Glycosylated hemoglobin is associated with systemic inflammation, hypercoagulability, and prognosis of COVID-19 patients

Effect of advanced glycation end-products in a wide range of medical problems including COVID-19

Glycation is a physiological process that determines the aging of the organism, while in states of metabolic disorders it is significantly intensified. High concentrations of compounds such as reducing sugars or reactive aldehydes derived from lipid oxidation, occurring for example in diabetes, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, obesity or metabolic syndrome, lead to increased glycation of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. The level of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the body depends on rapidity of their production and the rate of their removal by the urinary system. AGEs, accumulated in the extracellular matrix of the blood vessels and other organs, cause irreversible changes in the biochemical and biomechanical properties of tissues. As a consequence, micro- and macroangiopathies appear in the system, and may contribute to the organ failure, like kidneys and heart. Elevated levels of AGEs also increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and various cancers. In this paper, we propose a new classification due to modified amino acid residues: arginyl-AGEs, monolysyl-AGEs and lysyl-arginyl-AGEs and dilysyl-AGEs. Furthermore, we describe in detail the effect of AGEs on the pathogenesis of metabolic and old age diseases, such as diabetic complications, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. We summarize the currently available data on the diagnostic value of AGEs and present the AGEs as a therapeutic goal in a wide range of medical problems, including SARS-CoV-2 infection and so-called long COVID.

Association of COVID with Mycosis in General

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory disease which created havoc worldwide, was accompanied by another peculiar, otherwise rare, secondary fungal infection Mucormycosis which was observed at exceptionally high incidence in India during the second wave of COVID-19. The article explores possible links between the two infectious diseases to understand a higher-than-normal occurrence of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. Coronavirus enters the patients through ACE-2 and many other receptors like- NRP-1, TfR, CD-126, and CD-26. Virus bind to cells possessing these receptors and affect their proper functioning, disturbing homeostatic metabolism and resulting in conditions like hyperglycemia, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), low serum pH, iron overload, anemia, hypoxia, and immunosuppression as explained in the article. All these outcomes provide a very supportive environment for the attack and spread of Mucormycosis fungi. The major receptor for Mucormycosis in humans is the GRP-78. Its expression is upregulated by coronavirus entry and by hyperferritinemia, hyperglycemia, and acidic conditions prevalent in COVID patients, thus providing an easy entry for the fungal species. Upregulation of GRP-78 furthermore damages pancreatic β-cells and intensifies hyperglycemia, showing quite a synergic relationship. Inordinate rise of Mucormycosis cases in India might be explained by facts like- India possessing a large proportion of diabetic patients, emergence of a very deadly strain of coronavirus- Delta strain, higher doses of steroids and antibodies used to treat patients against this strain, overburdened health care services, sudden much higher need of oxygen supply and use of industrial oxygen could explain the Mucormycosis outbreak observed in India during the second wave of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

The present review discusses the functional interdependence between COVID-19 and Mucormycosis and summarizes the possible synergic links between COVID and Mucormycosis.

CONCLUSION

The receptors and metabolic pathways affected by COVID-19 result in severe physiological conditions- hyperglycemia, DKA, anemia, iron overload, immunosuppression, and hypoxia. All these conditions not only increase the expression of GRP-78, the major receptor for entry of fungi but also play a crucial role in providing quality media for Mucormycosis fungus to establish and grow. Hence explains the fungal epidemic observed in India during the second wave of COVID-19 in India.

Identification of the native Torpedo californica nicotinic acetylcholine receptor's glycan composition after a multi-step sequential purification method using MALDI-ToF MS

The Cys-loop pentameric ligand-gated ion channels comprise a dynamic group of proteins that have been extensively studied for decades, yielding a wealth of findings at both the structural and functional levels. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is no exception, as it is part of this large protein family involved in proper organismal function. Our efforts have successfully produced a highly pure nAChR in detergent complex (nAChR-DC), enabling more robust studies to be conducted on it, including beginning to experiment with high-throughput crystallization. Our homogeneous product has been identified and extensively characterized with 100% identity using Nano Lc MS/MS and MALDI ToF/ToF for each nAChR subunit. Additionally, the N-linked glycans in the Torpedo californica-nAChR (Tc-nAChR) subunits have been identified. To study this, the Tc-nAChR subunits were digested with PNGase F and the released glycans were analyzed by MALDI-ToF. The MS results showed the presence of high-mannose N-glycan in all native Tc-nAChR subunits. Specifically, the oligommanose population Man8-9GlcNac2 with peaks at m/z 1742 and 1904 ([M + Na]+ ions) were observed.

Hyperglycemia and glucose variability are associated with worse survival in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients: the prospective Maastricht Intensive Care Covid Cohort

BACKGROUND

Data on hyperglycemia and glucose variability in relation to diabetes mellitus, either known or unknown in ICU-setting in COVID-19, are scarce. We prospectively studied daily glucose variables and mortality in strata of diabetes mellitus and glycosylated hemoglobin among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

We used linear-mixed effect models in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients to investigate mean and maximum difference in glucose concentration per day over time. We compared ICU survivors and non-survivors and tested for effect-modification by pandemic wave 1 and 2, diabetes mellitus, and admission HbA1c.

RESULTS

Among 232 mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, 21.1% had known diabetes mellitus, whereas 16.9% in wave 2 had unknown diabetes mellitus. Non-survivors had higher mean glucose concentrations (ß 0.62 mmol/l; 95%CI 0.20-1.06; ß 11.2 mg/dl; 95% CI 3.6-19.1; P = 0.004) and higher maximum differences in glucose concentrations per day (ß 0.85 mmol/l; 95%CI 0.37-1.33; ß 15.3; 95%CI 6.7-23.9; P = 0.001). Effect modification by wave, history of diabetes mellitus and admission HbA1c in associations between glucose and survival was not present. Effect of higher mean glucose concentrations was modified by pandemic wave (wave 1 (ß 0.74; 95% CI 0.24-1.23 mmol/l) ; (ß 13.3; 95%CI 4.3-22.1 mg/dl)) vs. (wave 2 (ß 0.37 (95%CI 0.25-0.98) mmol/l) (ß 6.7 (95% ci 4.5-17.6) mg/dl)).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemia and glucose variability are associated with mortality in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients irrespective of the presence of diabetes mellitus.

New evidence for the effect of type 2 diabetes and glycemic traits on testosterone levels: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an endocrine-related disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. Male sexual dysfunction is common in diabetic patients. Therefore, we designed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the association of type 2 diabetes and 3 glycemic traits with testosterone levels.

Methods

Uncorrelated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with T2DM (N = 228), fasting insulin (N = 38), fasting glucose (N = 71), and HbA1c (N = 75) at the genome-wide significance were selected as instrument variables. Genetic associations with testosterone levels (total testosterone, TT, bioavailable testosterone, BT, and sex hormone-binding globulin, SHBG) were obtained from the UK Biobank studies and other large consortia. Two-sample MR analysis was used to minimize the bias caused by confounding factors and response causality. Multivariable MR analysis was performed using Body mass index (BMI), Triglycerides (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDL), and adiponectin to adjust for the effects of potential confounders.

