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Rafique Z, Durkalski‐Mauldin V, Peacock WF, Yadav K, Reynolds JC, Callaway CW. Sex-specific disparities in COVID-19 outcomes. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2024; 5:e13110. [PMID: 38283615 PMCID: PMC10811409 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sex-specific disparities in morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 illness are not well understood. Neutralizing antibodies (Ab) may protect against severe COVID-19 illness. We investigated the association of sex with disease progression and SARS-CoV-2 Ab response. Methods In this exploratory analysis of the phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled Convalescent Plasma in Outpatients (C3PO) trial, we examined whether sex was associated with progression to severe illness, defined as a composite of all-cause hospitalization, emergency/urgent care visit, or death within 15 days from study enrollment. Patients had a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test, symptom onset within 7 days, stable condition for emergency department discharge, and were either ≥50 years old or had at least one high-risk feature for disease progression. Patients received blinded convalescent plasma or placebo in a 1:1 fashion and were evaluated on days 15 and 30 after infusion. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (pre-/post-infusion), 15, and 30 to measure Ab levels with the Broad Institute using the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test assay. Results Of 511 patients enrolled (median age 54 [Iinterquartile range 41-62] years, 46% male, 66% white, 20% black, 3.5% Asian), disease progression occurred in 36.7% of males and 25.9% of females (unadjusted risk difference 10.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-18.8%). Sex-disparities did not persist when adjusted for treatment group, age, viremic status, symptom onset, and tobacco use (adjusted risk difference 5.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.2% to 13.4%), but were present in the subgroup presenting 3 or more days after symptom onset (adjusted risk difference 12.6%, 95% CI, 3.4% to 21.9%). Mean baseline Ab levels (log scale) available for 367 patients were similar between sexes (difference 0.19 log units, 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.46). The log-scale mean increase from baseline to day 15 after adjusting for treatment assignment and baseline levels was larger in males than females (3.26 vs. 2.67). A similar difference was noted when the groups were subdivided by outcome. Conclusions Progression of COVID-19 was similar in males and females when adjusted for age, tobacco use, and viremia status in this study. However, in the cohort presenting 3 or more days after symptom onset, COVID-19 outcomes were worse in males than females. Neutralizing Ab levels increased more in males but did not correlate with sex differences in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubaid Rafique
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of MedicineHenry J N Taub General HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | | | - William F. Peacock
- Department of Emergency MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Kabir Yadav
- Department of Emergency MedicineHarbor‐UCLA Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joshua C. Reynolds
- Department of Emergency MedicineMichigan State University College of Human MedicineGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Clifton W. Callaway
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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Patlin B, Schwerdtfeger L, Tobet S. Neuropeptide stimulation of physiological and immunological responses in precision-cut lung slices. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15873. [PMID: 37994278 PMCID: PMC10665790 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15873] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Organotypic lung slices, sometimes known as precision-cut lung slices (PCLS), provide an environment in which numerous cell types and interactions can be maintained outside the body (ex vivo). PCLS were maintained ex vivo for up to a week and demonstrated health via the presence of neurons, maintenance of tissue morphology, synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, and minimal cell death. Multiple phenotypes of neuronal fibers were present in lung slices with varied size, caliber, and neurotransmitter immunoreactivity. Of the neuropeptides present in fibers, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was the most prevalent. Exposing PCLS to recombinant CGRP resulted in the proliferation and dispersion of CD19+ B cells in slices taken selectively from females. The number of granules containing immunoreactive (ir) surfactant protein C (SPC), which are representative of alveolar type 2 cells, increased in slices from females within 24 h of exposure to CGRP. Additionally, ir-SPC granule size increased in slices from males and females across 48 h of exposure to CGRP. Exposure of PCLS to exogenous CGRP did not alter the number of solitary pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNEC) but did result in neuroendocrine bodies that had significantly more cells. Neuronal fiber numbers were unchanged based on ir-peripherin; however, ir-CGRP became non-detectable in fibers while unchanged in PNECs. The effects of exogenous CGRP provide insight into innate immune and neuroendocrine responses in the lungs that may be partially regulated by neural fibers. The sex-dependent nature of these changes may point to the basis for sex-selective outcomes among respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Patlin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - L. Schwerdtfeger
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical School and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - S. Tobet
