Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey: A nationwide study (TurCoviDia)

Clinical outcomes of multidimensional association of type 2 diabetes mellitus, COVID-19 and sarcopenia: an algorithm and scoping systematic evaluation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to provide a scoping and comprehensive review for the clinical outcomes from the cross-link of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), COVID-19, and sarcopenia.

METHODS

By using PRISMA guidelines and searching through different databases that could provide findings of evidence on the association of T2DM, COVID-19, and sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies reported a relationship between sarcopenia with T2DM, twenty-one studies reported the prognosis COVID-19 in patients with T2DM, ten studies reported the prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with sarcopenia, five studies discussed the outcomes of sarcopenia in patients with COVID-19, and one study reported sarcopenia outcomes in the presence of T2DM and COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

There is an obvious multidimensional relationship between T2DM, COVID-19 and sarcopenia which can cause prejudicial effects, poor prognosis, prolonged hospitalisation, lowered quality of life and a higher mortality rate during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Mortality risk in patients with obesity and COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity is a risk factor for severe respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 infection. Meta-analyses on mortality risk were inconsistent. We systematically searched 3 databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL) and assessed the quality of studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool (CRD42020220140). We included 199 studies from US and Europe, with a mean age of participants 41.8-78.2 years, and a variable prevalence of metabolic co-morbidities of 20-80 %. Exceptionally, one third of the studies had a low prevalence of obesity of <20 %. Compared to patients with normal weight, those with obesity had a 34 % relative increase in the odds of mortality (p-value 0.002), with a dose-dependent relationship. Subgroup analyses showed an interaction with the country income. There was a high heterogeneity in the results, explained by clinical and methodologic variability across studies. We identified one trial only comparing mortality rate in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated patients with obesity; there was a trend for a lower mortality in the former group. Mortality risk in COVID-19 infection increases in parallel to an increase in BMI. BMI should be included in the predictive models and stratification scores used when considering mortality as an outcome in patients with COVID-19 infections. Furthermore, patients with obesity might need to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination.

Demographics, comorbidities and risk factors for severe disease from the early SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in Queensland, Australia

BACKGROUND

Demographics and comorbidities associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity differs between subpopulations and should be determined to aid future pandemic planning and preparedness.

AIM

To describe the demographics and comorbidities of patients diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Queensland (QLD), Australia, between January 2020 and May 2021. Also, to determine the relationship between these characteristics and disease severity based on the highest level of care.

METHODS

A retrospective case series analysis was conducted using data obtained from the Notifiable Conditions System. Data on patients confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection in QLD were included in this analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling were used to analyse factors that contributed to disease severity.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred twenty-five patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were diagnosed in the study period and analysed. The median age was 41 years and 54.3% (n = 882) were males. A total of 550 patients were hospitalised and 20 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). In those admitted to the ICU, 95% (n = 19) were older than 45 years and 95% (n = 19) were male. Comorbidities significantly associated with hospitalisation were chronic cardiac disease (excluding hypertension) and diabetes, and for ICU admission were morbid obesity, chronic respiratory disease and chronic cardiac disease. No demographic factors were shown to be significantly associated with disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidities associated with the highest level of COVID-19 disease severity were morbid obesity, chronic respiratory disease and cardiac disease. These data can assist with identifying high-risk patients susceptible to severe COVID-19 and can be used to facilitate preparations for future pandemics.

Risk phenotypes of diabetes and association with COVID-19 severity and death: an update of a living systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

To provide a systematic overview of the current body of evidence on high-risk phenotypes of diabetes associated with COVID-19 severity and death.

