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Zubieta-Calleja GR, Zubieta-DeUrioste N. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, High Altitude Cerebral Edema, and Acute Mountain Sickness: an enhanced opinion from the High Andes - La Paz, Bolivia 3,500 m. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:327-338. [PMID: 35487499 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Traveling to high altitudes for entertainment or work is sometimes associated with acute high altitude pathologies. In the past, scientific literature from the lowlander point of view was primarily based on mountain climbing. Sea level scientists developed all guidelines, but they need modifications for medical care in high altitude cities. Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, and High Altitude Cerebral Edema are medical conditions that some travelers can face. We present how to diagnose and treat acute high altitude pathologies, based on 51 years of high altitude physiology research and medical practice in hypobaric hypoxic diseases in La Paz, Bolivia (3,600 m; 11,811 ft), at the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI - IPPA). These can occasionally present after flights to high altitude cities, both in lowlanders or high-altitude residents during re-entry. Acute high altitude ascent diseases can be adequately diagnosed and treated in high altitude cities following the presented guidelines. Treating these high-altitude illnesses, we had no loss of life. Traveling to a high altitude with sound medical advice should not be feared as it has many benefits. Nowadays, altitude descent and evacuation are not mandatory in populated highland cities, with adequate medical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo R Zubieta-Calleja
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), La Paz, Bolivia
- Department of Physiology, Shri B.M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapur 586103, Karnataka, India
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Molano-Franco D, Viruez-Soto A, Gomez M, Beltran E, Villabon M, Sosa A, Ortiz L, Orozco E, Hurtado A, Sanchez L, Arias-Reyes C, Soliz J, Masclans JR. Impact of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Use in Subjects With COVID-19 ARDS at High Altitudes: Clinical Presentation and Prognostic Factors. Respir Care 2023; 69:respcare.10839. [PMID: 37311630 PMCID: PMC10753611 DOI: 10.4187/respcare.10839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) reduces the need for intubation in adult subject with acute respiratory failure. Changes in hypobaric hypoxemia have not been studied for subject with an HFNC in ICUs at altitudes > 2,600 m above sea level. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of HFNC treatment in subjects with COVID-19 at high altitudes. We hypothesized that progressive hypoxemia and the increase in breathing frequency associated with COVID-19 in high altitudes affect the success of HFNC therapy and may also influence the performance of the traditionally used predictors of success and failure. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of subjects >18 y with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19-induced ARDS requiring HFNC who were admitted to the ICU. Subjects were followed up during the 28 d of HFNC treatment or until failure. RESULTS One hundred and eight subjects were enrolled. At admission to the ICU, FIO2 delivery between 0.5-0.8 (odds ratio 0.38 [95% CI 0.17-0.84]) was associated with a better response to HFNC therapy than oxygen delivery on admission between 0.8-1.0 (odds ratio 3.58 [95% CI 1.56-8.22]). This relationship continued during follow-ups at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h, with a progressive increase in the risk of failure (odds ratio 24 h 13.99 [95% CI 4.32-45.26]). A new cutoff for the ratio of oxygen saturation (ROX) index (ROX ≥ 4.88) after 24 h of HFNC administration was demonstrated to be the best predictor of success (odds ratio 11.0 [95% CI 3.3-47.0]). CONCLUSIONS High-altitude subjects treated with HFNC for COVID-19 showed a high risk of respiratory failure and progressive hypoxemia when FIO2 requirements were > 0.8 after 24 h of treatment. In these subjects, personalized management should include continuous monitoring of individual clinical conditions (such as oxygenation indices, with cutoffs adapted to those corresponding to high-altitude cities).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Molano-Franco
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Antonio Viruez-Soto
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital del Norte and Hospital Agramont of El Alto City, Research Center GIMIA, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Mario Gomez
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Edgar Beltran
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mario Villabon
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angela Sosa
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Leidy Ortiz
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Estefania Orozco
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Hurtado
- Intensive Care Unit Hospital de San José, Foundation University of Health Sciences, CIMCA Research Centre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lida Sanchez
- Université Laval, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Arias-Reyes
- Université Laval, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada; and Brain Research Center, High-Altitude Research Foundation, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Jorge Soliz
- Université Laval, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada; and Brain Research Center, High-Altitude Research Foundation, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Joan R Masclans
- Critical Care Department, Hospital del Mar de Barcelona, Spain; and Grupo de Investigación en Patología Crítica, IMIM, Departamento de Medicina y Ciéncias de la Vida (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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Rodrigues de Moraes L, Robba C, Battaglini D, Pelosi P, Rocco PRM, Silva PL. New and personalized ventilatory strategies in patients with COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1194773. [PMID: 37332761 PMCID: PMC10273276 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1194773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and may lead to severe respiratory failure and the need for mechanical ventilation (MV). At hospital admission, patients can present with severe hypoxemia and dyspnea requiring increasingly aggressive MV strategies according to the clinical severity: noninvasive respiratory support (NRS), MV, and the use of rescue strategies such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Among NRS strategies, new tools have been adopted for critically ill patients, with advantages and disadvantages that need to be further elucidated. Advances in the field of lung imaging have allowed better understanding of the disease, not only the pathophysiology of COVID-19 but also the consequences of ventilatory strategies. In cases of refractory hypoxemia, the use of ECMO has been advocated and knowledge on handling and how to personalize strategies have increased during the pandemic. The aims of the present review are to: (1) discuss the evidence on different devices and strategies under NRS; (2) discuss new and personalized management under MV based on the pathophysiology of COVID-19; and (3) contextualize the use of rescue strategies such as ECMO in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rodrigues de Moraes