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Biomedical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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Moscucci F, Gallina S, Bucciarelli V, Aimo A, Pelà G, Cadeddu-Dessalvi C, Nodari S, Maffei S, Meloni A, Deidda M, Mercuro G, Pedrinelli R, Penco M, Sciomer S, Mattioli AV. Impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular health of women: a review by the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on 'gender cardiovascular diseases'. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:e15-e23. [PMID: 36729627 PMCID: PMC10100638 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, presents with an extremely heterogeneous spectrum of symptoms and signs. COVID-19 susceptibility and mortality show a significant sex imbalance, with men being more prone to infection and showing a higher rate of hospitalization and mortality than women. In particular, cardiovascular diseases (preexistent or arising upon infection) play a central role in COVID-19 outcomes, differently in men and women. This review will discuss the potential mechanisms accounting for sex/gender influence in vulnerability to COVID-19. Such variability can be ascribed to both sex-related biological factors and sex-related behavioural traits. Sex differences in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 involve the endothelial dysfunction, the innate immune system and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Furthermore, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is involved in disease pathogenesis in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 and it shows hormone-dependent actions. The incidence of myocardial injury during COVID-19 is sex-dependent, predominantly in association with a greater degree of inflammation and coagulation disorders among men. Its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, but the main theories foresee a direct role for the ACE2 receptor, the hyperimmune response and the RAS imbalance, which may also lead to isolated presentation of COVID-19-mediated myopericarditis. Moreover, the latest evidence on cardiovascular diseases and their relationship with COVID-19 during pregnancy will be discussed. Finally, authors will analyse the prevalence of the long-covid syndrome between the two sexes and its impact on the quality of life and cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Moscucci
- Department of Clinical and Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome ‘Sapienza’, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome
| | - Sabina Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti
| | - Valentina Bucciarelli
- Department of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Ancona ‘Umberto I, G. M. Lancisi, G. Salesi’, Ancona
| | - Alberto Aimo
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa
| | - Giovanna Pelà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma
- Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma
| | | | - Savina Nodari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia
| | - Silvia Maffei
- Cardiovascular and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione G Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa
| | - Martino Deidda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | - Giuseppe Mercuro
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | - Roberto Pedrinelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa
| | - Maria Penco
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila
| | - Susanna Sciomer
- Department of Clinical and Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome ‘Sapienza’, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome
| | - Anna Vittoria Mattioli
- Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Feltrin TD, Cielo CA, Pasqualoto AS. Relation between Orotracheal Intubation, Inflammatory Markers, Breathing and Voice in Post-COVID-19. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00070-X. [PMID: 37045738 PMCID: PMC9946891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19, an infectious disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and intensities in the human body, it can cause respiratory and vocal disorders, with fatigue. OBJECTIVE To verify the relation between biological Inflammatory markers D-dimers and C-Reactive Protein, Forced Vital Capacity, Maximum Phonation Time, vocal performance and fatigue, length of hospitalization period and gender of people affected by COVID-19 who were hospitalized, but did not use orotracheal intubation and compare with a group of post-COVID-19 patients with orotracheal intubation. METHODS Data on D-dimers and C-Reactive Protein, spirometry, Maximum Phonation Time, performance and vocal fatigue were collected. The study included 42 adult people affected by COVID-19 who were hospitalized, 22 (52.4%) female and 20 (47.6%) male; 23 (54.8%) critical cases composing the group with orotracheal intubation (average age 48.9 years old) and 19 (45.24%) severe cases in the group without orotracheal intubation (average age 49.9 years old). RESULTS hospital length of stay was significantly longer for the group with orotracheal intubation; D-dimers were significantly altered in all groups; correlations between maximum phonation times were positive and significant; correlations between maximum phonation times, vocal performance and fatigue were both negative and significant. CONCLUSION Patients with orotracheal intubation had longer hospital internment and increased D-dimers and were amazed that, whenever maximum phonation times decreased performance and vocal fatigue increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís D Feltrin
- Department of Speech Therapy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Carla A Cielo
- Department of Speech Therapy and Human Communication Disorders, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria RS, Brazil
| | - Adriane S Pasqualoto