Results

Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with the decrease of total testosterone (β: -0.021,95%CI: -0.032, -0.010, p<0.001) and sex hormone binding globulin (β: -0.048,95%CI: -0.065, -0.031, p<0.001). In males, total testosterone (β: 0.058, 95% CI: 0.088, 0.028, p < 0.001) decreased. In females, it was associated with an increase in bioavailable testosterone (β: 0.077,95%CI: 0.058,0.096, p<0.001). Each unit (pmol/L) increase in fasting insulin was associated with 0.283nmol/L decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (95%CI: -0.464, -0.102, p=0.002) and 0.260nmol/L increase in bioavailable testosterone (95%CI: -0.464, -0.102, p= 0.002). In males, sex hormone binding globulin decreased by 0.507nmol/L (95%CI: -0.960, -0.054, p= 0.028) and bioavailable testosterone increased by 0.216nmol/L (95%CI: 0.087,0.344, p= 0.001). In females, sex hormone binding globulin decreased by 0.714 nmol/L (95%CI: -1.093, -0.335, p<0.001) and bioavailable testosterone increased by 0.467nmol/L (95%CI: 0.286,0.648, p<0.001). Each unit (%) increase in HbA1c was associated with 0.060nmol/L decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (95%CI: -0.113, -0.007, p= 0.026). In males, total testosterone decreased by 0.171nmol/L (95%CI: -0.288, -0.053, p=0.005) and sex hormone binding globulin decreased by 0.206nmol/L (95%CI: -0.340, -0.072, p=0.003). Total testosterone increased by 0.122nmol/L (95%CI: 0.012,0.233, p=0.029) and bioavailable testosterone increased by 0.163nmol/L (95%CI: 0.042,0.285, p=0.008) in females.

Conclusions

Using MR Analysis, we found independent effects of type 2 diabetes, fasting insulin, and HbA1c on total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin after maximum exclusion of the effects of obesity, BMI, TG, LDL and Adiponectin.

Intervention Effects of Physical Activity on Type 2 Diabetic Patients Potentially Infected with COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has clearly had a great influence on the lifestyles of the population, especially on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. During the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries/regions implemented social-isolation measures, leading to an increase in negative behaviors and impairing the capability of diabetic patients to resist COVID-19, ultimately causing severe prognoses. Moreover, as the epidemic progressed, multiple studies emphasized the significance of physical exercise in the management of type 2 diabetic patients infected with COVID-19. In this study, we selected research from 1 December 2019 to 9 August 2023 that focused on COVID-19-infected diabetic patients to investigate the impact of type 2 diabetes on the immune functions, inflammation factor levels, lung injuries, and mental disorders of such patients, as well as to assess the risk of novel coronavirus pneumonia in these patients. Additionally, the effects of high-intensity, moderate-intensity, and low-intensity exercises on novel coronavirus pneumonia infection in type 2 diabetic patients and the mechanisms of the effects of such exercise were considered. We concluded that elderly diabetic patients with COVID-19 should perform low-intensity exercises to facilitate their recoveries. This study offers guidance for a proper understanding of the dangers of diabetes and the use of appropriate measures to reduce the risk of novel coronavirus pneumonia infections in type 2 diabetic patients.

Type 2 diabetes and Covid-19: Lessons learnt, unanswered questions and hints for the future

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and COVID-19 represent a considerable burden of disease for patients and healthcare systems. New evidence is transpiring detailing the existence of a bidirectional relationship between T2DM and COVID-19. Alongside the acute influence of pre-existing T2DM on the course of COVID-19 and the exacerbation of dysglycemia following acute infection, long-term sequalae resulting from the synergistic interplay between the two is emerging, namely the development of COVID-induced diabetes and long-COVID in patients with pre-existing diabetes. This review presents our current understanding of the bidirectionality between these two conditions with a view to highlighting questions which remain unanswered and suggesting avenues for future research. In doing so, it emphasises critical gaps where concentrated research efforts are likely to yield the most beneficial improvements in understanding of the relationship between the two conditions, translating to tangible optimisations in care for the affected population.

Clinical characteristics and acute complication of COVID-19 patients with diabetes: a multicenter, retrospective study in Southern China

Aims

This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, laboratory data and complications of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) since epidemic prevention and control optimization was adjusted in December 2022 in China.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included 298 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without COVID-19. We collected data from the first wave of the pandemic in The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Loudi Central Hospital and The First People's Hospital of Xiangtan from December 1, 2022 to February 1, 2023. We extracted baseline data, clinical symptoms, acute complications, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome data of each patient from electronic medical records.

Results

For among 298 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes, 136 (45.6%) were COVID-19 uninfected, and 162 (54.4%) were COVID-19 infected. We found that the incidence of cough, fatigue, fever, muscle soreness, sore throat, shortness of breath, hyposmia, hypogeusia and polyphagia (all p<0.01) were significantly higher in the exposure group. They showed higher levels of ketone (p=0.04), creatinine (p<0.01), blood potassium (p=0.01) and more diabetic ketoacidosis (p<0.01). Patients with COVID-19 less use of metformin (p<0.01), thiazolidinediones (p<0.01) and SGLT2 (p<0.01) compared with patients without COVID-19.

Conclusion

COVID-19 patients with diabetes showed more severe respiratory and constitutional symptoms and an increased proportion of hyposmia and hypogeusia. Moreover, COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of acute complications, are more prone to worsening renal function, and are more cautious about the use of antidiabetic drugs.

Increased risk of new-onset diabetes in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There is growing evidence that patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of new-onset diabetes. The limited preliminary studies do not provide strong evidence. To assess the association of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with new-onset diabetes and to characterize the population.

Methods

Search PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science electronic databases for a limited period from December 2019 to July 2022. Two independent reviewers conducted a thorough review of eligible articles and extracted relevant information. Pooled proportions, risk ratios (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) indicated the incidence and risk ratios of events.

Results

The incidence of new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 was 5% (P < 0.001) (3 and 30% for new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia, respectively), with age, ethnicity, time of diagnosis, and study type all having an impact on the incidence (P < 0.05). New-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia were 1.75 times higher in COVID-19 patients than in non-COVID-19 patients. In new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia population, the percentage of men is 60% (40% for women), with a mortality rate of 17%. The proportion of new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia after infection with COVID-19 was 25% in men and 14% in women.

Conclusions

The incidence and relative risk of new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia are elevated after COVID-19 infection, especially in the early COVID-19 and male populations.

Systemic review registration

PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42022382989 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=382989.

Assessment of COVID-19 RT-PCR Positive Symptomatic Patients With Clinical, Hematological, and Radiological Parameters Among Three Groups: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Nearly 70.1 million individuals have been infected by the pandemic viral disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was first discovered in China and is caused by a novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2). This disease is responsible for the deaths of 6 million people. India ranks third in the total number of cases. The purpose of this study was to classify COVID-19 patients according to several criteria and to determine which clinical, hematological, and radiological indicators were most important in their care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 70 symptomatic patients who tested positive for COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and were hospitalized at the Saveetha Medical College and Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, for the duration of the study. Comorbidities and oxygen reliance were taken into consideration while classifying patients into one of three categories. Initial symptoms, as well as hematological (interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, serum ferritin, and total cell counts) and radiographic (X-ray and computed tomography (CT) of the thorax) characteristics, were taken and analyzed among the different groups.

RESULTS

According to our research, the symptom of fever was the most common, accounting for 84.3% of all cases. This was followed by breathlessness (55.7%), myalgia (31.4%), dry cough (27.1%), sore throat (24.3%), cough with expectoration (20%), loose stools (12.9%), loss of taste (12.9%), and smell (11.4%). Although there was a large amount of variation in D-dimer, with Category C having the highest values, there was only a minor amount of variation in ESR and CRP. The X-ray and CT scans of the chest showed substantial differences between the groups, with CT findings such as COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) and CT severity score, consolidation, crazy paving pattern, and vascular dilatation showing a wide range of differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

To facilitate easier treatment and place more attention on radiological characteristics using D-dimer, treating physicians are required to categorize COVID-19 patients into several groups. Patients who need oxygen support were included in this category.