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Chiara Robba
- Unit of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Hospital (IRCCS), Genoa, Italy
| | - Denise Battaglini
- Unit of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Hospital (IRCCS), Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Unit of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Hospital (IRCCS), Genoa, Italy
| | - Patricia R. M. Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Leme Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Vélez-Páez JL, Aguayo-Moscoso SX, Castro-Bustamante C, Montalvo-Villagómez M, Jara-González F, Baldeón-Rojas L, Zubieta-DeUrioste N, Battaglini D, Zubieta-Calleja GR. Biomarkers as predictors of mortality in critically ill obese patients with COVID-19 at high altitude. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:112. [PMID: 37024861 PMCID: PMC10078096 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a common chronic comorbidity of patients with COVID-19, that has been associated with disease severity and mortality. COVID-19 at high altitude seems to be associated with increased rate of ICU discharge and hospital survival than at sea-level, despite higher immune levels and inflammation. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the survival rate of critically ill obese patients with COVID-19 at altitude in comparison with overweight and normal patients. Secondary aims were to assess the predictive factors for mortality, characteristics of mechanical ventilation setting, extubation rates, and analytical parameters. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study in critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to a hospital in Quito-Ecuador (2,850 m) from Apr 1, 2020, to Nov 1, 2021. Patients were cathegorized as normal weight, overweight, and obese, according to body mass index [BMI]). RESULTS In the final analysis 340 patients were included, of whom 154 (45%) were obese, of these 35 (22.7%) were hypertensive and 25 (16.2%) were diabetic. Mortality in obese patients (31%) was lower than in the normal weight (48%) and overweight (40%) groups, but not statistically significant (p = 0.076). At multivariable analysis, in the overall population, older age (> 50 years) was independent risk factor for mortality (B = 0.93, Wald = 14.94, OR = 2.54 95%CI = 1.58-4.07, p < 0.001). Ferritin and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were independent predictors of mortality in obese patients. Overweight and obese patients required more positive and-expiratory pressure compared to normal-weight patients. In obese patients, plateau pressure and mechanical power were significantly higher, whereas extubation failure was lower as compared to overweight and normal weight. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study suggests that BMI was not associated with mortality in critically ill patients at high altitude. Age was associated with an increase in mortality independent of the BMI. Biomarkers such as ferritin and neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio were independent predictors of mortality in obese patients with COVID-19 at high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Luis Vélez-Páez
- Centro de Investigación Clínica, Hospital Pablo Arturo Suárez, Unidad de Terapia Intensiva, Quito, Ecuador.
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
| | | | | | - Mario Montalvo-Villagómez
- Centro de Investigación Clínica, Hospital Pablo Arturo Suárez, Unidad de Terapia Intensiva, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Fernando Jara-González
- Centro de Investigación Clínica, Hospital Pablo Arturo Suárez, Unidad de Terapia Intensiva, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lucy Baldeón-Rojas
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
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Petilli Zopelari LM, Viana DR, Carvalho da Silva MM, Facio CA, Arcuri JF, Pires Di Lorenzo VA. Oxygen Desaturation and Persistence of Symptoms During Activities of Daily Living in Patients Following Hospital Discharge for COVID-19. Respir Care 2023; 68:346-355. [PMID: 36596651 PMCID: PMC10027153 DOI: 10.4187/respcare.09980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 can cause respiratory and multisystemic impairments, which lead to impaired activities of daily living (ADL). Telemonitoring after discharge from the hospital may help identify the persistence of such limitations during ADLs simulations. The aim of this study was to compare SpO2 , fatigue, and dyspnea through telemonitoring during a battery of 4 ADLs in patients following hospital discharge for COVID-19. METHODS An observational cross-sectional study was conducted by using teleconferencing for patients 30 d after hospital discharge for COVID-19. The subjects were assessed and performed a simulated ADL battery (ie, walking, bathing and dressing, floor sweeping, and folding towels). SpO2 , fatigue, and dyspnea were monitored immediately after the end of each ADL; also, the subjects were asked to show the pulse oximeter on camera and grade their symptoms by using the Borg scale score (0-10). RESULTS Sixty-six subjects were evaluated, all of whom were normoxic at rest. No significant difference in SpO2 was found among the ADLs. A portion of the subjects experienced desaturation on at least 1 ADL, which allowed subject grouping into the desaturated group, with highest portion of subjects who desaturated found during the walking task (18%), and the non-desaturated group. The subjects who desaturated were found to have more cardiovascular diseases (P = .031) and diabetes mellitus (P = .005) compared with those who did not desaturate. Both groups experienced mild symptoms; however, a percentage of the subjects with desaturation presented moderate-to-intense symptoms, with higher fatigue scores during walking, bathing and dressing, and floor sweeping. Increased dyspnea was also found during walking and during bathing and dressing in the subjects with desaturation. CONCLUSIONS SpO2 was similar among the ADLs but walking triggered desaturation in a larger number of subjects. The subjects presented with mild-to-intense fatigue and dyspnea during ADLs 30 d after discharge after hospitalization for COVID-19 regardless of desaturation status, which demonstrated that the persistence of symptoms is independent of hypoxemia during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daiane R Viana
- Postgraduate Program of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Carina A Facio
- Postgraduate Program of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano F Arcuri
- Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio Universitary Center, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zubieta-Calleja GR, Zubieta-DeUrioste N, de Jesús Montelongo F, Sanchez MGR, Campoverdi AF, Rocco PRM, Battaglini D, Ball L, Pelosi P. Morphological and functional findings in COVID-19 lung disease as compared to Pneumonia, ARDS, and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2023; 309:104000. [PMID: 36460252 PMCID: PMC9707029 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2022.104000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) may severely affect respiratory function and evolve to life-threatening hypoxia. The clinical experience led to the implementation of standardized protocols assuming similarity to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Understanding the histopathological and functional patterns is essential to better understand the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and then develop new therapeutic strategies. Epithelial and endothelial cell damage can result from the virus attack, thus leading to immune-mediated response. Pulmonary histopathological findings show the presence of Mallory bodies, alveolar coating cells with nuclear atypia, reactive pneumocytes, reparative fibrosis, intra-alveolar hemorrhage, moderate inflammatory infiltrates, micro-abscesses, microthrombus, hyaline membrane fragments, and emphysema-like lung areas. COVID-19 patients may present different respiratory stages from silent to critical hypoxemia, are associated with the degree of pulmonary parenchymal involvement, thus yielding alteration of ventilation and perfusion relationships. This review aims to: discuss the morphological (histopathological and radiological) and functional findings of COVID-19 compared to acute interstitial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), four entities that share common clinical traits, but have peculiar pathophysiological features with potential implications to their clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Felipe de Jesús Montelongo
- Critical and Neurointensive Care Unit and Pathology Department, Hospital General de Ecatepec “Las Américas”, Instituto de Salud del Estado de México, México
| | - Manuel Gabriel Romo Sanchez
- Critical and Neurointensive Care Unit and Pathology Department, Hospital General de Ecatepec “Las Américas”, Instituto de Salud del Estado de México, México
| | | | - Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,COVID-19 Virus Network, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Denise Battaglini
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy,Corresponding author
| | - Lorenzo Ball
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy,Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy,Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Statsenko Y, Habuza T, Talako T, Pazniak M, Likhorad E, Pazniak A, Beliakouski P, Gelovani JG, Gorkom KNV, Almansoori TM, Al Zahmi F, Qandil DS, Zaki N, Elyassami S, Ponomareva A, Loney T, Naidoo N, Mannaerts GHH, Al Koteesh J, Ljubisavljevic MR, Das KM. Deep Learning-Based Automatic Assessment of Lung Impairment in COVID-19 Pneumonia: Predicting Markers of Hypoxia With Computer Vision. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:882190. [PMID: 35957860 PMCID: PMC9360571 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.882190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypoxia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can be seen in pneumonia patients. Objective We aimed to develop and test an automatic assessment of lung impairment in COVID-19 associated pneumonia with machine learning regression models that predict markers of respiratory and cardiovascular functioning from radiograms and lung CT. Materials and Methods We enrolled a total of 605 COVID-19 cases admitted to Al Ain Hospital from 24 February to 1 July 2020 into the study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 18 years; inpatient admission; PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2; lung CT available at PACS. We designed a CNN-based regression model to predict systemic oxygenation markers from lung CT and 2D diagnostic images of the chest. The 2D images generated by averaging CT scans were analogous to the frontal and lateral view radiograms. The functional (heart and breath rate, blood pressure) and biochemical findings (SpO2, HCO3-, K+, Na+, anion gap, C-reactive protein) served as ground truth. Results Radiologic findings in the lungs of COVID-19 patients provide reliable assessments of functional status with clinical utility. If fed to ML models, the sagittal view radiograms reflect dyspnea more accurately than the coronal view radiograms due to the smaller size and the lower model complexity. Mean absolute error of the models trained on single-projection radiograms was approximately 11÷12% and it dropped by 0.5÷1% if both projections were used (11.97 ± 9.23 vs. 11.43 ± 7.51%; p = 0.70). Thus, the ML regression models based on 2D images acquired in multiple planes had slightly better performance. The data blending approach was as efficient as the voting regression technique: 10.90 ± 6.72 vs. 11.96 ± 8.30%, p = 0.94. The models trained on 3D images were more accurate than those on 2D: 8.27 ± 4.13 and 11.75 ± 8.26%, p = 0.14 before lung extraction; 10.66 ± 5.83 and 7.94 ± 4.13%, p = 0.18 after the extraction. The lung extraction boosts 3D model performance unsubstantially (from 8.27 ± 4.13 to 7.94 ± 4.13%; p = 0.82). However, none of the differences between 3D and 2D were statistically significant. Conclusion The constructed ML algorithms can serve as models of structure-function association and pathophysiologic changes in COVID-19. The algorithms can improve risk evaluation and disease management especially after oxygen therapy that changes functional findings. Thus, the structural assessment of acute lung injury speaks of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yauhen Statsenko
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi Precision Medicine Virtual Research Institute (AD PM VRI), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Yauhen Statsenko
| | - Tetiana Habuza
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Tetiana Habuza
| | - Tatsiana Talako
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Elena Likhorad
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Eye Microsurgery Center “Voka”, Minsk, Belarus
- Elena Likhorad
| | | | | | - Juri G. Gelovani
- Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Klaus Neidl-Van Gorkom
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Taleb M. Almansoori
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatmah Al Zahmi
- Department of Neurology, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dana Sharif Qandil
- College of Medical Sciences, Ras Al Khaimah Medical Health and Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nazar Zaki
- Abu Dhabi Precision Medicine Virtual Research Institute (AD PM VRI), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sanaa Elyassami
- Department of Computer Science, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anna Ponomareva
- Scientific-Research Institute of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tom Loney
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nerissa Naidoo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Guido Hein Huib Mannaerts
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Surgery, Tawam Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jamal Al Koteesh