- Department of Physiotherapy and Human Communication Disorders, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Funk T, Innocenti F, Gomes Dias J, Nerlander L, Melillo T, Gauci C, Melillo JM, Lenz P, Sebestova H, Slezak P, Vlckova I, Berild JD, Mauroy C, Seppälä E, Tønnessen R, Vergison A, Mossong J, Masi S, Huiart L, Cullen G, Murphy N, O'Connor L, O'Donnell J, Mook P, Pebody RG, Bundle N. Age-specific associations between underlying health conditions and hospitalisation, death and in-hospital death among confirmed COVID-19 cases: a multi-country study based on surveillance data, June to December 2020. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 36052721 PMCID: PMC9438397 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.35.2100883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Underlying conditions are risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes but evidence is limited about how risks differ with age. Aim We sought to estimate age-specific associations between underlying conditions and hospitalisation, death and in-hospital death among COVID-19 cases. Methods We analysed case-based COVID-19 data submitted to The European Surveillance System between 2 June and 13 December 2020 by nine European countries. Eleven underlying conditions among cases with only one condition and the number of underlying conditions among multimorbid cases were used as exposures. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using 39 different age-adjusted and age-interaction multivariable logistic regression models, with marginal means from the latter used to estimate probabilities of severe outcome for each condition–age group combination. Results Cancer, cardiac disorder, diabetes, immunodeficiency, kidney, liver and lung disease, neurological disorders and obesity were associated with elevated risk (aOR: 1.5–5.6) of hospitalisation and death, after controlling for age, sex, reporting period and country. As age increased, age-specific aOR were lower and predicted probabilities higher. However, for some conditions, predicted probabilities were at least as high in younger individuals with the condition as in older cases without it. In multimorbid patients, the aOR for severe disease increased with number of conditions for all outcomes and in all age groups. Conclusion While supporting age-based vaccine roll-out, our findings could inform a more nuanced, age- and condition-specific approach to vaccine prioritisation. This is relevant as countries consider vaccination of younger people, boosters and dosing intervals in response to vaccine escape variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjede Funk
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesco Innocenti
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence, Italy.,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana Gomes Dias
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lina Nerlander
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tanya Melillo
- Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Superintendence of Public Health, Gwardamanġa, Malta
| | | | - Jackie M Melillo
- Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Superintendence of Public Health, Gwardamanġa, Malta
| | - Patrik Lenz
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Helena Sebestova
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Slezak
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Iva Vlckova
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jacob Dag Berild
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camilla Mauroy
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elina Seppälä
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Tønnessen
- European Public Health Microbiology Training Programme (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | - Gillian Cullen
- HSE - Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Murphy
- HSE - Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lois O'Connor
- HSE - Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joan O'Donnell
- HSE - Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Piers Mook
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard G Pebody
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nick Bundle
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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Vasa A, Kini M, Neugarten J, Bellin E, Golestaneh L. Does comorbidity burden explain the higher COVID-19 mortality risk among men? A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of a well-defined cohort of patients in Bronx, New York. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063862. [PMID: 36581961 PMCID: PMC9437736 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Men have a higher mortality rate and more severe COVID-19 infection than women. The mechanism for this is unclear. We hypothesise that innate sex differences, rather than comorbidity burden, drive higher male mortality. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Montefiore Health System (MHS) in Bronx, New York, USA. PARTICIPANTS A cohort population of 364 992 patients at MHS between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2020 was defined, from which individuals hospitalised during the pre-COVID period (1 January 2020-15 February 2020) (n=5856) and individuals hospitalised during the COVID-19 surge (1 March 2020-15 April 2020) (n=4793) were examined for outcomes. A subcohort with confirmed COVID-19+ hospitalisation was also examined (n=1742). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Hospitalisation and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Men were older, had more comorbidities, lower body mass index and were more likely to smoke. Unadjusted logistic regression showed a higher odds of death in hospitalised men than women during both the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods (pre-COVID-19, OR: 1.66 vs COVID-19 OR: 1.98). After adjustment for relevant clinical and demographic factors, the higher risk of male death attenuated towards the null in the pre-COVID-19 period (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.76) but remained significantly higher in the COVID-19 period (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.73 to 2.34).In the subcohort of COVID-19+ hospitalised patients, men had 1.37 higher odds of in-hospital death (95% CI 1.09 to 1.72), which was not altered by adjustment for comorbidity (OR remained at 1.38 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.76)) but was attenuated with addition of initial pulse oximetry on presentation (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.62). CONCLUSIONS Higher male mortality risk during the COVID-19 period despite adjustment for comorbidity supports the role of innate physiological susceptibility to COVID-19 death. Attenuation of higher male risk towards the null after adjustment for severity of lung disease in hospitalised COVID-19+ patients further supports the role of higher severity of COVID-19 pneumonia in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Vasa