In silico investigation of Panax ginseng lead compounds against COVID-19 associated platelet activation and thromboembolism

Hypercoagulability is frequently observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Platelets are a favorable target for effectively treating hypercoagulability in COVID-19 patients as platelet hyperactivity has also been observed. It is difficult to develop a treatment for COVID-19 that will be effective against all variants and the use of antivirals may not be fully effective against COVID-19 as activated platelets have been detected in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, patients with less severe side effects often turn toward natural remedies. Numerous phytochemicals are being investigated for their potential to treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer and bacterial and viral infections. Natural products have been used to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. Panax ginseng has potential for managing cardiovascular diseases and could be a treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the coagulation cascade and platelet activation. Using molecular docking, we analyzed the interactions of bioactive chemicals in P. ginseng with important proteins and receptors involved in platelet activation. Furthermore, the SwissADME online tool was used to calculate the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties of the lead compounds of P. ginseng. Dianthramine, deoxyharrtingtonine, and suchilactone were determined to have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.

The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a series of patients living with HIV admitted for COVID-19 in a district hospital

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve. Globally, COVID-19 continues to strain even the most resilient healthcare systems, with Omicron being the latest variant. We made a thorough search for literature describing the effects of the COVID-19 in a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/tuberculosis (TB) burden district-level hospital setting. We found scanty literature.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at Khayelitsha District Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa (SA) over the period March 2020-December 2021. We included confirmed COVID-19 cases with HIV infection aged from 18 years and above. Analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality or hospital discharge among people living with HIV (PLWH). Predictors investigated include CD4 count, antiretroviral therapy (ART), TB, non-communicable diseases, haematological, and biochemical parameters.

FINDINGS

This cohort of PLWH with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a median (IQR) age of 46 (37-54) years, male sex distribution of 29.1%, and a median (IQR) CD4 count of 267 (141-457) cells/mm3. Of 255 patients, 195 (76%) patients were discharged, 60 (24%) patients died. One hundred and sixty-nine patients (88%) were on ART with 73(28%) patients having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). After multivariable analysis, smoking (risk ratio [RR]: 2.86 (1.75-4.69)), neutrophilia [RR]: 1.024 (1.01-1.03), and glycated haemoglobin A1 (HbA1c) [RR]: 1.01 (1.007-1.01) were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

The district hospital had a high COVID-19 mortality rate among PLWH. Easy-to-access biomarkers such as CRP, neutrophilia, and HbA1c may play a significant role in informing clinical management to prevent high mortality due to COVID-19 in PLWH at the district-level hospitals.

Neurological Manifestations and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19 in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

COVID-19 patients also present with rheumatological problems, cardiac problems, and even neurological manifestations. However, the data are still insufficient at present to fill the gaps in our understanding of the neurological presentations of COVID-19. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to reveal the various neurological manifestations of patients with COVID-19 and to find the association between neurological manifestations and the clinical outcome. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Abha, in the Aseer region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted with the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 to the Aseer Central Hospital and Heart Center Hospital Abha. Non-probability convenient sampling was used. All the information was gathered by the principal investigator using a questionnaire including sociodemographic information, disease characteristics of COVID-19, neurological manifestations, and other complications. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A total of 55 patients were included in the present study. About half of the patients were admitted to the ICU, and 18 (62.1%) patients died after 1 month of follow-up. Patients aged over 60 years had a 75% mortality rate. About 66.66% of patients with pre-existing neurological disorders died. Statistically significant associations were found between neurological symptoms such as cranial nerve symptoms and a poor outcome. A statistically significant difference was also found between laboratory parameters such as the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), total cholesterol (TC), creatinine, urea, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and the outcome. A statistically significant difference was also found between the use of medications such as antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and statins at the baseline and after a 1-month follow-up. Neurological symptoms and complications are not uncommon among COVID-19 patients. Most of these patients had poor outcomes. Further studies are required to provide more data and knowledge about this issue, including the possible risk factors and the long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19.

EFFECTS OF DIABETES AND FIRST-WEEK HYPERGLYCEMIC EPISODE FREQUENCY ON THE MORTALITY AND INFLAMMATION IN CRITICALLY ILL COVID-19 PATIENTS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Background

We know that mortality had increased in diabetic patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of this study was to compare the mortality and inflammation parameters difference in critically ill COVID-19 patients according to their admission HbA1c levels and diabetes mellitus status. Secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of the first week hyperglycemic episode frequency on mortality.

Methods

Critically ill COVID-19 patients who were tested for HbA1c levels on ICU admission were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Of 218 COVID PCR(+) patients, 139 met the inclusion criteria in study period. The median age was 67 [57-76] years and 55(40%) of them were female. Seventy-six (55%) of the patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The IMV requirement was higher in diabetic patients (p=0.01). When the groups were compared in terms of inflammatory parameters no significant difference was found except for admission and first week's highest fibrinogen levels (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively). In multivariate analysis, fibrinogen levels were not determined as a risk factor for mortality. Overall ICU mortality was 43% (60/139). In group-1 23 (37%), in group-2 27 (57%), and in group-3 10 (34%) patients had died. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of mortality (p=0.05). Records of 96 (69%) patients revealed there were more than five glucose readings over 180mg/dL during the first week. Mortality was higher in patients with more frequently hyperglycemic recordings (p=0.03).

Conclusions

There was no significant mortality and inflammatory parameters difference in patients with and without diabetes. However, more than five glucose readings over 180mg/dL during the first week were found with increased mortality.

Impact of diabetes mellitus and co-morbidities on mortality in patients with COVID-19: A single-center retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on clinical outcomes of patients admitted with COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

We carried out a single center, observational, retrospective study. We included adult patients with laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 2020 to December 2020. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, clinical status, hospital course, and outcome; and they were compared between the patients with or without DM.

RESULTS

Out of 198 patients included in the study, 86 (43.4%) were diabetic and 112 (56.5%) were non-diabetic. Majority of the patients were males 139 (70.2%) with a mean age of 54.14±14.89 years. In-hospital mortality rate was higher in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients (40 vs. 32; p=0.011). The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n=95, 48%) followed by ischemic heart disease (n=35, 17.7%), chronic kidney disease (n=17, 9.6%), and bronchial asthma (n=10, 5.1%).

CONCLUSION

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is higher among diabetic patients; particularly, those with preexisting co-morbidities or geriatric patients. Diabetic patients are prone to a severe clinical course of COVID-19 and a significantly higher mortality rate.

Vaccination, regular exercise, and prevention of chronic lung disease reduce exacerbation of COVID-19 severity in northern Okinawa, Japan: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

As at June 14, 2023, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had affected more than 767 million people and caused more than 6.9 million deaths worldwide. This study aimed to clarify the lifestyle factors that influence the exacerbation of COVID-19 severity.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of patients with COVID-19 whose severity classification of "moderate or severe" (COVID-19 exacerbation) was defined as an objective variable. The 1,353 participants were selected from 4,899 patients with COVID-19 between August 10, 2020 and December 10, 2022. Participants who underwent a specific health checkup before the date for a COVID-19 consultation were included. Using binominal logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the odds ratios (ORs) for COVID-19 exacerbation according to lifestyle-related factors. Limitations were discussed using a target trial emulation framework which clarifies problems in observational studies.