METHODS

This is the first update of our recently published living systematic review and meta-analysis. Observational studies investigating phenotypes in individuals with diabetes and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with regard to COVID-19-related death and severity were included. The literature search was conducted from inception up to 14 February 2022 in PubMed, Epistemonikos, Web of Science and the COVID-19 Research Database and updated using PubMed alert to 1 December 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate summary relative risks (SRRs) with 95% CIs. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool and the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 169 articles (147 new studies) based on approximately 900,000 individuals were included. We conducted 177 meta-analyses (83 on COVID-19-related death and 94 on COVID-19 severity). Certainty of evidence was strengthened for associations between male sex, older age, blood glucose level at admission, chronic insulin use, chronic metformin use (inversely) and pre-existing comorbidities (CVD, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and COVID-19-related death. New evidence with moderate to high certainty emerged for the association between obesity (SRR [95% CI] 1.18 [1.04, 1.34], n=21 studies), HbA1c (53-75 mmol/mol [7-9%]: 1.18 [1.06, 1.32], n=8), chronic glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use (0.83 [0.71, 0.97], n=9), pre-existing heart failure (1.33 [1.21, 1.47], n=14), pre-existing liver disease (1.40 [1.17, 1.67], n=6), the Charlson index (per 1 unit increase: 1.33 [1.13, 1.57], n=2), high levels of C-reactive protein (per 5 mg/l increase: 1.07 [1.02, 1.12], n=10), aspartate aminotransferase level (per 5 U/l increase: 1.28 [1.06, 1.54], n=5), eGFR (per 10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 increase: 0.80 [0.71, 0.90], n=6), lactate dehydrogenase level (per 10 U/l increase: 1.03 [1.01, 1.04], n=7) and lymphocyte count (per 1×109/l increase: 0.59 [0.40, 0.86], n=6) and COVID-19-related death. Similar associations were observed between risk phenotypes of diabetes and severity of COVID-19, with some new evidence on existing COVID-19  vaccination status (0.32 [0.26, 0.38], n=3), pre-existing hypertension (1.23 [1.14, 1.33], n=49), neuropathy and cancer, and high IL-6 levels. A limitation of this study is that the included studies are observational in nature and residual or unmeasured confounding cannot be ruled out.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Individuals with a more severe course of diabetes and pre-existing comorbidities had a poorer prognosis of COVID-19 than individuals with a milder course of the disease.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020193692.

PREVIOUS VERSION

This is a living systematic review and meta-analysis. The previous version can be found at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-021-05458-8 FUNDING: The German Diabetes Center (DDZ) is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State North Rhine-Westphalia. This study was supported in part by a grant from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research to the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD).

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) level, but not ACE gene polymorphism, is associated with prognosis of COVID-19 infection: Implications for diabetes and hypertension

BACKGROUND

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system was shown to be activated in severe COVID-19 infection. We aimed to investigate the relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels, ACE gene polymorphism, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and hypertension (HT) and the prognosis of COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed the clinical features of adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. ACE gene analysis and ACE level measurements were performed. The patients were grouped according to ACE gene polymorphism (DD, ID or II), disease severity (mild, moderate, or severe), and the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme inhibitor (DPP4i), ACE-inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 266 patients were enrolled. Gene analysis detected DD polymorphism in the ACE 1 gene in 32.7% (n = 87), ID in 51.5% (n = 137), and II in 15.8% (n = 42) of the patients. ACE gene polymorphisms were not associated with disease severity, ICU admission, or mortality. ACE levels were higher in patients who died (p = 0.004) or were admitted to the ICU (p<0.001) and in those with severe disease compared to cases with mild (p = 0.023) or moderate (p<0.001) disease. HT, T2DM, and ACEi/ARB or DPP4i use were not associated with mortality or ICU admission. ACE levels were similar in patients with or without HT (p = 0.374) and with HT using or not using ACEi/ARB (p = 0.999). They were also similar in patients with and without T2DM (p = 0.062) and in those with and without DPP4i treatment (p = 0.427). ACE level was a weak predictor of mortality but an important predictor of ICU admission. It predicted ICU admission in total (cutoff value >37.092 ng/mL, AUC: 0.775, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that higher ACE levels, but not ACE gene polymorphism, ACEi/ARB or DPP4i use, were associated with the prognosis of COVID-19 infection. The presence of HT and T2DM and ACEi/ARB or DPP4i use were not associated with mortality or ICU admission.

