.

RESULTS

Totals of 181 and 80 patients were included in the CS and CS-TCZ groups, respectively. All-cause 14-day mortality was lower in the CS-TCZ group, both in the PS-adjusted (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.68; P=0.002) and IPTW-weighted models (odds ratio [OR]: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21-0.68; P=0.001). This protective effect was also observed for 28-day mortality (PS-adjusted HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21-0.72; P=0.003). Clinical improvement by day +14 was higher in the CS-TCZ group with IPTW analysis only (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.49-3.41; P<0.001). The occurrence of secondary infection was similar between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of corticosteroids and TCZ was associated with better outcomes among patients aged ≥65 years with severe COVID-19.

Haemophagocytic syndrome and COVID-19

Primary and secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) are hyperferritinaemic hyperinflammatory syndromes with a common terminal pathway triggered by different etiopathogenetic factors. HLH is characterised by a decreased capacity of interferon gamma production with an activated NK phenotype profile similar to other hyperinflammatory syndromes. Viruses are closely linked to the development of HLH as infectious triggers, and the break of tolerance to self-antigens is considered a critical mechanism involved in the development of immune-mediated conditions triggered by viral infections. Emerging studies in patients with COVID-19 are suggesting a key role of monocytes/macrophages in the pathogenesis of this viral infection, and there is a significant overlap between several features reported in severe COVID-19 and the features included in the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. Therefore, SARS-Cov-2, as other respiratory viruses, may also be considered a potential etiological trigger of HLH. The frequency of HLH in adult patients with severe COVID-19 is lower than 5%, although this figure could be underestimated considering that most reported cases lacked information about some specific criteria (mainly the histopathological criteria and the measurement of NK cell function and sCD25 levels). Because HLH is a multi-organ syndrome, the diagnostic approach in a patient with severe COVID-19 in whom HLH is suspected must be carried out in a syndromic and holistic way, and not in the light of isolated clinical or laboratory features. In COVID-19 patients presenting with persistent high fever, progressive pancytopenia, and hepatosplenic involvement, together with the characteristic triad of laboratory abnormalities (hyperferritinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, and hypofibrinogenaemia), the suspicion of HLH is high, and the diagnostic workup must be completed with specific immunological and histopathological studies.

Advances in immunotherapy for COVID-19: A comprehensive review

COVID-19 is an acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-COV-2 which has now become a huge pandemic worldwide. The immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 has been established that increased serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and reduction of the CD4+ and the CD8+ T lymphocyte populations, are the most reported immunological findings in these patients. High levels of other inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as IL-2 and IL-8 with an increased number of neutrophils and eosinophils may induce immune abnormalities in patients with COVID-19. There is growing evidence to obtain a deeper understanding of the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 which will lay the foundation for the development of new potential therapies. However, specific and non-specific immunotherapies such as convalescent plasma (CP) are widely performed to treat patients with severe COVID-19, there is no definitive evidence to suggest the effectiveness of these treatments. Hence, this review aimed to highlight the current and most recent studies to identify the new immunotherapeutics for COVID-19 disease.

Modalities and Mechanisms of Treatment for Coronavirus Disease 2019

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Although COVID-19 has a relatively low case severity rate compared to SARS and Middle East Respiratory syndrome it is a major public concern because of its rapid spread and devastating impact on the global economy. Scientists and clinicians are urgently trying to identify drugs to combat the virus with hundreds of clinical trials underway. Current treatments could be divided into two major part: anti-viral agents and host system modulatory agents. On one hand, anti-viral agents focus on virus infection process. Umifenovir blocks virus recognizing host and entry. Remdesivir inhibits virus replication. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine involve preventing the whole infection process, including virus transcription and release. On the other hand, host system modulatory agents are associated with regulating the imbalanced inflammatory reaction and biased immune system. Corticosteroid is believed to be commonly used for repressing hyper-inflammation, which is one of the major pathologic mechanisms of COVID-19. Convalescent plasma and neutralizing antibodies provide essential elements for host immune system and create passive immunization. Thrombotic events are at high incidence in COVID-19 patients, thus anti-platelet and anti-coagulation are crucial, as well. Here, we summarized these current or reproposed agents to better understand the mechanisms of agents and give an update of present research situation.

