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Fihel A, Janicka A, Buschner A, Ustinavičienė R, Trakienė A. Unrecognised COVID-19 deaths in central Europe: The importance of cause-of-death certification for the COVID-19 burden assessment. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307194. [PMID: 39012883 PMCID: PMC11251637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Central Europe, the increase in mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic exceeded the number of deaths registered due to coronavirus disease. Excess deaths reported to causes other than COVID-19 may have been due to unrecognised coronavirus disease, the interruptions in care in the overwhelmed health care facilities, or socioeconomic effects of the pandemic and lockdowns. Death certificates provide exhaustive medical information, allowing us to assess the extent of unrecognised COVID-19 deaths. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 187,300 death certificates with a COVID-19 mention from Austria, Bavaria (Germany), Czechia, Lithuania and Poland, 2020-2021, was used. The two step analysis uses Cause of Death Association Indicators (CDAIs) and Contributing CDAIs to identify and measure the statistical strength of associations between COVID-19 and all other medical mentions. RESULTS 15,700 deaths were reported with COVID-19 only as a contributing condition (comorbidity). In three cases out of four, a typical, statistically significant coronavirus complication or pre-existing condition was registered as the underlying causes of death. In Austria, Bavaria, Czechia and Lithuania the scale of COVID-19 mortality would have been up to 18-27% higher had COVID-19 been coded as the underlying cause of death. Unrecognised coronavirus deaths were equivalent to the entire surplus of excess mortality beyond registered COVID-19 deaths in Austria and the Czech Republic, and its large proportion (25-31%) in Lithuania and Bavaria. CONCLUSIONS Death certificates with typical coronavirus complications or comorbidities as the underlying causes of death and contributing COVID-19 mentions were plausibly unrecognized coronavirus deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Fihel
- University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Institut Convergences Migrations, Aubervilliers, France
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Marsters CM, Bakal JA, Lam GY, McAlister FA, Power C. Increased frequency and mortality in persons with neurological disorders during COVID-19. Brain 2024; 147:2542-2551. [PMID: 38641563 PMCID: PMC11224605 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining the frequency and outcomes of neurological disorders associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is imperative for understanding risks and for recognition of emerging neurological disorders. We investigated the susceptibility and impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among persons with premorbid neurological disorders, in addition to the post-infection incidence of neurological sequelae, in a case-control population-based cohort. Using health service data collected between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, we constructed a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive (n = 177 892) and -negative (n = 177 800) adults who were age, sex and comorbidity matched and underwent RT-PCR testing at similar times. COVID-19-associated mortality rates were examined within the cohort. Neurological sequelae were analysed during the acute (<3 months) and the post-acute (3-9 months) phases post-infection. The risk of death was significantly greater in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive (2140 per 100 000 person years) compared with RNA-negative (922 per 100 000 person years) over a follow-up of 9 months, particularly amongst those with premorbid neurological disorders: adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) in persons with a prior history of parkinsonism, 1.65 (1.15-2.37); dementia, 1.30 (1.11-1.52); seizures, 1.91 (1.26-2.87); encephalopathy, 1.82 (1.02-3.23); and stroke, 1.74 (1.05-2.86). There was also a significantly increased risk for diagnosis of new neurological sequelae during the acute time phase after COVID-19, including encephalopathy, 2.0 (1.10-3.64); dementia, 1.36 (1.07-1.73); seizure, 1.77 (1.22-2.56); and brain fog, 1.96 (1.20-3.20). These risks persisted into the post-acute phase after COVID-19, during which inflammatory myopathy (2.57, 1.07-6.15) and coma (1.87, 1.22-2.87) also became significantly increased. Thus, persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection and premorbid neurological disorders are at greater risk of death, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was complicated by increased risk of new-onset neurological disorders in both the acute and post-acute phases of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace M Marsters
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Bakal
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
- Provincial Research Data Services-Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
- Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Unit, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8, Canada
| | - Grace Y Lam
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Finlay A McAlister
- Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Unit, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8, Canada
| | - Christopher Power
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