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Radiology, Tawam Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Jamal Al Koteesh
| | - Milos R. Ljubisavljevic
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karuna M. Das
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Aminianfar M, Soleiman-Meigooni S, Hamidi-Farahani R, Darvishi M, Hoseini-Shokouh SJ, Asgari A, Faraji-Hormozi S, Asli M. Efficacy of Red Blood Cell Exchange as Adjunctive Treatment for Hypoxemia and Survival Rate of Patients With Severe Coronavirus-2 Disease: An Open-Labeled Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:899593. [PMID: 35872770 PMCID: PMC9304762 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.899593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 may infect red blood cells (RBCs) and impact oxygenation. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RBC exchange as an adjunctive treatment for hypoxemia and the survival rate of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods In a randomized clinical trial, we divided sixty patients with severe COVID-19 into two groups. The intervention group received the standard treatment of severe COVID-19 with RBC exchange three to four times in 2 days. The control group only received the standard treatment. Our primary outcomes were improving hypoxemia in 7 days, recovery or discharge, and death in 28 days. We conducted Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and Fisher’s exact test to analyze the results. The ethical committee of Aja University of Medical Sciences approved the study (IR.AJAUMS.REC.1399.054), and the Iranian clinical trial registration organization registered it (IRCT20160316027081N2). Results Twenty-nine men and thirty-one women with a mean age of 67.5 years entered the study. The frequency of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 86.7 and 68.3%, respectively. The most common symptoms of severe COVID-19 were dyspnea (91.6%), cough (75%), and fever (66.6%). Our results showed that hypoxemia improved in 21 of the 30 patients (70%) in the intervention group and 10 of the 30 patients (33.3%) in the control group (P < 0.004). The recovery and discharge rates were 19 of 30 patients (63.3%) in the intervention group and 2 of 30 patients (6.7%) in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion The RBC exchange improved the oxygenation and survival rate in patients with severe COVID-19.
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Al-kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Al-Hamash SM, Cavalu S, El-Bouseary MM, Sonbol FI, Batiha GES. Changes in the Blood Viscosity in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:876017. [PMID: 35783600 PMCID: PMC9247235 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.876017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperinflammation together with alteration of plasma proteins, erythrocyte deformability, and platelet activation, may affect blood viscosity. Thus, this review aimed to study the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and alteration of blood viscosity in COVID-19 patients. In order to review findings related to hyperviscosity in COVID-19, we suggested a protocol for narrative review of related published COVID-19 articles. Hyperviscosity syndrome is developed in different hematological disorders including multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, Waldenstorm macroglobulinemia, polycythemia, and leukemia. In COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 may affect erythrocyte morphology via binding of membrane cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) receptors, and B and 3 proteins on the erythrocyte membrane. Variations in erythrocyte fragility and deformability with endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause hyperviscosity syndrome in COVID-19. Of interest, hyperviscosity syndrome in COVID-19 may cause poor tissue perfusion, peripheral vascular resistance, and thrombosis. Most of the COVID-19 patients with a blood viscosity more than 3.5 cp may develop coagulation disorders. Of interest, hyperviscosity syndrome is more commonly developed in vaccine recipients who had formerly received the COVID-19 vaccine due to higher underlying immunoglobulin concentrations, and only infrequently in those who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine. Taken together, these observations are untimely too early to give a final connotation between COVID-19 vaccination and the risk for development of hyperviscosity syndrome, consequently prospective and retrospective studies are necessary in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Maisra M. El-Bouseary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Maisra M. El-Bouseary,
| | - Fatma I. Sonbol
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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10
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, El-Bouseary MM, Sonbol FI, Batiha GES. Hyperviscosity syndrome in COVID-19 and related vaccines: exploring of uncertainties. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00836-x. [PMID: 35608715 PMCID: PMC9128329 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00836-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) recently emerged as a complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, the objectives of this critical review are to establish the association between COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines with the development of HVS. HVS may develop in various viral infections due to impairment of humoral and cellular immunity with elevation of immunoglobulins. COVID-19 can increase blood viscosity (BV) through modulation of fibrinogen, albumin, lipoproteins, and red blood cell (RBC) indices. HVS can cause cardiovascular and neurological complications in COVID-19 like myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. HVS with or without abnormal RBCs function in COVID-19 participates in the reduction of tissue oxygenation with the development of cardio-metabolic complications and long COVID-19. Besides, HVS may develop in vaccine recipients with previous COVID-19 due to higher underlying Ig concentrations and rarely without previous COVID-19. Similarly, patients with metabolic syndrome are at the highest risk for propagation of HVS after COVID-19 vaccination. In conclusion, COVID-19 and related vaccines are linked with the development of HVS, mainly in patients with previous COVID-19 and underlying metabolic derangements. The possible mechanism of HVS in COVID-19 and related vaccines is increasing levels of fibrinogen and immunoglobulins. However, dehydration, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions are regarded as additional contributing factors in the pathogenesis of HVS in COVID-19. However, this critical review cannot determine the final causal relationship between COVID-19 and related vaccines and the development of HVS. Prospective and retrospective studies are warranted in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Maisra M El-Bouseary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Fatma I Sonbol
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt.