Predictors of Poor Glycemic Control and Increased Glucose Variability Among Admitted Moderate to Critical COVID-19 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single Center Cross-sectional Study

Objectives

COVID-19 exacerbates the long-standing, low-grade chronic inflammation observed in diabetes leading to heightened insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Mortality increases with hyperglycemia and poor glycemic variability, hence, this study aims to identify the predictors associated with poor glycemic control and increased glucose variability among patients with COVID-19 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Methodology

A retrospective chart review of 109 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 and T2DM admitted from March 2020 to June 2021 was done. Logistic regression was done to determine predictors for hyperglycemia and poor variability.

Results

Of the 109 patients, 78% had hyperglycemia and poor variability and 22% had no poor outcomes. Chronic kidney disease (eOR 2.83, CI [1.07-7.46], p = 0.035) was associated with increased glycemic variability. In contrast, increasing eGFR level (eOR 0.97, CI [0.96-0.99], p = 0.004) was associated with less likelihood of increased variability. Hs-CRP (eOR 1.01, CI [1.00-1.01], p = 0.011), HbA1c (eOR 1.86, CI [1.23-2.82], p = 0.003), severe COVID-19 (eOR 8.91, CI [1.77-44.94], p = 0.008) and critical COVID-19 (eOR 4.42, CI [1.65-11.75], p = 0.003) were associated with hyperglycemia. Steroid use (eOR 71.17, CI [8.53-593.54], p<0.001) showed the strongest association with hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

Potential clinical, laboratory and inflammatory profiles were identified as predictors for poor glycemic control and variability outcomes. HbA1c, hs-CRP, and COVID-19 severity are predictors of hyperglycemia. Likewise, chronic kidney disease is a predictor of increased glycemic variability.

Obesity as an independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity and mortality

BACKGROUND

Since December 2019, the world has struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the introduction of various vaccines, this disease still takes a considerable toll. In order to improve the optimal allocation of resources and communication of prognosis, healthcare providers and patients need an accurate understanding of factors (such as obesity) that are associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes from the COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate obesity as an independent prognostic factor for COVID-19 severity and mortality among adult patients in whom infection with the COVID-19 virus is confirmed.

SEARCH METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, two COVID-19 reference collections, and four Chinese biomedical databases were searched up to April 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included case-control, case-series, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and secondary analyses of randomised controlled trials if they evaluated associations between obesity and COVID-19 adverse outcomes including mortality, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospitalisation, severe COVID, and COVID pneumonia. Given our interest in ascertaining the independent association between obesity and these outcomes, we selected studies that adjusted for at least one factor other than obesity. Studies were evaluated for inclusion by two independent reviewers working in duplicate.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Using standardised data extraction forms, we extracted relevant information from the included studies. When appropriate, we pooled the estimates of association across studies with the use of random-effects meta-analyses. The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool provided the platform for assessing the risk of bias across each included study. In our main comparison, we conducted meta-analyses for each obesity class separately. We also meta-analysed unclassified obesity and obesity as a continuous variable (5 kg/m2 increase in BMI (body mass index)). We used the GRADE framework to rate our certainty in the importance of the association observed between obesity and each outcome. As obesity is closely associated with other comorbidities, we decided to prespecify the minimum adjustment set of variables including age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease for subgroup analysis.  MAIN RESULTS: We identified 171 studies, 149 of which were included in meta-analyses.  As compared to 'normal' BMI (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) or patients without obesity, those with obesity classes I (BMI 30 to 35 kg/m2), and II (BMI 35 to 40 kg/m2) were not at increased odds for mortality (Class I: odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94 to 1.16, high certainty (15 studies, 335,209 participants); Class II: OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.36, high certainty (11 studies, 317,925 participants)). However, those with class III obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 and above) may be at increased odds for mortality (Class III: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.00, low certainty, (19 studies, 354,967 participants)) compared to normal BMI or patients without obesity. For mechanical ventilation, we observed increasing odds with higher classes of obesity in comparison to normal BMI or patients without obesity (class I: OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.59, 10 studies, 187,895 participants, moderate certainty; class II: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.96, 6 studies, 171,149 participants, high certainty; class III: OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.97, 12 studies, 174,520 participants, high certainty). However, we did not observe a dose-response relationship across increasing obesity classifications for ICU admission and hospitalisation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that obesity is an important independent prognostic factor in the setting of COVID-19. Consideration of obesity may inform the optimal management and allocation of limited resources in the care of COVID-19 patients.