Evaluation of Hypertriglyceridemia in Critically Ill Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Receiving Propofol

Objectives

To report the prevalence of, and evaluate risk factors for, the development of hypertriglyceridemia (defined as a serum triglyceride level of > 400 mg/dL) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who received propofol.

Design

Single-center, retrospective, observational analysis.

Setting

Brigham and Women's Hospital, a tertiary academic medical center in Boston, MA.

Patients

All ICU patients who with coronavirus disease 19 who received propofol between March 1, 2020, and April 20, 2020.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

The major outcome of this analysis was to report the prevalence of, and risk factors for, the development of hypertriglyceridemia in patients with coronavirus disease 19 who received propofol. Minor outcomes included the development of acute pancreatitis and description of propofol metrics. Of the 106 patients that were included, 60 (56.6%) developed hypertriglyceridemia, with a median time to development of 46 hours. A total of five patients had clinical suspicion of acute pancreatitis, with one patient having confirmatory imaging. There was no difference in the dose or duration of propofol in patients who developed hypertriglyceridemia compared with those who did not. In the patients who developed hypertriglyceridemia, 35 patients (58.5%) continued receiving propofol for a median duration of 105 hours. Patients who developed hypertriglyceridemia had elevated levels of inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

Hypertriglyceridemia was commonly observed in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who received propofol. Neither the cumulative dose nor duration of propofol were identified as a risk factor for the development of hypertriglyceridemia. Due to the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia in this patient population, monitoring of serum triglyceride levels should be done frequently in patients who require more than 24 hours of propofol. Many patients who developed hypertriglyceridemia were able to continue propofol in our analysis after reducing the dose.

Weathering the COVID-19 storm: Lessons from hematologic cytokine syndromes

A subset of patients with severe COVID-19 develop profound inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction consistent with a "Cytokine Storm Syndrome" (CSS). In this review we compare the clinical features, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of COVID-CSS with other hematological CSS, namely secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD), and CAR-T cell therapy associated Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Novel therapeutics targeting cytokines or inhibiting cell signaling pathways have now become the mainstay of treatment in these CSS. We review the evidence for cytokine blockade and attenuation in these known CSS as well as the emerging literature and clinical trials pertaining to COVID-CSS. Established markers of inflammation as well as cytokine levels are compared and contrasted between these four entities in order to establish a foundation for future diagnostic criteria of COVID-CSS.

COVID-19 drug repurposing: A review of computational screening methods, clinical trials, and protein interaction assays

The situation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving, and medical researchers around the globe are dedicated to finding cures for the disease. Drug repurposing, as an efficient way for drug development, has received a lot of attention. However, the huge amount of studies makes it challenging to keep up to date with the literature on COVID-19 therapeutic development. This review addresses this challenge by grouping the COVID-19 drug repurposing research into three large groups, including clinical trials, computational research, and in vitro protein-binding experiments. Particularly, to facilitate future drug discovery and the creation of effective drug combinations, drugs are organized by their mechanisms of action and reviewed by their efficacy measured by clinical trials. Providing this subtyping information, we hope this review would serve the scientists, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical industry who are looking at the new therapeutics for COVID-19 treatment.

Multidisciplinary Guidance Regarding the Use of Immunomodulatory Therapies for Acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND

Immune-mediated lung injury and systemic hyperinflammation are characteristic of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults. Although the majority of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections in pediatric populations result in minimal or mild COVID-19 in the acute phase of infection, a small subset of children develop severe and even critical disease in this phase with concomitant inflammation that may benefit from immunomodulation. Therefore, guidance is needed regarding immunomodulatory therapies in the setting of acute pediatric COVID-19. This document does not provide guidance regarding the recently emergent multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel of pediatric subspecialty physicians and pharmacists with expertise in infectious diseases, rheumatology, hematology/oncology, and critical care medicine was convened. Guidance statements were developed based on best available evidence and expert opinion.