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11
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Ong JY, Wang CH, Ms YST, Chen FL, Lee CH, Ou TY. Nosocomial septicemia in COVID-19 Nosocomial K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica Septicemia in a Patient of COVID-19. J Infect 2022; 85:90-122. [PMID: 35395320 PMCID: PMC8982476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ywi Ong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hui Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei Taiwan; Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-San Tsai Ms
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Nursing and Healthcare Research in Clinical Practice Application, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Lun Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsong-Yih Ou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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12
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Ball L, Silva PL, Giacobbe DR, Bassetti M, Zubieta-Calleja GR, Rocco PRM, Pelosi P. Understanding the pathophysiology of typical acute respiratory distress syndrome and severe COVID-19. Expert Rev Respir Med 2022; 16:437-446. [PMID: 35341424 PMCID: PMC9115784 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2057300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Typical acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and severe coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia share complex pathophysiology, a high mortality rate, and an unmet need for efficient therapeutics. Areas covered This review discusses the current advances in understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying typical ARDS and severe COVID-19 pneumonia, highlighting specific aspects of COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure that require attention. Two models have been proposed to describe the mechanisms of respiratory failure associated with typical ARDS and severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Expert opinion ARDS is defined as a syndrome rather than a distinct pathologic entity. There is great heterogeneity regarding the pathophysiologic, clinical, radiologic, and biological phenotypes in patients with ARDS, challenging clinicians, and scientists to discover new therapies. COVID-19 has been described as a cause of pulmonary ARDS and has reopened many questions regarding the pathophysiology of ARDS itself. COVID-19 lung injury involves direct viral epithelial cell damage and thrombotic and inflammatory reactions. There are some differences between ARDS and COVID-19 lung injury in aspects of aeration distribution, perfusion, and pulmonary vascular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ball
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pedro Leme Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Patricia R M Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
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13
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Ribeiro A, Mendonça M, Sabina Sousa C, Trigueiro Barbosa M, Morais-Almeida M. Prevalence, Presentation and Outcomes of Silent Hypoxemia in COVID-19. Clin Med Insights Circ Respir Pulm Med 2022; 16:11795484221082761. [PMID: 35221741 PMCID: PMC8872812 DOI: 10.1177/11795484221082761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyspnea is reported in a minority of patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Even patients with pneumonia can present hypoxemia without any respiratory distress, a phenomenon known as “silent” or “happy hypoxemia”. During the current pandemic there were only a few studies conducted on this subject and these were quite heterogeneous. Therefore, the prevalence of “silent hypoxemia” varied substantially. While studies did not show a clear tendency of “silent hypoxemia” to poorer outcomes compared to hypoxemia presenting with dyspnea, several showed that patients with “silent hypoxemia” are not protected from poor outcomes either. There is a need for a uniform definition of “silent hypoxemia”, in order to better guide clinicians and investigators. More studies are needed to shed light on the mechanisms of “silent hypoxemia”, as well as its presentation and influence in the disease's progression and outcomes, so as to better assist physicians in the care of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélia Ribeiro
- Pulmonology Department, Hospital Centre of Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal.,Allergy Centre, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mauro Mendonça
- Anesthesiology Department, Central Hospital of Funchal, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Sabina Sousa
- Allergy Centre, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisboa, Portugal.,Pulmonology Department, Central Hospital of Funchal, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Miguel Trigueiro Barbosa
- Pulmonology Department, Hospital Centre of Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal.,Allergy Centre, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisboa, Portugal
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14
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Machluf Y, Rosenfeld S, Ben Shlomo I, Chaiter Y, Dekel Y. The Misattributed and Silent Causes of Poor COVID-19 Outcomes Among Pregnant Women. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:745797. [PMID: 34765620 PMCID: PMC8575767 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.745797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abundant evidence strongly suggests that the condition of pregnancy makes women and their fetuses highly vulnerable to severe Corona-virus 2019 (COVID-19) complications. Here, two novel hypoxia-related conditions are proposed to play a pivotal role in better understanding the relationship between COVID-19, pregnancy and poor health outcomes. The first condition, "misattributed dyspnea (shortness of breath)" refers to respiratory symptoms common to both advanced pregnancy and COVID-19, which are mistakenly perceived as related to the former rather than to the latter; as a result, pregnant women with this condition receive no medical attention until the disease is in an advanced stage. The second condition, "silent hypoxia", refers to abnormally low blood oxygen saturation levels in COVID-19 patients, which occur in the absence of typical respiratory distress symptoms, such as dyspnea, thereby also leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The delay in diagnosis and referral to treatment, due to either "misattributed dypsnea" or "silent hypoxia", may lead to rapid deterioration and poor health outcome to both the mothers and their fetuses. This is particularly valid among women during advanced stages of pregnancy as the altered respiratory features make the consequences of the disease more challenging to cope with. Studies have demonstrated the importance of monitoring blood oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry as a reliable predictor of disease severity and outcome among COVID-19 patients. We propose the use of home pulse oximetry during pregnancy as a diagnostic measure that, together with proper medical guidance, may allow early diagnosis of hypoxia and better health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossy Machluf
- Unit of Agrigenomics, Shamir Research Institute, Haifa University, Kazerin, Israel
| | - Sherman Rosenfeld
- The Department of Science Teaching, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Izhar Ben Shlomo