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Maya Kini
- Rye Country Day School, Rye, New York, USA
| | - Joel Neugarten
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Eran Bellin
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, Yonkers, New York, USA
| | - Ladan Golestaneh
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Characterization of Clinical Features of Hospitalized Patients Due to the SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Absence of Comorbidities Regarding the Sex: An Epidemiological Study of the First Year of the Pandemic in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158895. [PMID: 35897265 PMCID: PMC9331852 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The male sex, due to the presence of genetic, immunological, hormonal, social, and environmental factors, is associated with higher severity and death in Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19. We conducted an epidemiological study to characterize the COVID-19 clinical profile, severity, and outcome according to sex in patients with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to the fact of this disease. We carried out an epidemiological analysis using epidemiological data made available by the OpenDataSUS, which stores information about SARS in Brazil. We recorded the features of the patients admitted to the hospital for SARS treatment due to the presence of COVID-19 (in the absence of comorbidities) and associated these characteristics with sex and risk of death. The study comprised 336,463 patients, 213,151 of whom were men. Male patients presented a higher number of clinical signs, for example, fever (OR = 1.424; 95%CI = 1.399−1.448), peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 95% (OR = 1.253; 95%CI = 1.232−1.274), and dyspnea (OR = 1.146; 95%CI = 1.125−1.166) as well as greater need for admission in intensive care unit (ICU, OR = 1.189; 95%CI = 1.168−1.210), and the use of invasive ventilatory support (OR = 1.306; 95%CI = 1.273−1.339) and noninvasive ventilatory support (OR = 1.238; 95%CI = 1.216−1.260) when compared with female patients. Curiously, the male sex was associated only with a small increase in the risk of death when compared with the female sex (OR = 1.041; 95%CI = 1.023−1.060). We did a secondary analysis to identify the main predictors of death. In that sense, the multivariate analysis enabled the prediction of the risk of death, and the male sex was one of the predictors (OR = 1.101; 95%CI = 1.011−1.199); however, with a small effect size. In addition, other factors also contributed to this prediction and presented a great effect size, they are listed below: older age (61−72 years old (OR = 15.778; 95%CI = 1.865−133.492), 73−85 years old (OR = 31.978; 95%CI = 3.779−270.600), and +85 years old (OR = 68.385; 95%CI = 8.164−589.705)); race (Black (OR = 1.247; 95%CI = 1.016−1.531), Pardos (multiracial background; OR = 1.585; 95%CI = 1.450−1.732), and Indigenous (OR = 3.186; 95%CI = 1.927−5.266)); clinical signs (for instance, dyspnea (OR = 1.231; 95%CI = 1.110−1.365) and SpO2 < 95% (OR = 1.367; 95%CI = 1.238−1.508)); need for admission in the ICU (OR = 3.069; 95%CI = 2.789−3.377); and for ventilatory support (invasive (OR = 10.174; 95%CI = 8.803−11.759) and noninvasive (OR = 1.609; 95%CI = 1.438−1.800)). In conclusion, in Brazil, male patients tend to present the phenotype of higher severity in COVID-19, however, with a small effect on the risk of death.
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Degarege A, Naveed Z, Kabayundo J, Brett-Major D. Heterogeneity and Risk of Bias in Studies Examining Risk Factors for Severe Illness and Death in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2022; 11:563. [PMID: 35631084 PMCID: PMC9147100 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the evidence on the impacts of demographics and comorbidities on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19, as well as the sources of the heterogeneity and publication bias of the relevant studies. Two authors independently searched the literature from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and CINAHL on 18 May 2021; removed duplicates; screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts by using criteria; and extracted data from the eligible articles. The variations among the studies were examined by using Cochrane, Q.; I2, and meta-regression. Out of 11,975 articles that were obtained from the databases and screened, 559 studies were abstracted, and then, where appropriate, were analyzed by meta-analysis (n = 542). COVID-19-related severe illness, admission to the ICU, and death were significantly correlated with comorbidities, male sex, and an age older than 60 or 65 years, although high heterogeneity was present in the pooled estimates. The study design, the study country, the sample size, and the year of publication contributed to this. There was publication bias among the studies that compared the odds of COVID-19-related deaths, severe illness, and admission to the ICU on the basis of the comorbidity status. While an older age and chronic diseases were shown to increase the risk of developing severe illness, admission to the ICU, and death among the COVID-19 patients in our analysis, a marked heterogeneity was present when linking the specific risks with the outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Degarege
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (D.B.-M.)