RESULTS

The panel devised a framework for considering the use of immunomodulatory therapy based on an assessment of clinical disease severity and degree of multiorgan involvement combined with evidence of hyperinflammation. Additionally, the known rationale for consideration of each immunomodulatory approach and the associated risks and benefits was summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunomodulatory therapy is not recommended for the majority of pediatric patients, who typically develop mild or moderate COVID-19. For children with severe or critical illness, the use of immunomodulatory agents may be beneficial. The risks and benefits of such therapies are variable and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with input from appropriate specialty services. When available, the panel strongly favors immunomodulatory agent use within the context of clinical trials. The framework presented herein offers an approach to decision-making regarding immunomodulatory therapy for severe or critical pediatric COVID-19 and is informed by currently available data, while awaiting results of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials.

Natural history of COVID-19 and therapeutic options

Introduction: COVID-19 presents benign forms in young patients who frequently present with anosmia. Infants are rarely infected, while severe forms occur in patients over 65 years of age with comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes. Lymphopenia, eosinopenia, thrombopenia, increased lactate dehydrogenase, troponin, C-reactive protein, D-dimers and low zinc levels are associated with severity.Areas covered: The authors review the literature and provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the natural history of and therapeutic options for COVID-19. Expert opinion: Diagnosis should rely on PCR and not on clinical presumption. Because of discrepancies between clinical symptoms, oxygen saturation or radiological signs on CT scans, pulse oximetry, and radiological investigation should be systematic. The disease evolves in successive phases: an acute virological phase, and, in some patients, a cytokine storm phase; an uncontrolled coagulopathy; and an acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therapeutic options include antivirals, oxygen therapy, immunomodulators, anticoagulants and prolonged mechanical treatment. Early diagnosis, care, and implementation of an antiviral treatment; the use of immunomodulators at a later stage; and the quality of intensive care are critical regarding mortality rates. The higher mortality observed in Western countries remains unexplained. Pulmonary fibrosis may occur in some patients. Its future is unpredictable.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and the pancreas

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a world-wide pandemic since its onset in December of 2019. Although, a primary respiratory pathogen, over the ensuing period, its extra-pulmonary effects have come to the forefront. The virus, having multi-organ tropism, has been shown to affect a host of other organs beyond the lung, including the pancreas. The data on pancreatic involvement by COVID-19, however, have been limited. Moreover, whether the effects on the pancreas are due to the direct effects of the virus or is just an epi-phenomenon is debatable. The prevalence of pancreatic injury and degree of injury are the other issues that need to be addressed. Pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis and the management of the same in the COVID era needs to be tailored assessing the risk-benefit ratio for the same. Additionally, pancreatic surgery increases not only the morbidity of the patient, but also the risk of the operator and burden on the health care system. Hence, the decision for such major procedures needs to be rationalized for optimum benefit during this pandemic. Similarly, for the endoscopist, pancreatic endoscopy needs to be carefully regulated to reduce risk to both the patient and the physician and yet deliver optimum patient care. This review gives a concise summary of various aspects of pancreatic involvement and pancreatic disease management during this pandemic.

The effect of tocilizumab on cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) and to investigate the factors related to the progress and mortality of patients with a secondary cytokine release syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive observational study of hospitalised patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for SARS-CoV-2 and whose clinical evolution required the administration of one or more doses of TCZ was conducted. Demographic variables, clinical evolution, radiologic progress and analytical parameters were analysed on days 1, 3 and 5 after administration the first dose of TCZ.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients with a clinical history of Accurate Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) were analysed, among whom, 19 had mild ARDS (25.3%), 37 moderate ARDS (49.4%) and 19 severe ARDS (25.3%). Lymphocytopenia and high levels of PCR, D-Dimer and IL-6 were observed in almost all the patients (91.8%). Treatment with TCZ was associated with a reduction of lymphocytopenia, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, severe ARDS cases and fever. Although a better evolution of PaO2/FiO2 was observed in patients who received two or more doses of TCZ (38/75), there was an increase in their mortality (47.4%) and ICU admission (86.8%). The 30-day mortality rate was 30.7% (20.5-42.4% CI) being hypertension, high initial D-dimer levels and ICU admission the only predictive factors found.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, treatment with TCZ was associated with a fever, swelling and ventilator support improvement. However, there is no evidence that the administration of two or more doses of TCZ was related to a mortality decrease.