RESULTS

The explanatory variables extracted as factors that exacerbated COVID-19 severity were gender (OR [man vs. woman]: 2.533, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.484-4.322); age (OR [50s vs. 10s, 20s, or 30s]: 4.858, 95% CI 2.319-10.177; OR [60s]: 9.738, 95% CI 4.355-21.777; OR [70s + 80s + 90s]: 8.327, 95% CI 3.224-21.507); and comorbid chronic lung disease (OR ['yes' vs. 'no']: 2.892, 95% CI 1.227-6.818). The explanatory variables extracted as factors that reduce the severity of COVID-19 were hospital consultation year (OR [2022, predominantly Omicron variant prevalent vs. 2020, predominantly Alpha variant prevalent]: 0.180, 95% CI 0.058-0.559); number of vaccinations (OR [2 doses vs. 0 or one doses]: 0.223, 95% CI 0.114-0.436; OR [≥3 doses vs. 0 or one doses]: 0.090, 95% CI 0.035-0.229); regular exercise (exercising ≥2 days/week ≥30 minutes each at an intensity that causes a slight sweat for ≥1 year) (OR ['yes' vs. 'no']: 0.458, 95% CI 0.242-0.866).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the importance of vaccination, regular exercise, and prevention of chronic lung disease as measures against exacerbation of COVID-19 severity.

COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Strategies in Malaysia: A Retrospective Analysis of Early Evidence

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that can cause extreme acute respiratory syndrome has posed a catastrophic threat to public health. The vaccines had indeed restored optimism and, after more than two years of battling the pandemic, there is renewed hope for the transition to endemicity. At the start of vaccination efforts, when supply shortages of vaccines were inevitable, every nation determined the high-risk population groups to be given priority for the COVID-19 vaccines. In this paper, the characteristics of the initial COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Malaysia are described. In line with the policies of many other countries, Malaysia firstly inoculated frontline healthcare workers, and subsequently the list of front liners grew to include defense and security personnel and those involved in the provision of essential services. People with disabilities or those with special needs and several underlying medical conditions that increased their risk of developing severe COVID-related illnesses were included in the priority categories. These included patients with severe lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, neurological disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity in adults, splenic dysfunction, and severe mental illness. With little information and under circumstances of great uncertainty, the Health Ministry of a middle-income country had developed a vaccination priority-list based on the disease's epidemiology and clinical data, vaccine type, operational considerations, and risk evaluation. Early evidence was presented and suggested that the full vaccination with any of the three predominant vaccines (AZD1222, BNT162b2, and CoronaVac) in the country had been highly effective in preventing COVID-19 infections, COVID-19-related ICU admissions, and death. As many SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC), such as the Omicron BA.2/4/5, are emerging, future vaccination strategies may necessitate the need to change the immunogen of the vaccine, as well as considerations for when to give high-risk groups booster injections. These considerations are valuable for future planning by policymakers and healthcare providers to make vaccination policy and decisions, especially for the inclusion of the COVID-19 vaccines into national immunization programs.

Glycated hemoglobin level dynamics in COVID-19 survivors: 12 months follow-up study after discharge from hospital

INTRODUCTION

One of the stages of reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 is the S-protein glycosylation to facilitate penetration into target cells. It has been suggested that SARS-CoV-2 is able to enter erythrocytes, interact with heme and porphyrin, which could influence HbA1c levels. Assessment of HbA1c levels in individuals with acute COVID-19 and after recovery may show clinical relevance of this hypothesis.

AIM

To assess HbA1c levels in patients with COVID-19 in the acute phase and in early (6-8 weeks) and late (52±2 weeks) periods after recovery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective study, which included patients hospitalized in Endocrinology Research Centre and the City Clinical Hospital № 52" diagnosed with COVID-19, virus identified/ not identified. Patients were divided into three groups according to baseline HbA1c level and the presence or absence of previous history of diabetes previous history of diabetes mellitus (DM): HbA1c ≤ 6.0%, HbA1c > 6.0% and patients with DM. Patients were examined during the acute COVID-19 phase and in early (6-8 weeks) and late (52±2 weeks) periods after recovery. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed in the group with initial HbA1c > 6.0% to clarify the diagnosis.

RESULTS

We included 194 patients in the study. During the follow-up, 52 patients were examined in 6-8 week period: 7 with HbA1c ≤ 6.0%, 34 with HbA1c > 6.0%, 11-with previously diagnosed DM. Carbohydrate metabolism assessment in the later stages (52±2 weeks) after recovery was performed in 78 patients: 33 patients with HbA1c ≤ 6.0%, 36 patients with HbA1c > 6.0% and 9 patients with previously established diabetes. HbA1c median in patients with HbA1c ≤ 6.0% was 5.7% [5.3;5.8], with HbA1c>6.0% -6.4% [6.2; 6.6], with previously diagnosed DM-7.7% [7.2; 8.9]. Statistically significant decrease in HbA1c over time 6-8 weeks after extracts were obtained in both groups of individuals without a history of DM (Wilcoxon test, p<0.05). After 52±2 weeks we observed HbA1c decrease in all three groups (Fridman test, p<0.05): in patients with HbA1c ≤ 6.0% median HbA1c was 5.5[5.3;5.7], with HbA1c>6.0% - 6.1[6.15;6.54], with previously diagnosed DM-7.8 [5.83; 8.08]. Development of DM after 52±2 weeks was recorded in 7.24% of all examined patients without a history of DM, which is 16.6% of the total number of patients examined in dynamics with HbA1c > 6.0%.

CONCLUSION

HbA1c elevation during the acute phase of COVID-19 may be false due to the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on hemoglobin kinetics and/or detection on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion highly glycosylated S-proteins by high performance liquid chromatography determinations. Upon detection HbA1c > 6.0% in patients with COVID-19 in the active phase of the disease without concomitant hyperglycemia re-determine the level of HbA1c after recovery is recommended.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the glycemic control, eating habits, and body compositions of people with diabetes mellitus: A retrospective longitudinal observational study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the glycemic control, eating habits, and body composition of people with diabetes mellitus; to identify the determinants of worsening glycemic control in people with diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, longitudinal observational study was performed in outpatients with diabetes mellitus who visited our hospital between April 2019 and March 2020 (pre-COVID-19 period) and continued for follow up from April 2020 to March 2021 (COVID-19 period). We compared the glycemic control, nutritional intakes, and body composition of people with diabetes mellitus between the two periods. The changes in the HbA1c values (ΔHbA1c) and other study variables were compared between the two periods. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the increase of HbA1c levels.

RESULTS

A significant increase of HbA1c was observed during the COVID-19 period. The percent fat mass (FM) also increased, while the percent skeletal muscle mass (SMM) decreased during the COVID-19 period. After adjustments for age and sex, the ΔBMI (OR:2.33), ΔFM (OR:1.45), and ΔSMM (OR:0.51) were identified as being associated with elevated levels of HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the glycemic control and body composition of people with diabetes mellitus. The increased body weight and FM and decreased SMM observed during the pandemic were associated with poor glycemic control in people with diabetes mellitus.

Severity predictors of COVID-19 in SARS-CoV-2 variant, delta and omicron period; single center study

Background

The outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment have improved due to vaccination and the establishment of better treatment regimens. However, the emergence of variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, and the corresponding changes in the characteristics of the disease present new challenges in patient management. This study aimed to analyze predictors of COVID-19 severity caused by the delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were admitted for COVID-19 at Yokohama City University Hospital from August 2021 to March 2022.

Results

A total of 141 patients were included in this study. Of these, 91 had moderate COVID-19, whereas 50 had severe COVID-19. There were significant differences in sex, vaccination status, dyspnea, sore throat symptoms, and body mass index (BMI) (p <0.0001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.02, p< 0.0001, respectively) between the moderate and severe COVID-19 groups. Regarding comorbidities, smoking habit and renal dysfunction were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.007 and p = 0.01, respectively). Regarding laboratory data, only LDH level on the first day of hospitalization was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that time from the onset of COVID-19 to hospitalization, BMI, smoking habit, and LDH level were significantly different between the two groups (p<0.03, p = 0.039, p = 0.008, p<0.001, respectively). The cut-off value for the time from onset of COVID-19 to hospitalization was four days (sensitivity, 0.73; specificity, 0.70).