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de Medeiros SF, Yamamoto MMW, de Medeiros MAS, Yamamoto AKLW, Barbosa BB. Polycystic ovary syndrome and risks for COVID-19 infection: A comprehensive review : PCOS and COVID-19 relationship. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:251-264. [PMID: 35218458 PMCID: PMC8881900 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09715-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This comprehensive review aimed to evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19) and the metabolic and endocrine characteristics frequently found in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the general population, COVID-19 is more severe in subjects with dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and arterial hypertension. Because these conditions are comorbidities commonly associated with PCOS, it was hypothesized that women with PCOS would be at higher risk for acquiring COVID-19 and developing more severe clinical presentations. This hypothesis was confirmed in several epidemiological studies. The present review shows that women with PCOS are at 28%-50% higher risk of being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus at all ages and that, in these women, COVID-19 is associated with increased rates of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. We summarize the mechanisms of the higher risk of COVID-19 infection in women with PCOS, particularly in those with carbohydrate and lipid abnormal metabolism, hyperandrogenism, and central obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastião Freitas de Medeiros
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
- Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
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Pelà G, Goldoni M, Solinas E, Cavalli C, Tagliaferri S, Ranzieri S, Frizzelli A, Marchi L, Mori PA, Majori M, Aiello M, Corradi M, Chetta A. Sex-Related Differences in Long-COVID-19 Syndrome. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:620-630. [PMID: 35333613 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sex differences have been demonstrated in the acute phase of COVID-19. Women (F) were found to be less prone to develop a severe disease than men (M), but few studies have assessed sex-differences in Long-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods: The aim of this prospective/retrospective study was to characterize the long-term consequences of this infection based on sex. For this purpose, we enrolled 223 patients (89 F and 134 M) who were infected by SARS-CoV-2. In the acute phase of the illness, F reported the following symptoms more frequently than M: weakness, dysgeusia, anosmia, thoracic pain, palpitations, diarrhea, and myalgia-all without significant differences in breathlessness, cough, and sleep disturbance. Results: After a mean follow-up time of 5 months after the acute phase, F were significantly more likely than M to report dyspnea, weakness, thoracic pain, palpitations, and sleep disturbance but not myalgia and cough. At the multivariate logistic regression, women were statistically significantly likely to experience persistent symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations. On the contrary, myalgia, cough, and sleep disturbance were not influenced by sex. Conclusion: We demonstrated that F were more symptomatic than M not only in the acute phase but also at follow-up. Sex was found to be an important determinant of Long-COVID-19 syndrome because it is a significant predictor of persistent symptoms in F, such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations. Our results suggest the need for long-term follow-up of these patients from a sex perspective to implement early preventive and personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pelà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Goldoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Emila Solinas
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Tagliaferri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Annalisa Frizzelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Marchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pier Anselmo Mori
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular, Pulmonology and Endoscopic Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Majori
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular, Pulmonology and Endoscopic Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marina Aiello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimo Corradi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alfredo Chetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
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11
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Swart P, Nijbroek SGLH, Paulus F, Neto AS, Schultz MJ. Sex Differences in Use of Low Tidal Volume Ventilation in COVID-19-Insights From the PRoVENT-COVID Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:780005. [PMID: 35300177 PMCID: PMC8923734 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.780005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare and understand differences in the use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) between females and males with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is a post-hoc analysis of an observational study in invasively ventilated patients with ARDS related to COVID-19 in 22 ICUs in the Netherlands. The primary endpoint was the use of LTVV, defined as having received a median tidal volume (VT) ≤6 ml/kg predicted body weight (PBW) during controlled ventilation. A mediation analysis was used to investigate the impact of anthropometric factors, next to the impact of sex per se. The analysis included 934 patients, 251 females and 683 males. All the patients had ARDS, and there were no differences in ARDS severity between the sexes. On the first day of ventilation, females received ventilation with a higher median VT compared with males [6.8 (interquartile range (IQR) 6.0–7.6 vs. 6.3 (IQR 5.8–6.9) ml/kg PBW; p < 0.001]. Consequently, females received LTVV less often than males (23 vs. 34%; p = 0.003). The difference in the use of LTVV became smaller but persisted over the next days (27 vs. 36%; p = 0.046 at day 2 and 28 vs. 38%; p = 0.030 at day 3). The difference in the use LTVV was significantly mediated by sex per se [average direct effect of the female sex, 7.5% (95% CI, 1.7–13.3%); p = 0.011] and by differences in the body height [average causal mediation effect, −17.5% (−21.5 to −13.5%); p < 0.001], but not by the differences in actual body weight [average causal mediation effect, 0.2% (−0.8 to 1.2%); p = 0.715]. In conclusion, in this cohort of patients with ARDS related to COVID-19, females received LTVV less often than males in the first days of invasive ventilation. The difference in the use of LTVV was mainly driven by an anthropometric factor, namely, body height. Use of LTVV may improve by paying attention to correct titration of VT, which should be based on PBW, which is a function of body height.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pien Swart