- Emergency Medicine Program, Zefat Academic College, Safed, Israel
| | - Yoram Chaiter
- The Israeli Center for Emerging Technologies in Hospitals and Hospital-Based Health Technology Assessment, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Yaron Dekel
- Unit of Agrigenomics, Shamir Research Institute, Haifa University, Kazerin, Israel
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Zefat Academic College, Safed, Israel
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15
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Chong WH, Saha BK, Chopra A. Does COVID-19 pneumonia signify secondary organizing pneumonia?: A narrative review comparing the similarities between these two distinct entities. Heart Lung 2021; 50:667-674. [PMID: 34098237 PMCID: PMC8164344 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Multiple observational studies have described the similarities between COVID-19 pneumonia and organizing pneumonia (OP). These two entities clinically manifest with mild and subacute respiratory symptoms, often with a delayed diagnosis due to the atypical ARDS and silent hypoxemia presentation. Radiological features are often indistinguishable between the two. With the increase in antemortem lung biopsies and autopsies being performed, more histopathological findings of OP and its variant, acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP), are being diagnosed. These entities are known complications of viral infections as a delayed immunological process, explaining the favorable response to corticosteroids. Clinicians should be vigilant to diagnose this under-recognized entity of secondary OP in people with COVID-19 when clinical deterioration occurs, especially with compatible radiologic findings and recent cessation of corticosteroids. Despite the proven benefits of corticosteroids in treating COVID-19, treatment approaches can be more effective as OP often requires higher doses and a more prolonged therapy duration for remission and preventing relapses. The purpose of our narrative review is to compare the similarities between COVID-19 pneumonia and OP, emphasizing the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features based on the evidence available in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woon H Chong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany 12208, New York, USA.
| | - Biplab K Saha
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, Missouri, USA
| | - Amit Chopra
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany 12208, New York, USA
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16
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Zubieta-Calleja G, Zubieta-DeUrioste N. The Oxygen Transport Triad in High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema: A Perspective from the High Andes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7619. [PMID: 34300070 PMCID: PMC8305285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute high-altitude illnesses are of great concern for physicians and people traveling to high altitude. Our recent article "Acute Mountain Sickness, High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema, a View from the High Andes" was questioned by some sea-level high-altitude experts. As a result of this, we answer some observations and further explain our opinion on these diseases. High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) can be better understood through the Oxygen Transport Triad, which involves the pneumo-dynamic pump (ventilation), the hemo-dynamic pump (heart and circulation), and hemoglobin. The two pumps are the first physiologic response upon initial exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Hemoglobin is the balancing energy-saving time-evolving equilibrating factor. The acid-base balance must be adequately interpreted using the high-altitude Van Slyke correction factors. Pulse-oximetry measurements during breath-holding at high altitude allow for the evaluation of high altitude diseases. The Tolerance to Hypoxia Formula shows that, paradoxically, the higher the altitude, the more tolerance to hypoxia. In order to survive, all organisms adapt physiologically and optimally to the high-altitude environment, and there cannot be any "loss of adaptation". A favorable evolution in HAPE and pulmonary hypertension can result from the oxygen treatment along with other measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Av. Copacabana Prolongacion #55, La Paz 2826, Bolivia;
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17
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Kuznetsova TA, Andryukov BG, Makarenkova ID, Zaporozhets TS, Besednova NN, Fedyanina LN, Kryzhanovsky SP, Shchelkanov MY. The Potency of Seaweed Sulfated Polysaccharides for the Correction of Hemostasis Disorders in COVID-19. Molecules 2021; 26:2618. [PMID: 33947107 PMCID: PMC8124591 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemostasis disorders play an important role in the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and outcome of COVID-19. First of all, the hemostasis system suffers due to a complicated and severe course of COVID-19. A significant number of COVID-19 patients develop signs of hypercoagulability, thrombocytopenia, and hyperfibrinolysis. Patients with severe COVID-19 have a tendency toward thrombotic complications in the venous and arterial systems, which is the leading cause of death in this disease. Despite the success achieved in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, the search for new effective anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and fibrinolytics, as well as their optimal dose strategies, continues to be relevant. The wide therapeutic potential of seaweed sulfated polysaccharides (PSs), including anticoagulant, thrombolytic, and fibrinolytic activities, opens up new possibilities for their study in experimental and clinical trials. These natural compounds can be important complementary drugs for the recovery from hemostasis disorders due to their natural origin, safety, and low cost compared to synthetic drugs. In this review, the authors analyze possible pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the hemostasis disorders observed in the pathological progression of COVID-19, and also focus the attention of researchers on seaweed PSs as potential drugs aimed to correction these disorders in COVID-19 patients. Modern literature data on the anticoagulant, antithrombotic, and fibrinolytic activities of seaweed PSs are presented, depending on their structural features (content and position of sulfate groups on the main chain of PSs, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and type of glycosidic bonds, the degree of PS chain branching, etc.). The mechanisms of PS action on the hemostasis system and the issues of oral bioavailability of PSs, important for their clinical use as oral anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents, are considered. The combination of the anticoagulant, thrombolytic, and fibrinolytic properties, along with low toxicity and relative cheapness of production, open up prospects for the clinical use of PSs as alternative sources of new anticoagulant and antithrombotic compounds. However, further investigation and clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana A. Kuznetsova
- G.P. Somov Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (B.G.A.); (I.D.M.); (T.S.Z.); (N.N.B.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Boris G. Andryukov
- G.P. Somov Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (B.G.A.); (I.D.M.); (T.S.Z.); (N.N.B.); (M.Y.S.)