Conclusions

Time from the onset of COVID-19 to hospitalization is the most important factor in the prevention of the aggravation of COVID-19 caused by the delta and omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. Appropriate medical management within four days after the onset of COVID-19 is essential for preventing the progression of COVID-19, especially in patients with smoking habits.

Low and insufficient birth weights as important factors of developmental stages of type 2 diabetes: Intergenerational Limache Cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the association of birth weight with developmental stages of Type 2 Diabetes among Chilean young adults.

METHODS

A probabilistic sample of 1947 individuals (22-28 years) that belong to two birth cohorts (cohort 1: participants born in 1974-1978, cohort 2: participants born in 1988-1992). Multivariable logistic regressions were calculated.

RESULTS

Birth weight was negatively associated with insulin resistance (IR) and dysglycaemia (prediabetes and diabetes) in adulthood (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.94), OR: 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60-0.89) for IR and IR plus dysglycaemia, respectively. The AOR for IR plus dysglycaemia for males was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.51-0.99) and for females was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.60-1.01). Birth weight below 3.0 kg (Cohort 2) was associated with 1.40 (95% CI: 1.01-1.95) higher likelihood of IR plus dysglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate how a population of young adults experienced greater probability of IR, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes as birth weight decreases. We report a novel finding of effect of suboptimal birth weight on metabolic alterations that belongs to developmental stages of Type 2 Diabetes in young adults born in a period of epidemiological and nutrition transition and grew in post-transition.

Prognosis of COVID-19 in the middle eastern population, knowns and unknowns

Since its emergence in China in 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has affected all countries worldwide. The virus is easily transmitted from one person to another via infected aerosols or contaminated surfaces. Unlike its counterparts, the prognosis of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic to critical disease or death. Several factors play a role in determining the severity of the disease in infected patients. Among others, is the pre-existence of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, and others. Furthermore, although children are less prone to the severe form of the COVID-19 disease, they require attention due to the report of many atypical presentations of the infection, post-asymptomatic exposure. In the Middle East, little is known about the prognosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-risk categories, notably patients with diabetes, cancer, and pregnant women. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about this group of population in the middle eastern region as well as to highlight the gap in the literature. We have found that the majority of the papers were from the Gulf countries. Although, few studies were conducted; high-risk patients appear to have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 compared to their counterparts. Higher levels of inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-dimer, and ferritin levels were also observed. Children are often asymptomatic or present with atypical presentations. More studies should be conducted to determine the clinical biomarkers of COVID-19 in high-risk categories to help in patient risk stratification and management in the middle eastern population.

Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia Are Associated with In-Hospital Mortality among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Supported with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Metabolic abnormalities, such as preexisting diabetes or hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia during hospitalization aggravated the severity of COVID-19. We evaluated whether diabetes history, hyperglycemia before and during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, and hypoglycemia were risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19. This study included data on 195 patients with COVID-19, who were aged ≥19 years and were treated with ECMO. The proportion of patients with diabetes history among nonsurvivors was higher than that among survivors. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that in-hospital mortality after ECMO support was associated with diabetes history, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2. Glucose at admission >200 mg/dL and glucose levels before ventilator >200 mg/dL were not associated with in-hospital mortality. However, glucose levels before ECMO >200 mg/dL and minimal glucose levels during hospitalization <70 mg/dL were associated with in-hospital mortality. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that glucose >200 mg/dL before ECMO and minimal glucose <70 mg/dL during hospitalization remained risk factors for in-hospital mortality after adjustment for age, BMI, and RRT. In conclusion, glucose >200 mg/dL before ECMO and minimal glucose level <70 mg/dL during hospitalization were risk factors for in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients who underwent ECMO.

Nutritional risk, not obesity, is associated with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients

Background

Despite the identification of obesity as a risk factor for higher rates of hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions and complications due to COVID-19, the association between obesity and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients remains controversial, and the nutritional risk is little considered. Hence, our study sought to evaluate the association between obesity, nutritional risk, and mortality in critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods

Retrospective study were condutcted including adult critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to an ICU between April 2020 and March 2021. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. Obesity was classified by body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m^2. A mNUTRIC score of ≥ 5 indicated high nutritional risk. Multiple Cox Regression was used to estimate the association between mNUTRIC, obesity, and mortality.

Results

From 71 patients aged 59 (± 15) years, 71.8 % were male. The frequencies of obesity (58.7 %) and death (49.3 %) were high, but obesity was not associated with mortality. Based on mNUTRIC, 85.9 % of patients were at high nutritional risk, presenting a higher frequency of mortality than patients at low nutritional risk (50.8 % vs 40.0 %; p = 0.014). Multiple Cox Regression showed that for each unit increase in mNUTRIC score the probability of death almost doubled, regardless of the presence of obesity (HR = 1.74; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A higher nutritional risk was positively associated with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients, regardless of obesity, showing the importance of early identification of nutritional risk for appropriate nutritional interventions in this population.

Role of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP4) on COVID-19 Physiopathology

DPP4/CD26 is a single-pass transmembrane protein with multiple functions on glycemic control, cell migration and proliferation, and the immune system, among others. It has recently acquired an especial relevance due to the possibility to act as a receptor or co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2, as it has been already demonstrated for other coronaviruses. In this review, we analyze the evidence for the role of DPP4 on COVID-19 risk and clinical outcome, and its contribution to COVID-19 physiopathology. Due to the pathogenetic links between COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus and the hyperinflammatory response, with the hallmark cytokine storm developed very often during the disease, we dive deep into the functions of DPP4 on carbohydrate metabolism and immune system regulation. We show that the broad spectrum of functions regulated by DPP4 is performed both as a protease enzyme, as well as an interacting partner of other molecules on the cell surface. In addition, we provide an update of the DPP4 inhibitors approved by the EMA and/or the FDA, together with the newfangled approval of generic drugs (in 2021 and 2022). This review will also cover the effects of DPP4 inhibitors (i.e., gliptins) on the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing the role of DPP4 in this disturbing disease.

Perceptions about the Management of Patients with DM2 and COVID-19 in the Hospital Care Setting

Background: COVID-19 entails a higher rate of complications in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Likewise, COVID-19 infection can cause alterations in glucose metabolism that may lead to worse control. The aim of the study was to analyse the perceptions of a large group of Spanish physicians about the relationship between COVID-19 and T2DM, as well as the management, monitoring, and treatment of both diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter national project was conducted based on a survey which included opinion, attitude, and behavior (OAB) questions. Physicians specialised in internal medicine or endocrinology, whose usual clinical practices included the management of T2DM, responded to the survey between March and April 2021. Results: A total of 112 participants responded to the survey, from which 64.3% believed that COVID-19 entailed a higher risk of glycaemic decompensation irrespective of the presence of previously known T2DM. Obesity was considered a risk factor for poor control of T2DM by 57.7% and for a worse course of COVID-19 by 61.0%. Treatment intensification in not-on-target patients was considered by 57.1% in the presence of COVID-19 and by 73.2% in the absence of COVID-19. No participants considered the suspension of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) in ambulatory patients, 85.7% declared that this therapeutic approach in hospitalized patients should be kept, and 88.4% supported the option of maintaining DPP-4i when corticosteroids were prescribed. Conclusion: The physicians involved in the management of T2DM and COVID-19 are aware of the bidirectional relationship between both conditions. However, the monitoring and therapeutic management of patients with T2DM who are infected by SARS-CoV-2 needs improvement through the following of the current recommendations and available evidence.

Association between glycemic control and the outcome in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

PURPOSE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical outcome and disease severity affected by several factors; deterioration of glycemic control is one of them. Therefore, achieving optimum blood glucose parameters is hypothesized for better consequences of COVID-19. However, varying data supporting this hypothesis is available in literature. The intention of this study was to investigate the role of glycemic management on the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with varying degrees of severity.