Diabetes as a risk factor of death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients - an analysis of a National Hospitalization Database from Poland, 2020

Introduction

Diabetes is one of the comorbidities associated with poor prognosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this nationwide retrospective study, we evaluated the risk of in-hospital death attributed to diabetes.

Methods

We analyzed data from discharge reports of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2020 as submitted to the Polish National Health Fund. Several multivariate logistic regression models were used. In each model, in-hospital death was estimated with explanatory variables. Models were built either on the whole cohorts or cohorts matched with propensity score matching (PSM). The models examined either the main effects of diabetes itself or the interaction of diabetes with other variables.

Results

We included 174,621 patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in the year 2020. Among them, there were 40,168 diabetic patients (DPs), and the proportion of DPs in this group was higher than in the general population (23.0% vs. 9.5%, p<0.001). In this group of COVID-19 hospitalizations, 17,438 in-hospital deaths were recorded, and the mortality was higher among DPs than non-diabetics (16.3% vs. 8.1%, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regressions showed that diabetes was a risk factor of death, regardless of sex and age. In the main effect analysis, odds of in-hospital death were higher by 28.3% for DPs than for non-diabetic patients. Similarly, PSM analysis including 101,578 patients, of whom 19,050 had diabetes, showed that the risk of death was higher in DPs regardless of sex with odds higher by 34.9%. The impact of diabetes differed among age groups and was the highest for patients aged 60-69.

Conclusions

This nationwide study confirmed that diabetes was an independent risk factor of in-hospital death in the course of COVID-19 infection. However, the relative risk differed across the age groups.

The Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with Pre-Existing Thyroid Dysfunction: A Nationwide Study

To which extent the pre-existing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism has an impact on coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in patients with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction. A retrospective cohort of patients with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 infection (n=14 966) from March 11 to May 30, 2020, was established using the database of the Turkish Ministry of Health. We compared the morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing hypothyroidism (n=8813) and hyperthyroidism (n=1822) to those patients with normal thyroid function (n=4331). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with mortality. Mortality rates were higher in patients with hyperthyroidism (7.7%) and hypothyroidism (4.4%) than those with normal thyroid function (3.4%) (p<0.001 and p=0.008, respectively). Pre-existing hyperthyroidism was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality (OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.02-2.33; p=0.042) along with advanced age, male gender, lymphopenia and chronic kidney disease (p<0.001 for all). Although a potential trend was noted, the association between pre-existing hypothyroidism and mortality was not significant (OR 1.36; 95% CI, 0.99-1.86; p=0.055). In conclusion, this study showed an association between pre-existing hyperthyroidism with higher COVID-19 mortality. A potential trend towards increased mortality was also observed for hypothyroidism. The risk was more pronounced in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Risk factors predicting hospital length of stay in older patients with type 2 diabetes with Covid-19

Background

Patients with Covid-19 disease could present with flu-like symptoms. However, nearly half of the subjects with positive test results for Covid-19 remain asymptomatic. Data on factors related to the duration of hospital stay in Covid-19 patients with diabetes mellitus remain limited.

Objective

We aimed to identify risk factors predicting prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) among diabetic patients hospitalized with Covid-19.