A case-control emergency department-based analysis of acute pancreatitis in Covid-19: Results of the UMC-19-S6

Background/Purpose

We investigated the incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients with COVID‐19 attending the emergency department (ED), before hospitalization.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all COVID patients diagnosed with AP in 62 Spanish EDs (20% of Spanish EDs, COVID‐AP) during the COVID outbreak. We formed two control groups: COVID patients without AP (COVID‐non‐AP) and non‐COVID patients with AP (non‐COVID‐AP). Unadjusted comparisons between cases and controls were performed regarding 59 baseline and clinical characteristics and four outcomes.

Results

We identified 54 AP in 74 814 patients with COVID‐19 attending the ED (frequency = 0.72‰, 95% CI = 0.54‐0.94‰). This frequency was lower than in non‐COVID patients (2231/1 388 879, 1.61‰, 95% CI = 1.54‐1.67; OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.34‐0.58). Etiology of AP was similar in both groups, being biliary origin in about 50%. Twenty‐six clinical characteristics of COVID patients were associated with a higher risk of developing AP: abdominal pain (OR = 59.4, 95% CI = 23.7‐149), raised blood amylase (OR = 31.8; 95% CI = 1.60‐632) and vomiting (OR = 15.8, 95% CI = 6.69‐37.2) being the strongest, and some inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, platelets, D‐dimer) were more increased. Compared to non‐COVID‐AP, COVID‐AP patients differed in 23 variables; the strongest ones related to COVID symptoms, but less abdominal pain was reported, pancreatic enzymes raise was lower, and severity (estimated by BISAP and SOFA score at ED arrival) was higher. The in‐hospital mortality (adjusted for age and sex) of COVID‐AP did not differ from COVID‐non‐AP (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.45‐245) but was higher than non‐COVID‐AP (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.35‐4.48).

Conclusions

Acute pancreatitis as presenting form of COVID‐19 in the ED is unusual (<1‰ cases). Some clinically distinctive characteristics are present compared to the remaining COVID patients and can help to identify this unusual manifestation. In‐hospital mortality of COVID‐AP does not differ from COVID‐non‐AP but is higher than non‐COVID‐AP, and the higher severity of AP in COVID patients could partially contribute to this increment.

Endocrine and metabolic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 infection has tremendously impacted our daily clinical practice as well as our social living organization. Virtually all organs and biological systems suffer from this new coronavirus infection, either because the virus targets directly specific tissues or because of indirect effects. Endocrine diseases are not an exception and some of endocrine organs are at risk of direct or indirect lesion by COVID-19. Although there is still no evidence of higher predisposition to contract the infection in patients with diabetes and/or obesity, the coexistence of these conditions contributes to a worse prognosis because both conditions confer an impaired immunologic system. Cytokines storm can be amplified by these two latter conditions thereby leading to multisystemic failure and death. Glycaemic control has been demonstrated to be crucial to avoiding long hospital stays, ICU requirement and also prevention of excessive mortality. Endocrine treatment modifications as a consequence of COVID-19 infection are required in a proactive manner, in order to avoid decompensation and eventual hospital admission. This is the case of diabetes and adrenal insufficiency in which prompt increase of insulin dosage and substitutive adrenal steroids through adoption of the sick day's rules should be warranted, as well as easy contact with the health care provider through telematic different modalities. New possible endocrinological targets of COVID-19 have been recently described and warrant a full study in the next future.