METHODS

From April 2020 to January 2021, we carried this retrospective cohort in a clinical care facility in Pakistan.

RESULTS

Mortality was lowest in patients with HbA1c of less than 7% (53 mmol/mol) (p < 0.001). Similarly, mortality was found lowest in patients with fasting blood glucose less than 126 mg/dl and random blood glucose less than 160 mg/dl (p < 0.001 in each). In contrast, need for admission in critical care was found highest in patients with HbA1c between 7 and 10% (53-86 mmol/mol) (p 0.002). However, participants with blood glucose levels during fasting greater than 200 mg/dl and random blood glucose levels greater than 250 mg/dl were found to have a greater need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Cox regression hazard showed no difference in risk of death and invasive mechanical ventilation based on previous glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

Effective diabetic management is correlated with a considerably lower risk of mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 cases.

Elevated D-dimer and Adverse In-hospital Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients and Synergism with Hyperglycemia

Aim

One of the most common laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients has been observed to be hypercoagulability with elevated D-dimer levels. An activation of thrombosis may be generated by hyperglycemia. We aimed to explore the association between D-dimer and in-hospital outcomes, and evaluate the synergistic effect between elevated D-dimer and hyperglycemia on COVID-19 prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken with 2467 COVID-19 inpatients. D-dimer and fasting blood glucose (FBG) on admission and adverse in-hospital outcomes (events of death and aggravated severity) were collected. Cox proportional risk model was performed to assess the association of D-dimer and adverse in-hospital outcomes, and the combined effects of D-dimer and FBG.

Results

Among these COVID-19 patients, 1100 (44.6%) patients had high D-dimer (≥0.50 mg/L). Patients with high D-dimer were older, with higher FBG (≥7.00 mmol/L), and had significantly higher adjusted risk of adverse in-hospital outcomes when comparing with those who with D-dimer<0.50 mg/L (hazard ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–5.11). Moreover, patients with high FBG and D-dimer levels had an increasing risk (hazard ratio, 5.72; 95% confidence interval: 2.65–12.34) than those with normal FBG and D-dimer.

Conclusion

Risk of adverse in-hospital outcomes is higher among patients with high D-dimer levels. Additionally, this study found for the first time that elevated D-dimer and hyperglycemia had a synergistic effect on COVID-19 prognosis, and this risk was independent of diabetes history.

Potential role of biochemical markers in the prognosis of COVID-19 patients

The global pandemic due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed an overall threat to modern medicine. The course of the disease is uncertain with varying forms of presentation that cannot be managed solely with clinical skills and vigor. Since its inception, laboratory medicine forms a backbone for the proper diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prediction of the severity of the disease. Clinical biochemistry, an integral component of laboratory medicine, has been an unsung hero in the disease prognosis and severity assessment in COVID-19. This review attempts to highlight the biomarkers which have shown a significant role and can be used in the identification, stratification, and prediction of disease severity in COVID-19 patients. It also highlights the basis of the use of these biomarkers in the disease course and their implications.

The Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Outcomes of Patients Admitted with COVID-19: A Single - Center Experience from a Tertiary Hospital in India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes with COVID-19, and to determine the impact of type 2 diabetes on clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This single-center, retrospective, observational study enrolled patients admitted from March 2020 to June 2021 with COVID-19. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with known type 2 diabetes, newly diagnosed diabetes, type 2 diabetes with comorbidities and those who succumbed to illness were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 4,559 patients with COVID-19, 2,090 (45.8%) had type 2 diabetes. Patients with COVID-19 with diabetes were older, more likely to receive mechanical ventilation, had higher odds of mortality from COVID-19 as compared with patients without diabetes. In addition, patients with diabetes had significantly higher levels of serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer. Compared with previously diagnosed patients with diabetes, newly diagnosed patients had higher mortality (33% vs. 27%, P = 0.049). Among patients with COVID-19 and diabetes, nonsurvivors had significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers and had severe impairment of cardiac, renal, and coagulation parameters as opposed to survivors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with COVID-19 with diabetes were more likely to have severe disease and had higher mortality. Presence of chronic kidney disease and coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes with COVID-19 was associated with adverse outcome. Patients with newly diagnosed diabetes had higher odds of severe disease at presentation and had higher mortality.

Insulin use in type II diabetic patients: a predictive of mortality in covid-19 infection

INTRODUCTION

Starting December 2019, the world has been devastated by the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Many risk factors have been associated with worse outcomes and death from Covid-19 pneumonia including having diabetes mellitus. To date, it is not clear if all group of diabetics share the same risk of complications with COVID-19 infection. This study aims to compare disease severity and mortality rate in insulin users versus non-insulin users.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-control study conducted at the largest health care network in New York state, we included adult, diabetic patients admitted from March 2020 to October 2020 with Covid-19 pneumonia. We compared the baseline characteristics in addition to outcomes of diabetic patients on home insulin (cases) and non-insulin user diabetics (controls). In addition, to determine if home insulin use is associated with an increased mortality, we conducted a cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

We included 696 patients in the study period with a median age of 57 years, interquartile range [IQR] 51-62, and median body mass index 29.9 (IQR: 26-34.7). The majority (476 [68%]) were males. We identified 227 cases (33%) and 469 controls (67%). More cases than controls were hypertensive (74% vs 67%, p = 0.03), on ACE/ARB (50% vs 42%, p = 0.05), and had a hemoglobin A1c > 8.1 (71% vs 44%, p < 0.001). More cases had AKI (52% vs 38%, p < 0.001), however no significant differences were found in intubation rates (26% vs 24%, p = 0.54), detection of pulmonary embolism (4% vs 6%, p = 0.19) or death rate (15% vs 11%, p = 0.22) comparing cases and controls. In a multivariate analysis, we found that home insulin use was independently associated with increased risk of death: Hazard ratio: 1.92, 95% confidence interval (1.13-3.23).

CONCLUSION

We showed herein that diabetic patients on home insulin with COVID-19 pneumonia, have worse outcomes and increased mortality compared to diabetics on oral antihyperglycemic agents. Close monitoring of insulin-dependent type II diabetic patients is needed in the current pandemic.

Impact of hyperglycemia on cardiovascular events and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia

Objective

To study cardiovascular events and clinical outcomes in patients with elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and/or admission hyperglycemia and those with type 2 diabetes hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study of 1645 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia required a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction result for SARS-CoV-2, presence of new or worsening pulmonary infiltrates on computed tomography scan or chest x-ray, and at least one of following: (1) new or increased cough, (2) temperature of >37.8 °C, or (3) dyspnea. Outcomes included in-hospital cardiovascular events, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for association of elevated HbA1c levels and/or admission hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes for individual outcomes.

Results

Among 1645 adults hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, 18 with type 1 diabetes were excluded from the analysis. Of 1627 adults, 634 (39%) had known diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and among 993 patients with no diabetes, 107 (10.8%) patients were identified with elevated HbA1c levels and/or admission hyperglycemia. Patients with elevated HbA1c levels and/or admission hyperglycemia had increased odds of developing acute in-hospital cardiovascular events (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.07-2.80), intensive care unit admissions (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.10-2.34), and mortality (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02-3.07) compared to patients with type 2 diabetes and no diabetes.

Conclusion

Patients with elevated HbA1c levels and/or admission hyperglycemia hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia have increased risk of developing acute in-hospital cardiovascular complications and overall poor clinical outcomes compared with patients with type 2 diabetes and no diabetes.

At-admission HbA1c levels in Hospitalized COVID-19 Participants With and Without Known Diabetes

Background

To examine glycaemic status, and the impact of at-admission HbA1c levels on outcome, in a large group of participants hospitalized for COVID-19.