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location 'Academic Medical Center', Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sunny G L H Nijbroek
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location 'Academic Medical Center', Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location 'Academic Medical Center', Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frederique Paulus
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location 'Academic Medical Center', Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ary Serpa Neto
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location 'Academic Medical Center', Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcus J Schultz
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location 'Academic Medical Center', Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Martin CE, Thakkar B, Taylor DDH, Chapman DA. Disparities by Sex in COVID-19 Risk and Related Harms Among People with Opioid Use Disorder. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:640-647. [PMID: 35171036 PMCID: PMC9133966 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0457] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: (1) Report sex-specific prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test positivity among an opioid use disorder (OUD) cohort (2) Assess sex-specific rates of opioid overdose and mortality. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on all adult patients with OUD who received a COVID-19 test in calendar year 2020 at a large academic medical center in Richmond, Virginia. Our study outcomes were positive COVID-19 test, opioid overdose, and all-cause in-hospital mortality. Sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression assessed sociodemographic factors associated with COVID-19 test positivity. Results: A total of 2,600 patients (males = 1,294, females = 1,306) with OUD received a COVID-19 test. Approximately 5% across both sexes tested positive for COVID-19 (p = 0.420), whereas 7% presented with an opioid overdose (males 10%; females 4%; p < 0.0001). However, mortality rates were similar across sex. Among males, individuals in the other racial group had increased odds of COVID-19 test positivity (adjusted odds ratio or AOR: 5.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70-14.88), whereas black females had higher odds of COVID-19 test positivity (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.01-3.62) compared to their white counterparts. Conclusions: Opioid overdose, more often than COVID-19, impacted the health of patients with OUD presenting to a public safety net health system. Despite a female advantage documented in the general population for COVID-19 susceptibility, COVID-19 test positivity rates were similar across sex in an OUD cohort; yet, racial disparities emerged with notable sex-related variation. Sex and gender are important variables that modify health outcomes, including OUD and COVID-19, and should be further investigated using an intersectionality framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Bhushan Thakkar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - DaShaunda D H Taylor
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Center on Society and Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Derek A Chapman
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Center on Society and Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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13
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Acute respiratory infections in an adult refugee population: an observational study. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2021; 31:50. [PMID: 34934070 PMCID: PMC8692464 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-021-00261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of acute infectious respiratory diseases (ARD) is one of the main reasons why recently arrived refugees seek medical help. This paper investigates the incidence rates of acute respiratory diseases in an adult refugee population as well as associated sociodemographic factors and drug treatments. We conducted a retrospective observational study of deidentified medical records. The data were collected between 2015 and 2019 in the health care centers of two large German initial reception centers for refugees. Multivariable analyses controlling for sociodemographics were carried out using generalized estimating equations. Out of 10,431 eligible residents, 6965 medical encounters of 2840 adult patients were recorded over 30 months. Of all the adult patients, 34.4% sought medical help for a respiratory symptom or diagnosis at least once. Older patients and patients from Sub-Saharan Africa sought help less often. The occurrence of ARD showed a typical distribution over the course of the year. Facility occupancy was not associated with ARD occurrence. Acute respiratory symptoms are a leading cause for adult refugee patients to seek medical care. The doctor contact rates due to ARD were consistently two to three times higher among refugees than among German residents.
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14
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Suboc T, Gomez JMD, Volgman C, Volgman AS. Lessons Learned from Coronavirus Disease 2019 Sex Disparities. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:453-454. [PMID: 33784474 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tisha Suboc
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Caroline Volgman
- College of Health Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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