Molecular mechanisms and pharmacological interventions in the replication cycle of human coronaviruses

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), as well as SARS-CoV from 2003 along with MERS-CoV from 2012, is a member of the Betacoronavirus genus of the Nidovirales order and is currently the cause of the pandemic called COVID-19 (or Coronavirus disease 2019). COVID-19, which is characterized by cough, fever, fatigue, and severe cases of pneumonia, has affected more than 23 million people worldwide until August 25th, 2020. Here, we present a review of the cellular mechanisms associated with human coronavirus replication, including the unique molecular events related to the replication transcription complex (RTC) of coronaviruses. We also present information regarding the interactions between each viral protein and cellular proteins associated to known host-pathogen implications for the coronavirus biology. Finally, a specific topic addresses the current attempts for pharmacological interventions against COVID-19, highlighting the possible effects of each drug on the molecular events of viral replication. This review intends to aid future studies for a better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle and the development of pharmacological approaches targeting COVID-19.

Acute Hypertriglyceridaemia Caused by Tocilizumab in a Patient with Severe COVID-19

Treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ) to block interleukin-6 (IL-6) signalling is predicted to mitigate cytokine release syndrome (CRS) caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the adverse effects of TCZ on patients with COVID-19 remain unclear. We herein report a patient with COVID-19 treated with TCZ who developed acute hypertriglyceridaemia. Despite favipiravir treatment, acute respiratory distress syndrome developed in a 45-year-old patient with COVID-19; thus, TCZ was initiated. The triglyceride levels greatly increased after TCZ administration. Physicians should consider the negative impact of TCZ on the lipid profile in patients with COVID-19, although COVID-19-induced CRS itself may be an aggravating factor.

Rationale for the use of sphingosine analogues in COVID-19 patients

Despite the recent announcement of promising drug candidates to treat COVID-19, there is currently no effective antiviral drug or vaccine. There is strong evidence that acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), likely triggered by a cytokine storm, is responsible for the severity of disease seen in COVID-19 patients. In support of this hypothesis, pilot studies using IL-6 receptor inhibitors such as tocilizumab have shown promising results. Therefore, the use of drugs or cocktails of drugs with broader ability to inhibit these cytokine receptors is likely to be effective. In this article, we propose the use of sphingosine analogues, which have been shown to mitigate acute lung damage in animal models of ALI/ARDS, as early adjuvant therapies to prevent and/or mitigate the cytokine response in COVID-19 patients. This proposal is based on the ability of these drugs to decrease the production of IL-6 and other cytokines. The potential application of fingolimod (FTY720), the oldest sphingosine analogue approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, in the early stages of COVID-19 is discussed in more detail as a prototype drug.

[Monoclonal antibodies for anti-infective therapy]

Sera of animal origin and hyperimmunoglobulins have dominated serum therapy for a century. Although numerous monoclonal antibodies (MABs) have been developed since the end of the 1980s, particularly for the treatment of immunological and oncological diseases, it will take 20 years before the first anti-infective MAB is approved in the European Union. Interestingly, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous MABs, which are approved in particular for immunological indications, are currently being used to treat the consequences of SARS-CoV‑2 infection, such as pneumonia or hyperimmune reactions.The approved monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of infectious diseases are presented here. In addition, an overview of the current developments, in particular in the treatment of SARS-CoV‑2 infection, is provided.

Harnessing immunotherapy to combat COVID-19: A modern snake oil or silver bullet?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has emerged into a global health and economic menace. Amidst the COVID-19 turmoil, recent failures/uncertain outcomes in clinical trials involving the anti-malarial (hydroxychloroquine), anti-viral (remdesivir) or the combination of anti-malarial/antibiotic (hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin) regimens have predisposed the physicians to distrust these “highly-touted” drugs for COVID-19. In this milieu, immunotherapy might be a credible modality to target or modify specific/non-specific immune responses that interfere with the survival of intracellular pathogens. This scientific review throws light on the epidemiology of COVID-19, its pathogenesis and the current clinical scenario of immunotherapeutics including convalescent plasma (CP), type-1 interferons (IFN–I) and human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to combat COVID-19. The treatment outcomes underscore that immunotherapy might be a reliable tool to assuage COVID-19-associated immunopathology. However, specific patient pool studies are warranted to ascertain the precise (re)purposing of immunotherapeutics for COVID-19.