Methods

We inclued 515 participants with confirmed COVID-19 infection, with or without known diabetes, who met the following additional criteria: 1) age > 18 years, 2) HbA_1c was determined at admission; 3) fasting plasma glucose was determined in the week of admission, and 4) discharge or death was reached before the end of the study. We examined attributes of participants at admission and 3–6 months post-discharge. To assess the associations of pre-admission attributes with in-hospital mortality, logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Mean age was 70 years, 98.8% were of white race, 49% were female, 31% had known diabetes (KD), an additional 7% met the HbA1c criterion for diabetes, and 13.6% died. In participants with KD, FPG and HbA1c levels were not associated with mortality in adjusted analyses; however, in participants without KD, whereas FPG showed direct association with mortality, HbA1c showed slight inverse association.

Conclusions

There was a very high prevalence of people without KD with HbA1c levels above normal at-admission. This alteration does not seem to have been related to blood glucose levels.

Glycated hemoglobin level on admission associated with progression to severe disease in hospitalized patients with non-severe coronavirus disease 2019

Aims/Introduction

Poor glycemic control is known to be associated with severe infection development. This retrospective observational study examined whether glycemic control before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) onset contributes to progression from non‐severe to severe COVID‐19.

Materials and Methods

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured on hospital admission in 415 patients with non‐severe COVID‐19. The outcome was determined from time of hospital admission to severe progression, based on clinical practice guidelines for COVID‐19 in Japan.

Results

The median value for HbA1c on admission was 6.1%, with diabetes present in 138 patients (33.3%). Among the total cohort, 93 (22.4%) progressed to severe COVID‐19 with a median (interquartile range) time of 4 days (3–7 days), whereas 322 (77.6%) were discharged after 13 days (10–17 days). A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that HbA1c level on admission was independently associated with progression to severe COVID‐19 (hazard ratio for 1% increase 1.237, 95% confidence interval 1.037–1.475; P = 0.018), with findings consistent among several sensitivity analyses. In subgroup analyses, such an association was significant in patients with diabetes, as well as older age, current smoking habit, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher C‐reactive protein level, moderate II COVID‐19, dyslipidemia and chronic respiratory disease, with no remarkable inconsistency among the subgroups. Finally, higher HbA1c level (≥7%) was more strongly associated with severe COVID‐19 progression than diabetes.

Conclusions

The results suggest that poor glycemic control before COVID‐19 onset contributes to progression from non‐severe to severe COVID‐19, even in patients with severe COVID‐19 risk factors regardless of the presence of diabetes.

Serum Ferritin Levels for the Prediction of Mortality among COVID-19 Patients in an Indonesia’s National Referral Hospital

BACKGROUND: Early identification of clinical outcomes is necessary for risk classification in COVID-19 patients. This study help in evaluating the progression of the disease and the patient’s therapy. AIM: This study aims to determine serum ferritin levels for the prediction of mortality among COVID-19 patients in an Indonesia’s National Referral Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 142 confirmed positive COVID-19 patients between March 2020 until March 2021 at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital as a National Referral Hospital in Indonesia. Data obtained from medical record documents and examination of ferritin levels was carried out at the beginning of treatment. The Chi-square test and survival analysis with the log-rank test and Kaplan–Meier methods were used to analyze the data. The SPSS version 15 was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The serum ferritin cutoff point for COVID-19 patients that can be used to predict poor outcomes was >651.02 ng/mL with sensitivity 79.3%, specificity 80.5%, and accuracy 85.0%. Age, comorbid diabetes mellitus, number of comorbidities, symptoms of trouble breathing, oxygen saturation, severity, and mortality outcome were all associated to ferritin levels >651.02 ng/mL. The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that ferritin levels >651.02 ng/mL were associated for risk of poor outcome COVID-19 patients (HR = 8.84, [95% CI 3.59–21.73]). CONCLUSION: The ferritin cutoff point for predicting poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients was 651.02 ng/mL. However, ferritin serum levels cannot be used as a single predictor in determining the poor outcome of COVID-19.

Chronic systemic low-grade inflammation and modern lifestyle: the dark role of gut microbiota on related diseases with a focus on pandemic COVID-19

Inflammation is a physiological, beneficial and auto-limiting response of the host to alarming stimuli. Conversely, a chronic systemic low-grade inflammation (CSLGI), known as a long-time persisting condition, causes organs and host tissues' damage, representing a major risk for chronic diseases. Currently, a worldwide a high incidence of inflammatory chronic diseases is observed, often linked to the lifestyle-related changes occurred in the last decade's society. The mains lifestyle-related factors are a proinflammatory diet, psychological stress, tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, and finally indoor living and working with its related consequences such as indoor pollution, artificial light exposure and low vitamin D production. Recent scientific evidences found that gut microbiota (GM) has a main role in shaping the host's health, particularly as CSLGI mediator. As a matter of facts, based on the last discoveries regarding the remarkable GM activity, in this manuscript we focused on the elements of actual lifestyle that influence the composition and function of intestinal microbial community, in order to elicit the CSLGI and its correlated pathologies. In this scenario, we provide a broad review of the interplay between modern lifestyle, GM and CSLGI with a special focus on the COVID symptoms and emerging long-COVID syndrome.

Association of Patient Characteristics, Diabetes, BMI, and Obesity With Severe COVID-19 in Metropolitan Detroit, MI

Identification of specific risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is crucial for prevention of poor outcomes and mortality. This retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 demonstrated that older age, male sex, Black race, diabetes, elevated BMI, and elevated inflammatory markers were correlated with critical illness in COVID-19. Older age, male sex, diabetes, and inflammatory markers, but not elevated BMI, were associated with mortality. Despite having greater odds of critical illness, Black patients had lower odds of death than White patients. Older age, male sex, diabetes, and elevated inflammatory markers were significantly associated with venous thromboembolism. These findings suggest a need to aggressively identify and manage modifiable risk factors (i.e., diabetes and elevated BMI) and encourage vaccination of at-risk individuals to prevent poor outcomes from COVID-19.

An insight into the mechanisms of COVID-19, SARS-CoV2 infection severity concerning β-cell survival and cardiovascular conditions in diabetic patients

A significantly high percentage of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) had severe conditions and were admitted to ICU. In this review, we have delineated the plausible molecular mechanisms that could explain why there are increased clinical complications in patients with DM that become critically ill when infected with SARS-CoV2. RNA viruses have been classically implicated in manifestation of new onset diabetes. SARS-CoV2 infection through cytokine storm leads to elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines creating an imbalance in the functioning of T helper cells affecting multiple organs. Inflammation and Th1/Th2 cell imbalance along with Th17 have been associated with DM, which can exacerbate SARS-CoV2 infection severity. ACE-2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis positively modulates β-cell and cardiac tissue function and survival. However, ACE-2 receptors dock SARS-CoV2, which internalize and deplete ACE-2 and activate Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) pathway. This induces inflammation promoting insulin resistance that has positive effect on RAS pathway, causes β-cell dysfunction, promotes inflammation and increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. Further, hyperglycemic state could upregulate ACE-2 receptors for viral infection thereby increasing the severity of the diabetic condition. SARS-CoV2 infection in diabetic patients with heart conditions are linked to worse outcomes. SARS-CoV2 can directly affect cardiac tissue or inflammatory response during diabetic condition and worsen the underlying heart conditions.

Glycemic Control and Clinical Outcomes in U.S. Patients With COVID-19: Data From the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) Database

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the relationship between HbA1c and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with acute COVID-19 infection.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using observational data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C), a longitudinal, multicenter U.S. cohort of patients with COVID-19 infection. Patients were ≥18 years old with T2D and confirmed COVID-19 infection by laboratory testing or diagnosis code. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality following the date of COVID-19 diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included need for invasive ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), hospitalization within 7 days before or 30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, and length of stay (LOS) for patients who were hospitalized.