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 690091 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Ilona D. Makarenkova
- G.P. Somov Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (B.G.A.); (I.D.M.); (T.S.Z.); (N.N.B.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Tatyana S. Zaporozhets
- G.P. Somov Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (B.G.A.); (I.D.M.); (T.S.Z.); (N.N.B.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Natalya N. Besednova
- G.P. Somov Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (B.G.A.); (I.D.M.); (T.S.Z.); (N.N.B.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Ludmila N. Fedyanina
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 690091 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Sergey P. Kryzhanovsky
- Medical Association of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Mikhail Yu. Shchelkanov
- G.P. Somov Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (B.G.A.); (I.D.M.); (T.S.Z.); (N.N.B.); (M.Y.S.)
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 690091 Vladivostok, Russia;
- Federal Scientific Center of the Eastern Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
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18
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Ball L, Robba C, Maiello L, Herrmann J, Gerard SE, Xin Y, Battaglini D, Brunetti I, Minetti G, Seitun S, Vena A, Giacobbe DR, Bassetti M, Rocco PRM, Cereda M, Castellan L, Patroniti N, Pelosi P. Computed tomography assessment of PEEP-induced alveolar recruitment in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Crit Care 2021; 25:81. [PMID: 33627160 PMCID: PMC7903929 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-021-03477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of data concerning the optimal ventilator management in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia; particularly, the optimal levels of positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) are unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of two levels of PEEP on alveolar recruitment in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS A single-center cohort study was conducted in a 39-bed intensive care unit at a university-affiliated hospital in Genoa, Italy. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed to quantify aeration at 8 and 16 cmH2O PEEP. The primary endpoint was the amount of alveolar recruitment, defined as the change in the non-aerated compartment at the two PEEP levels on CT scan. RESULTS Forty-two patients were included in this analysis. Alveolar recruitment was median [interquartile range] 2.7 [0.7-4.5] % of lung weight and was not associated with excess lung weight, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, respiratory system compliance, inflammatory and thrombophilia markers. Patients in the upper quartile of recruitment (recruiters), compared to non-recruiters, had comparable clinical characteristics, lung weight and gas volume. Alveolar recruitment was not different in patients with lower versus higher respiratory system compliance. In a subgroup of 20 patients with available gas exchange data, increasing PEEP decreased respiratory system compliance (median difference, MD - 9 ml/cmH2O, 95% CI from - 12 to - 6 ml/cmH2O, p < 0.001) and the ventilatory ratio (MD - 0.1, 95% CI from - 0.3 to - 0.1, p = 0.003), increased PaO2 with FiO2 = 0.5 (MD 24 mmHg, 95% CI from 12 to 51 mmHg, p < 0.001), but did not change PaO2 with FiO2 = 1.0 (MD 7 mmHg, 95% CI from - 12 to 49 mmHg, p = 0.313). Moreover, alveolar recruitment was not correlated with improvement of oxygenation or venous admixture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, higher PEEP resulted in limited alveolar recruitment. These findings suggest limiting PEEP strictly to the values necessary to maintain oxygenation, thus avoiding the use of higher PEEP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ball
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 16, Genoa, Italy.
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Robba
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maiello
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 16, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jacob Herrmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Gerard
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Xin
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Denise Battaglini
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Iole Brunetti
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Minetti
- Radiology Department, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Seitun
- Radiology Department, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Vena
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patricia R M Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maurizio Cereda
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lucio Castellan
- Radiology Department, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicolò Patroniti
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 16, Genoa, Italy
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 16, Genoa, Italy
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia e le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
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19
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Zarrilli G, Angerilli V, Businello G, Sbaraglia M, Traverso G, Fortarezza F, Rizzo S, Gaspari MD, Basso C, Calabrese F, Dei Tos AP, Fassan M. The Immunopathological and Histological Landscape of COVID-19-Mediated Lung Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:974. [PMID: 33478107 PMCID: PMC7835817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A complete understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) physiopathology and related histopathologic lesions is necessary to improve treatment and outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Many studies have focused on autopsy findings in COVID-19-related deaths to try and define any possible specific pattern. Histopathologic alterations are principally found within lungs and blood vessels, and these abnormalities also seem to have the highest clinical impact. Nevertheless, many of the morphological data collected so far are non-specific, fickle, and possibly associated with other co-existing factors. The aim of this minireview is to describe the main histopathological features related to COVID-19 and the mechanism known as "cytokine storm".