Extrapulmonary Clinical Manifestations in COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19 manifestations in symptomatic patients can be in the form of pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction as well. Renal complications, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, endocrine system disorders, myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmia, neurological dysfunctions, dermatological symptoms, hematological manifestations, and thromboinflammation are among the reported extrapulmonary complications. Moreover, the presence of coagulopathy, excessive and dysregulated immune responses, and autoimmunity by COVID-19 patients is considerable. The pathogenesis of infection entails the entry of the virus via receptors on cells, principally angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. Direct virus damage coupled with indirect effects of viral infection including thromboinflammation, dysfunction of the immune system, and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system leads to multiple organ failure. This review outlines the extrapulmonary organ-specific complications and their pathophysiology and epidemiology.

Outcome of COVID-19 patients with use of Tocilizumab: A single center experience

COVID-19 pandemic has become a global concern. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) complicates acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and causes multi-organ failure which can subsequently lead to mortality in COVID-19 patients. Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 antagonist, has shown to salvage patients with cytokine release storm. In this study, we aim to evaluate therapeutic response of Tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients. A single-arm retrospective review of 40 patients with COVID-19, admitted to The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, from March 2020 to May 2020 was performed. Selection of patients for use of Tocilizumab was based on severity of disease, rapid clinical deterioration, presence of CRS and absence of any absolute contraindication to Tocilizumab. Improvement after Tocilizumab was defined as improvement in oxygen requirement and inflammatory parameters. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines like C-reactive protein, ferritin, D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase levels were monitored before and after administering Tocilizumab. Mean age was 62.4 years and 33 (82.5%) were male. 19 (47.5%) patients were critically sick, 18 (45%) were severely sick and 3 (7.5%) were moderately sick. 29 (77.5%) patients showed significant improvement in oxygen requirement, inflammatory parameters and chest x-rays, out of which 28 patients were discharged home. The mean duration between administration of Tocilizumab and overall improvement was 4.3 ± 3.2 days. Hence, Tocilizumab can be used as a possible treatment option in patients with COVID-19 induced CRS but needs monitoring for its adverse effects.

Immunomodulatory-based therapy as a potential promising treatment strategy against severe COVID-19 patients: A systematic review

The global panic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an urgent requirement for effective therapy. COVID-19 infection, especially in severely ill patients, is likely to be associated with immune dysregulation, prompting the development of novel treatment approaches. Therefore, this systematic review was designed to assess the available data regarding the efficacy of the immunomodulatory drugs used to manage COVID-19. A systematic literature search was carried out up to May 27, 2020, in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase) and also Clinicaltrials.gov. Sixty-six publications and 111 clinical trials were recognized as eligible, reporting the efficacy of the immunomodulatory agents, including corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, passive and cytokine-targeted therapies, mesenchymal stem cells, and blood-purification therapy, in COVID-19 patients. The data were found to be heterogeneous, and the clinical trials were yet to post any findings. Medicines were found to regulate the immune system by boosting the innate responses or suppressing the inflammatory reactions. Passive and cytokine-targeted therapies and mesenchymal stem cells were mostly safe and could regulate the disease much better. These studies underscored the significance of severity profiling in COVID-19 patients, along with appropriate timing, duration, and dosage of the therapies. Therefore, this review indicates that immunomodulatory therapies are potentially effective for COVID-19 and provides comprehensive information for clinicians to fight this outbreak. However, there is no consensus on the optimal therapy for COVID-19, reflecting that the immunomodulatory therapies still warrant further investigations.

Insufficient etiological workup of COVID-19-associated acute pancreatitis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, mostly causing respiratory symptoms, is also known to affect the gastrointestinal tract. Several case reports hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 could be an etiological factor in acute pancreatitis (AP).

AIM

To assess all the available evidence in the literature relating to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and AP.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the available literature on the topic. The systematic search was conducted on 15 May 2020 on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus with a search key using the terms “amylase,” “lipase,” “pancr*,” “COVID-19” and synonyms. Due to the low quality and poor comparability of the studies, a meta-analysis was not performed.