RESULTS

The study included 39,616 patients (50.9% female, 55.4% White, 26.4% Black or African American, and 16.1% Hispanic or Latino, with mean ± SD age 62.1 ± 13.9 years and mean ± SD HbA1c 7.6% ± 2.0). There was an increasing risk of hospitalization with incrementally higher HbA1c levels, but risk of death plateaued at HbA1c >8%, and risk of invasive ventilation or ECMO plateaued >9%. There was no significant difference in LOS across HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, multicenter cohort of patients in the U.S. with T2D and COVID-19 infection, risk of hospitalization increased with incrementally higher HbA1c levels. Risk of death and invasive ventilation also increased but plateaued at different levels of glycemic control.

The Interplay Between Stress and Immunity Triggers Herpes Zoster Infection in COVID-19 Patients: A Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a potential health threat in the highly mobile society of the world. Also, there are concerns regarding the co-infections occurring in COVID-19 patients. Herpes zoster (HZ) is now being reported as a co-infection in COVID-19 patients. It is a varicella-zoster virus induced viral infection affecting older people and immunocompromised individuals. Reactivation of HZ infection in COVID-19 patients are emerging and the mechanism of reactivation is still unknown. A most convincing argument would be, increased psychological and immunological stress leading to HZ in COVID-19 patients, and this review justifies this argument.

Risk Factors for COVID-19: Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity

INTRODUCTION

The recent global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has involved more than 7 million people worldwide and been associated with more than 400,000 deaths. No clear information is known about all the potential risk factors for COVID-19 or what factors adversely influence its clinical course and mortality. Therefore, we analyzed the role of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension as risk factors for COVID-19.

METHODS

We identified articles for inclusion by searching PubMed and Google Scholar (last accessed 15 June 2020). Retrospective review of literature. Analysis of epidemiological data concerning obesity prevalence and COVID-19 incidence, particularly in Italy and the USA.

RESULTS

Data from several retrospective studies of prevalence showed that patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity may have more severe COVID-19, intensive care unit admission, and higher mortality rates, but it is not definitively clear if this is an independent association. In general, the prevalence of obesity in patients with COVID-19 seems to be the same as that of the general population throughout the world; however, obesity seems to be associated with more severe disease and mortality in younger (< 60 years) patients. Similar effects seem to occur in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension but at older ages (> 60 years). In strict connection, it has been proposed that the use of drugs inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) or dipeptidyl dipeptidase 4 (DPP-4) might influence viral activity and disease severity since ACE-2 and DPP-4 receptors mediate SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells; however, no evidence exists to date that shows that this may be the case.

CONCLUSION

Overall, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity seem to negatively affect the clinical course and disease outcome in patients with COVID-19. However, these data need further confirmation by studies with more accurate data registration.

ICU admission and mortality classifiers for COVID-19 patients based on subgroups of dynamically associated profiles across multiple timepoints

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is consistently causing profound wounds in the global healthcare system due to its increased transmissibility. Currently, there is an urgent unmet need to identify the underlying dynamic associations among COVID-19 patients and distinguish patient subgroups with common clinical profiles towards the development of robust classifiers for ICU admission and mortality. To address this need, we propose a four step pipeline which: (i) enhances the quality of multiple timeseries clinical data through an automated data curation workflow, (ii) deploys Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBNs) for the detection of features with increased connectivity based on dynamic association analysis across multiple points, (iii) utilizes Self Organizing Maps (SOMs) and trajectory analysis for the early identification of COVID-19 patients with common clinical profiles, and (iv) trains robust multiple additive regression trees (MART) for ICU admission and mortality classification based on the extracted homogeneous clusters, to identify risk factors and biomarkers for disease progression. The contribution of the extracted clusters and the dynamically associated clinical data improved the classification performance for ICU admission to sensitivity 0.83 and specificity 0.83, and for mortality to sensitivity 0.74 and specificity 0.76. Additional information was included to enhance the performance of the classifiers yielding an increase by 4% in sensitivity and specificity for mortality. According to the risk factor analysis, the number of lymphocytes, SatO2, PO2/FiO2, and O2 supply type were highlighted as risk factors for ICU admission and the percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes, PO2/FiO2, LDH, and ALP for mortality, among others. To our knowledge, this is the first study that combines dynamic modeling with clustering analysis to identify homogeneous groups of COVID-19 patients towards the development of robust classifiers for ICU admission and mortality.

Chest radiological finding of COVID-19 in patients with and without diabetes mellitus: Differences in imaging finding

The pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for developing severe illness and a leading cause of death in patients with COVID-19. Diabetes can precipitate hyperglycaemic emergencies and cause prolonged hospital admissions. Insulin resistance is thought to cause endothelial dysfunction, alveolar capillary micro-angiopathy and interstitial lung fibrosis through pro-inflammatory pathways. Autopsy studies have also demonstrated the presence of microvascular thrombi in affected sections of lung, which may be associated with diabetes. Chest imaging using x-ray (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) of chest is used to diagnose, assess disease progression and severity in COVID-19. This article reviews current literature regarding chest imaging findings in patients with diabetes affected by COVID-19. A literature search was performed on PubMed. Patients with diabetes infected with SARS-CoV-2 are likely to have more severe infective changes on CXR and CT chest imaging. Severity of airspace consolidation on CXR is associated with higher mortality, particularly in the presence of co-morbidities such as ischaemic heart disease. Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with more severe acute lung injury on CT. However, no association has been identified between poorly-controlled diabetes and the incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19.

Patient and Clinical Factors at Admission Affect the Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies Six Months after Recovering from COVID-19

The rate of decline in the levels of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) greatly varies among patients who recover from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little is known about factors associated with this phenomenon. The objective of this study is to investigate early factors at admission that can influence long-term NAb levels in patients who recovered from COVID-19. A total of 306 individuals who recovered from COVID-19 at the Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China, were included in this study. The patients were classified into two groups with high (NAb^high, n = 153) and low (NAb^low, n = 153) levels of NAb, respectively based on the median NAb levels six months after discharge. The majority (300/306, 98.0%) of the COVID-19 convalescents had detected NAbs. The median NAb concentration was 63.1 (34.7, 108.9) AU/mL. Compared with the NAb^low group, a larger proportion of the NAb^high group received corticosteroids (38.8% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.002) and IVIG therapy (26.5% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.033), and presented with diabetes comorbidity (25.2% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.004); high blood urea (median (IQR): 4.8 (3.7, 6.1) vs. 3.9 (3.5, 5.4) mmol/L; p = 0.017); CRP (31.6 (4.0, 93.7) vs. 16.3 (2.7, 51.4) mg/L; p = 0.027); PCT (0.08 (0.05, 0.17) vs. 0.05 (0.03, 0.09) ng/mL; p = 0.001); SF (838.5 (378.2, 1533.4) vs. 478.5 (222.0, 1133.4) μg/L; p = 0.035); and fibrinogen (5.1 (3.8, 6.4) vs. 4.5 (3.5, 5.7) g/L; p = 0.014) levels, but low SpO₂ levels (96.0 (92.0, 98.0) vs. 97.0 (94.0, 98.0)%; p = 0.009). The predictive model based on Gaussian mixture models, displayed an average accuracy of 0.7117 in one of the 8191 formulas, and ROC analysis showed an AUC value of 0.715 (0.657–0.772), and specificity and sensitivity were 72.5% and 67.3%, respectively. In conclusion, we found that several factors at admission can contribute to the high level of NAbs in patients after discharge, and constructed a predictive model for long-term NAb levels, which can provide guidance for clinical treatment and monitoring.