Methods

This cohort study involved patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) admitted to a tertiary hospital with mild or moderate Covid-19 between August 1 and November 31, 2020. Data on demographics, laboratory parameters, and clinical treatments were extracted from the medical records. Prolonged LOS was defined as equal to or greater than the median hospitable stay time. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to explore risk factors associated with LOS.

Results

We included 87 hospitalized T2D patients with mild or moderate Covid-19. The mean age was 69.5 ± 6.9 years, and 59.8% were female. In the unadjusted analysis, factors influencing the length of hospitalization were as follows: undertreatment of diabetes, high procalcitonin level, glycated hemoglobin, and low lymphocyte count. After adjustment for all covariates, subjects with a low lymphocyte had a 3.9 fold increased risk of prolonged LOS (OR:3.925 CI:1.044-14.755 p = 0.043).

Conclusions

A lower lymphocyte count on admission was associated with prolonged hospital LOS in older T2D patients with Covid-19, suggesting this marker could help clinicians predict complications for an adverse outcome.

Joint Effect of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension on COVID-19 in-Hospital Mortality Stratified by Age Group and Other Comorbidities: A Cohort Retrospective Study Using Hospital-Based Data in Sleman, Yogyakarta

The joint effect of diabetes mellitus and hypertension on COVID-19 has rarely been evaluated but had potential as a major risk factor. This study aims to investigate the joint effect between diabetes mellitus and hypertension on in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients in Yogyakarta stratified by age groups and other comorbidities status. Methods: This cohort retrospective study collected data from two major hospitals in the Sleman district and a total of 2779 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were included in this study. The study outcome was COVID-19 in-hospital mortality (deceased or discharged alive) and the main risk factors were diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT). The multiple logistic regression model was utilized to estimate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and calculate the joint effect. Results: COVID-19 patients who have both DM and hypertension were three times (AOR: 3.21; 95% CI: 2.45-4.19) more likely to have in-hospital mortality than those without both comorbidities. The highest risk of in-hospital mortality was found in COVID-19 patients without other comorbidities (other than DM and HT) and younger age (age 0-40 years), with AOR equal to 22.40 (95% CI: 6.61-75.99). Conclusions: This study identified a joint effect between diabetes mellitus and hypertension which increases the risk of in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients. Targeted public health, clinical, and health education intervention should be carried out on individuals with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension.

Diabetes and COVID-19 testing, positivity, and mortality: A population-wide study in Northern Italy

AIMS

To assess if patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are: a) at excess risk of undergoing testing, contracting, and dying from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population; b) whether cardiovascular diseases (CAVDs) contribute to COVID-19-related death; and c) what is the effect of DM2 duration and control on COVID-19-related death.

METHODS

This population-based study involved all 449,440 adult residents of the Reggio Emilia province, Italy. DM2 patients were divided in groups by COVID testing, presence of CAVDs and COVID death. Several mediation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Patients with DM2 had an increased likelihood of being tested (Odds ratio, OR 1.27 95 %CI 1.23-1.30), testing positive (OR 1.21 95 %CI 1.16-1.26) and dying from COVID-19 (OR 1.75 95 %CI 1.54-2.00). COVID-19-related death was almost three times higher among obese vs non-obese patients with DM2 (OR 4.3 vs 1.6, respectively). For COVID-19 death, CAVDs mediated a) just 5.1 % of the total effect of DM2, b) 40 % of the effect of DM2 duration, and c) did not mediate the effect of glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

For COVID-19-related deaths in DM2 patients, the effect is mostly direct, obesity amplifies it, DM2 control and duration are important predictors, while CAVDs only slightly mediates it.

Diabetes and SARS-CoV-2-Is There a Mutual Connection?