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Yehia A, Abulseoud OA. Melatonin: a ferroptosis inhibitor with potential therapeutic efficacy for the post-COVID-19 trajectory of accelerated brain aging and neurodegeneration. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:36. [PMID: 38641847 PMCID: PMC11031980 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 swept millions of lives in a short period, yet its menace continues among its survivors in the form of post-COVID syndrome. An exponentially growing number of COVID-19 survivors suffer from cognitive impairment, with compelling evidence of a trajectory of accelerated aging and neurodegeneration. The novel and enigmatic nature of this yet-to-unfold pathology demands extensive research seeking answers for both the molecular underpinnings and potential therapeutic targets. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is a strongly proposed underlying mechanism in post-COVID-19 aging and neurodegeneration discourse. COVID-19 incites neuroinflammation, iron dysregulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant system repression, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) disruption, and clock gene alteration. These events pave the way for ferroptosis, which shows its signature in COVID-19, premature aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the search for a treatment, melatonin shines as a promising ferroptosis inhibitor with its repeatedly reported safety and tolerability. According to various studies, melatonin has proven efficacy in attenuating the severity of certain COVID-19 manifestations, validating its reputation as an anti-viral compound. Melatonin has well-documented anti-aging properties and combating neurodegenerative-related pathologies. Melatonin can block the leading events of ferroptosis since it is an efficient anti-inflammatory, iron chelator, antioxidant, angiotensin II antagonist, and clock gene regulator. Therefore, we propose ferroptosis as the culprit behind the post-COVID-19 trajectory of aging and neurodegeneration and melatonin, a well-fitting ferroptosis inhibitor, as a potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Yehia
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, 58054, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Osama A Abulseoud
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, 58054, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.
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Fedeli U, Danieli G, Barbiellini Amidei C, Casotto V. Increasing Parkinson's disease related mortality through the pandemic and beyond: An update. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2024; 120:105992. [PMID: 38198927 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Danieli
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy
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Petit MP, Ouellette N, Bourbeau R. The case for counting multiple causes of death in the COVID-19 era. Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyad149. [PMID: 37930034 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pier Petit
- Department of Demography, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nadine Ouellette
- Department of Demography, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robert Bourbeau
- Department of Demography, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Fedeli U, Braggion M, Pierobon S, Barbiellini Amidei C, Zorzi M. Causes of death in nursing home residents during the pandemic. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 118:155-156. [PMID: 37805280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Via Jacopo Avanzo, 35, Padova 35132, Italy.
| | - Marco Braggion
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Via Jacopo Avanzo, 35, Padova 35132, Italy
| | - Silvia Pierobon
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Via Jacopo Avanzo, 35, Padova 35132, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Zorzi
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Via Jacopo Avanzo, 35, Padova 35132, Italy
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Fedeli U, Barbiellini Amidei C, Avossa F, Schievano E, Kingwell E. Association of multiple-sclerosis-related mortality with COVID-19 and other common infections: a multiple causes of death analysis. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2870-2873. [PMID: 37306563 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE People with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from higher infection-related mortality compared to the general population; however, sparse data are available on the increased risk of death associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other common types of infections. METHODS All mortality records and multiple-cause-of-death data in 2010-2021 of residents in the Veneto region (northeastern Italy) were extracted. Mention of specific infections was compared between death certificates reporting MS or not. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by conditional logistic regression matching by age, sex and calendar year. The bimonthly averages of MS-related deaths in 2010-2019 were compared with those registered during the pandemic (2020-2021). RESULTS Of 580,015 deaths through 2010-2021, MS was mentioned in 850 cases (0.15%), 59.3% women. Influenza and pneumonia were reported in 18.4% of MS-related compared to 11.0% non-MS-related deaths (OR 2.72, 95% CI 2.28-3.25). The odds of mention of urinary tract infections was significantly greater in MS-related deaths of men (OR 8.16, 95% CI 5.23-12.7) than women (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.82-5.02). Aspiration pneumonia, pressure ulcers/skin infections and sepsis were also significantly associated with MS-related deaths. Reporting of COVID-19 as a cause of death did not significantly differ between deaths with and without mention of MS (approximately 11% of both). However, compared to 2010-2019, peaks in MS-related deaths were observed during the pandemic waves. CONCLUSIONS Infections continue to play a significant role in MS-related deaths, underlying the need to improve prevention and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Schievano
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy
| | - Elaine Kingwell
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