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Zarrilli
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.A.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Valentina Angerilli
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.A.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Gianluca Businello
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.A.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.A.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Francesco Fortarezza
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (S.R.); (M.D.G.); (C.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (S.R.); (M.D.G.); (C.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Monica De Gaspari
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (S.R.); (M.D.G.); (C.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (S.R.); (M.D.G.); (C.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Fiorella Calabrese
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (S.R.); (M.D.G.); (C.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.A.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.A.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
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20
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Rello J, Belliato M, Dimopoulos MA, Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ, Jaksic V, Martin-Loeches I, Mporas I, Pelosi P, Poulakou G, Pournaras S, Tamae-Kakazu M, Timsit JF, Waterer G, Tejada S, Dimopoulos G. Update in COVID-19 in the intensive care unit from the 2020 HELLENIC Athens International symposium. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2020; 39:723-730. [PMID: 33172592 PMCID: PMC7580531 DOI: 10.1016/j.accpm.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The 2020 International Web Scientific Event in COVID-19 pandemic in critically ill patients aimed at updating the information and knowledge on the COVID-19 pandemic in the intensive care unit. Experts reviewed the latest literature relating to the COVID-19 pandemic in critically ill patients, such as epidemiology, pathophysiology, phenotypes of infection, COVID-19 as a systematic infection, molecular diagnosis, mechanical ventilation, thromboprophylaxis, COVID-19 associated co-infections, immunotherapy, plasma treatment, catheter-related bloodstream infections, artificial intelligence for COVID-19, and vaccination. Antiviral therapy and co-infections are out of the scope of this review. In this review, each of these issues is discussed with key messages regarding management and further research being presented after a brief review of available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Rello
- Clinical Research/Epidemiology in Pneumonia & Sepsis (CRIPS), Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Clinical Research in the ICU, Anaesthesia Department, CHU Nimes, Université de Nimes-Montpellier, France
| | - Mirko Belliato
- Anestesia e Rianimazione II Cardiopolmonare, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ignacio Martin-Loeches
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Multidisciplinary Intensive Care Research Organization (MICRO), Department of Intensive Care Medicine, St. James's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iosif Mporas
- School of Physics Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy
| | - Garyphallia Poulakou
- 3(rd) Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria General Hospital of Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Pournaras
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbioloy, ATTIKON University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maximiliano Tamae-Kakazu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Spectrum Health - Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Jean-François Timsit
- AP-HP, Bichat Hospital, Medical and Infectious Diseases ICU (MI2), F-75018 Paris, France; University of Paris, IAME, INSERM, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Grant Waterer
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sofia Tejada
- Clinical Research/Epidemiology in Pneumonia & Sepsis (CRIPS), Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Greece
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21
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Zubieta-Calleja G, Zubieta-DeUrioste N, Venkatesh T, Das KK, Soliz J. COVID-19 and Pneumolysis Simulating Extreme High-altitude Exposure with Altered Oxygen Transport Physiology; Multiple Diseases, and Scarce Need of Ventilators: Andean Condor's-eye-view. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2020; 15:347-359. [PMID: 32981508 DOI: 10.2174/1574887115666200925141108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical hypoxia in this COVID-19 pandemic results in high mortality and economic loss worldwide. Initially, this disease' pathophysiology was poorly understood and interpreted as a SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) pneumonia. The severe atypical lung CAT scan images alerted all countries, including the poorest, to purchase lacking sophisticated ventilators. However, up to 88% of the patients on ventilators lost their lives. It was suggested that COVID-19 could be similar to a High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). New observations and pathological findings are gradually clarifying the disease. METHODS As high-altitude medicine and hypoxia physiology specialists working and living in the highlands for over 50 years, we perform a perspective analysis of hypoxic diseases treated at high altitudes and compare them to Covid-19. Oxygen transport physiology, SARS-Cov-2 characteristics, and its transmission, lung imaging in COVID-19, and HAPE, as well as the causes of clinical signs and symptoms, are discussed. RESULTS High-altitude oxygen transport physiology has been systematically ignored. COVID-19 signs and symptoms indicate a progressive and irreversible failure in the oxygen transport system, secondary to pneumolysis produced by SARS-Cov-2's alveolar-capillary membrane "attack". HAPE's pulmonary compromise is treatable and reversible. COVID-19 is associated with several diseases, with different individual outcomes, in different countries, and at different altitudes. CONCLUSIONS The pathophysiology of High-altitude illnesses can help explain COVID-19 pathophysiology, severity, and management. Early diagnosis and use of EPO, acetylsalicylic-acid, and other anti-inflammatories, oxygen therapy, antitussives, antibiotics, and the use of Earth open-circuit- astronaut-resembling suits to return to daily activities, should all be considered. Ventilator use can be counterproductive. Immunity development is the only feasible long-term survival tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Av. Copacabana - Prolongacion # 55, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Natalia Zubieta-DeUrioste
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Av. Copacabana - Prolongacion # 55, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Thuppil Venkatesh
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Av. Copacabana - Prolongacion # 55, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Kusal K Das
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Av. Copacabana - Prolongacion # 55, La Paz, India
| | - Jorge Soliz
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Av. Copacabana - Prolongacion # 55, La Paz, Canada
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