SARS-CoV-2, a newly emerged virus described for the first time in late 2019, affects multiple organs in humans, including the pancreas. Here, we present the bilateral link between the pathophysiology of diabetes and COVID-19, with diabetes being COVID-19 comorbidity, and a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Analysis of clinical data indicates that patients with chronic conditions like diabetes are at increased risk of severe COVID-19, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death compared to the healthy subjects. Further, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection might be also associated with the development of new-onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. We then discuss the options for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection in pancreatic settings, including the use of human pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic organoids. Further, we review the presence of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in different pancreatic cell types and the infection efficiency based on pancreatic sections from COVID-19 patients and primary human islet in vitro studies. Finally, we discuss the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human pancreatic cell homeostasis, focusing on β-cells.

Differences in Clinical Aspects Between Subacute Thyroiditis Associated with COVID-19 Vaccines and Classical Subacute Thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) developed after SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has been less studied. We aimed to compare classical SAT and SAT developed after SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the context of clinical aspects. Adults with SAT detected in 90 days of COVID-19 vaccination (CoronaVac or Pfizer/BioNTech) were grouped as Vac-SAT. Those with a history of SARS-CoV-2 or upper respiratory tract infection in 6 months before the vaccination, or vaccination with another antiviral vaccine after COVID-19 vaccination were excluded. Those with SAT detected before COVID-19 pandemic were grouped as Classical-SAT. Of total (n=85), female/male (54/31) ratio and age [43 (23-65)] were similar in Vac-SAT (n=23) and Classical-SAT (n=62). Duration between vaccine and SAT was 45 (7-90) days, and similar in CoronaVac-SAT (n=5) and BioNTech-SAT (n=18). SAT-duration was 28 (10-150) days, and higher in Vac-SAT than in Classical-SAT (p=0.023). SAT was developed after the 1st dose vaccine in minority in CoronaVac-SAT (n=2) and BioNTech-SAT (n=3) (p=0.263). Previous LT4 use, and TSH elevation after resolution were more frequent in Vac-SAT than in Classical-SAT (p=0.027 and p=0.041). We included a considerable number of patients with SAT occurred after COVID-19 vaccines. We cannot provide clear evidence regarding the association of COVID-19 vaccines with SAT. SAT associated with CoronaVac or BioNTech seems unlikely to be occurred after the 1st dose, and to have a longer duration, more likely to be associated with previous LT4 use and lead TSH elevation after resolution than Classical-SAT. TSH should be followed-up after the resolution of SAT detected after COVID-19 vaccination.

Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on the Incidence and Outcomes of COVID-19 Needing Hospital Admission According to Sex: Retrospective Cohort Study Using Hospital Discharge Data in Spain, Year 2020

(1) Background: To analyze incidence and in-hospital mortality (IHM) of COVID-19 needing hospital admission in Spain (2020) in patients with T2DM. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Using the Spanish Register of Specialized Care-Basic Minimum Database we estimated age-adjusted incidence rates (IR). (3) Results: We included 203,488 patients (56.77% men), of whom 45,620 (22.41%) had T2DM. Age-adjusted IRs/1000 for men with and without T2DM was 12.90 and 5.87, respectively (IRR 2.20; 95% CI 2.18−2.22; p < 0.001), and for women with and without T2DM was 9.23 and 4.27, respectively (IRR 2.16; 95% CI 2.13−2.19; p < 0.001). Crude IHM was 23.86% in people with T2DM, and 15.94% in non-T2DM people (p < 0.001). After matching, intensive-care admission (7.37% vs. 6.15%; p < 0.001) and IHM (23.37% vs. 20.41%; p < 0.001) remained higher in women with T2DM. After matching, IHM among T2DM men was 1.5% higher than among non-T2DM men (24.27% vs. 22.72%; p < 0.001). Men with T2DM had a 34% higher IHM than women with T2DM. Prevalent T2DM increased IHM among women (1.09; 95% 1.03−1.16) and men (1.05; 95% 1.01−1.10). (4) Conclusions: Incidence rates of COVID-19 needing hospital admission were higher in men vs. women, and for people with T2DM vs. non-T2DM. Men had higher IHM beside T2DM status. Prevalent T2DM was associated with higher IHM for both sexes.