RESULTS

Six case reports and two retrospective cohorts were included, containing data on eleven COVID-19 patients with AP. Five patients had AP according to the Atlanta classification. Other publications did not provide sufficient information on the diagnostic criteria. Most cases were considered SARS-CoV-2-induced, while several established etiological factors were not investigated. We were able to identify other possible causes in most of them.

CONCLUSION

We strongly highlight the need for adherence to the guidelines during a diagnostic and etiological workup, which could alter therapy.

The immune system as a target for therapy of SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review of the current immunotherapies for COVID-19

AIMS

The immune response is essential for the control and resolution of viral infections. Following the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), several immunotherapies were applied to modulate the immune responses of the affected patients. In this review, we aimed to describe the role of the immune system in response to COVID-19. We also provide a systematic review to collate and describe all published reports of the using immunotherapies, including convalescent plasma therapy, monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapy, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, and intravenous immunoglobulin and their important outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A thorough search strategy was applied to identify published research trials in PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and EMBASE from Dec 1, 2019, to May 4, 2020, for studies reporting clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated with immunotherapies along with other standard cares.

KEY FINDINGS

From an initial screen of 80 identified studies, 24 studies provided clinical outcome data on the use of immunotherapies for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, including convalescent plasma therapy (33 patients), monoclonal antibodies (55 patients), interferon (31 patients), mesenchymal stem cell therapy (8 patient), and immunoglobulin (63 patients). Except for nine severe patients who died after treatment, most patients were recovered from COVID-19 with improved clinical symptoms and laboratory assessment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on the available evidence, it seems that treatment with immunotherapy along with other standard cares could be an effective and safe approach to modulate the immune system and improvement of clinical outcomes.

Immunology of COVID-19: Mechanisms, clinical outcome, diagnostics, and perspectives-A report of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)

With the worldwide spread of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) resulting in declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, the SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) has become one of the main challenges of our times. The high infection rate and the severe disease course led to major safety and social restriction measures worldwide. There is an urgent need of unbiased expert knowledge guiding the development of efficient treatment and prevention strategies. This report summarizes current immunological data on mechanisms associated with the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 development and progression to the most severe forms. We characterize the differences between adequate innate and adaptive immune response in mild disease and the deep immune dysfunction in the severe multiorgan disease. The similarities of the human immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 and the SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV are underlined. We also summarize known and potential SARS‐CoV‐2 receptors on epithelial barriers, immune cells, endothelium and clinically involved organs such as lung, gut, kidney, cardiovascular, and neuronal system. Finally, we discuss the known and potential mechanisms underlying the involvement of comorbidities, gender, and age in development of COVID‐19. Consequently, we highlight the knowledge gaps and urgent research requirements to provide a quick roadmap for ongoing and needed COVID‐19 studies.

Tackling the cytokine storm in COVID-19, challenges and hopes

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the current world health concern, presenting a public health dilemma with ascending morbidity and mortality rates exceeding any previous viral spread, without a standard effective treatment yet. SARS-CoV-2 infection is distinguished with multiple epidemiological and pathological features, one of them being the elevated levels of cytokine release, which in turn trigger an aberrant uncontrolled response known as "cytokine storm". This phenomenon contributes to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leading to pneumonia and respiratory failure, which is considered a major contributor to COVID-19-associated fatality rates. Taking into account that the vast majority of the COVID-19 cases are aggravated by the respiratory and multiorgan failure triggered by the sustained release of cytokines, implementing therapeutics that alleviate or diminish the upregulated inflammatory response would provide a therapeutic advantage to COVID-19 patients. Indeed, dexamethasone, a widely available and inexpensive corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory effects, has shown a great promise in reducing mortality rates in COVID-19 patients. In this review, we have critically compared the clinical impact of several potential therapeutic agents that could block or interfere with the cytokine storm, such as IL-1 inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, mast cell targeting agents, and corticosteroids. This work focused on highlighting and contrasting the current success and limitations towards the involvement of these agents in future treatment protocols.