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García-Muñoz C, Hernández-Rodríguez JC, Pereyra-Rodriguez JJ. Mortality rates for Parkinson's disease are increasing in Spain. An Age-Period-Cohort and Joinpoint Analysis in Mortality Rates from 1981 to 2020. Neurologia 2023:S2173-5808(23)00039-1. [PMID: 37392959 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2023.06.003] [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: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality in Parkinson's disease is increasing worldwide, but Spanish data need further study. OBJECTIVE To analyse the mortality trends of Parkinson's disease in Spain between 1981 and 2020. METHODS This observational retrospective study assessed the Parkinson's disease mortality data from 1981 to 2020 were collected from the National Statistics Institute of Spain. Age-standardized mortality rates were analysed by age and sex groups, detecting significant mortality trends through a joinpoint analysis. Age-period-cohort effect and potential years of life lost analyses were conducted. The European standard population of 2013 was considered for the analyses. RESULTS A total of 88,034 deaths were assessed. The overall age-standardized mortality rate rose throughout the period from 3.67 to 8.57 per 100,000 inhabitants. Mortality rates in men were higher than in women, 11.63 versus 6.57 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The sex ratio showed an increase in premature mortality in men during 2020. The overall joinpoint analysis recorded a rise in mortality, primarily since the twentieth century, mainly in male and older groups, that matched with a period effect. The age effect was detected, confirming higher mortality at an older age. The analysis of potential years of life lost detected a growth in this rate, changing from 0.66 in 1981 to 1.06 in 2020. CONCLUSIONS Mortality data for Parkinson's disease in Spain rose significantly in forty years. Mortality rate was higher in the male and age group above 75 years of age. The sex ratio showed premature mortality in men in 2020, which will need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina García-Muñoz
- Departmento de Enfermería y Fisioterapia. Facultad de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
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Huang P, Zhang LY, Tan YY, Chen SD. Links between COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease/Alzheimer's disease: reciprocal impacts, medical care strategies and underlying mechanisms. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 36717892 PMCID: PMC9885419 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on patients with neurodegenerative diseases and the specific neurological manifestations of COVID-19 have aroused great interest. However, there are still many issues of concern to be clarified. Therefore, we review the current literature on the complex relationship between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases with an emphasis on Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We summarize the impact of COVID-19 infection on symptom severity, disease progression, and mortality rate of PD and AD, and discuss whether COVID-19 infection could trigger PD and AD. In addition, the susceptibility to and the prognosis of COVID-19 in PD patients and AD patients are also included. In order to achieve better management of PD and AD patients, modifications of care strategies, specific drug therapies, and vaccines during the pandemic are also listed. At last, mechanisms underlying the link of COVID-19 with PD and AD are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Lin-Yuan Zhang
- grid.412478.c0000 0004 1760 4628Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Yu-Yan Tan
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Sheng-Di Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Lab for Translational Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Fedeli U, Barbiellini Amidei C, Marcon A, Casotto V, Grippo F, Grande E, Gaisl T, Barco S. Mortality Related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Multiple Causes of Death through Different Epidemic Waves in Veneto, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912844. [PMID: 36232144 PMCID: PMC9565127 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mortality related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the COVID-19 pandemic is possibly underestimated by sparse available data. The study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on COPD-related mortality by means of time series analyses of causes of death data. We analyzed the death certificates of residents in Veneto (Italy) aged ≥40 years from 2008 to 2020. The age-standardized rates were computed for COPD as the underlying cause of death (UCOD) and as any mention in death certificates (multiple cause of death-MCOD). The annual percent change (APC) in the rates was estimated for the pre-pandemic period. Excess COPD-related mortality in 2020 was estimated by means of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models. Overall, COPD was mentioned in 7.2% (43,780) of all deaths. From 2008 to 2019, the APC for COPD-related mortality was -4.9% (95% CI -5.5%, -4.2%) in men and -3.1% in women (95% CI -3.8%, -2.5%). In 2020 compared to the 2018-2019 average, the number of deaths from COPD (UCOD) declined by 8%, while COPD-related deaths (MCOD) increased by 14% (95% CI 10-18%), with peaks corresponding to the COVID-19 epidemic waves. Time series analyses confirmed that in 2020, COPD-related mortality increased by 16%. Patients with COPD experienced significant excess mortality during the first year of the pandemic. The decline in COPD mortality as the UCOD is explained by COVID-19 acting as a competing cause, highlighting how an MCOD approach is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Marcon
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Veronica Casotto
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Grippo
- Integrated System for Health, Social Assistance and Welfare, Italian National Institute of Statistics, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Enrico Grande
- Integrated System for Health, Social Assistance and Welfare, Italian National Institute of Statistics, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Thomas Gaisl
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Barco
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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