The Role of Diabetes and Hyperglycemia on COVID-19 Infection Course-A Narrative Review

It was previously reported that subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more vulnerable to several bacterial or viral infections. In the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is reasonable to wonder whether DM is a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, too. It is not yet clear whether DM increases the risk for contracting COVID-19 infection or not. However, patients with DM when infected are more likely to develop severe or even fatal COVID-19 disease course than patients without DM. Certain characteristics of DM patients may also deteriorate prognosis. On the other hand, hyperglycemia per se is related to unfavorable outcomes, and the risk may be higher for COVID-19 subjects without pre-existing DM. In addition, individuals with DM may experience prolonged symptoms, need readmission, or develop complications such as mucormycosis long after recovery from COVID-19; close follow-up is hence necessary in some selected cases. We here present a narrative review of the literature in order to set light into the relationship between COVID-19 infection and DM/hyperglycemia.

The Relationship Between Insulin Use And Increased Mortality In Patients With COVID-19 And Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to review observational studies on the effect of insulin use and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and diabetes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model, and I² was applied to evaluate heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,338 patients over six studies were ultimately included. Insulin use was related to a higher risk of death in diabetic patients with COVID-19 compared to those who did not use insulin (odds ratio: 2.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.66-4.05; P < .0001; I²: 57%).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis revealed a correlation between insulin usage and increased mortality in diabetic patients with COVID-19. These results showed that insulin requirement in patients with COVID-19 and diabetes might indicate a poor prognosis.

No association of Gaucher Disease with COVID-19-related outcomes: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

It is well documented that patients with chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity are adversely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. However, when the subject is rare metabolic diseases, there is not enough data in the literature.

AIM

To investigate course of COVID-19 among patients with Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disease.

METHODS

Based on the National Health System data, a retrospective cohort of patients with confirmed (PCR positive) COVID-19 infection (n = 149 618) was investigated. The adverse outcomes between patients with GD (n = 39) and those without GD (n = 149 579) were compared in crude and propensity score matched (PSM) groups. The outcomes were hospitalization, the composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or mechanical ventilation and mortality.

RESULTS

The patients with GD were significantly older and had a higher frequency of hypertension, T2DM, dyslipidemia, asthma or COPD, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and cancer. Although hospitalization rates in Gaucher patients were found to be higher in crude analyzes, the PSM models (model 1, age- and gender-matched; model 2, matched for age, gender, hypertension, T2DM, and cancer) revealed no difference for the outcomes between patients with GD and the general population. According to multivariate regression analyses, having a diagnosis of GD was not a significant predictor for hospitalization (p = 0.241), ICU admission/mechanical ventilation (p = 0.403) or mortality (p = 0.231).

CONCLUSION

According to our national data, SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with GD does not have a more severe course than the normal population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Lower COVID-19 Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Taking Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors: Results from a Turkish Nationwide Study

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the effect of preexisting treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) on COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted using patient data extracted from the Turkish National Electronic Database. All patients who tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR test) between 11 March through to 30 May 2020 were screened for eligibility (n = 149,671). Following exclusion of patients based on pre-determined inclusion criteria, patients with T2DM using a DPP-4i or glucose-lowering medications other than a DPP-4i were compared for mortality and hospitalization. The propensity score method was used to match age, gender, micro- and macrovascular complications, and medications in the two groups. Independent associates of mortality were analyzed using multivariable analysis on the whole T2DM population.

RESULTS

A total of 33,478 patients with T2DM who tested postive for COVID-19 who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Median (interquartile range) age was 54 (22) years and 42.4% were male. Of these, 9100 patients using DPP-4is (n = 4550) or other glucose-lowering drugs (n = 4550) were matched in two groups. After matching, analysis revealed a lower mortality in the DPP-4i group (9.5 vs. 11.8%; p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, the use of DPP-4is (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35-0.91; p = 0.02) was associated with lower mortality in the whole sample, while age, male gender, computed tomography finding of COVID-19, obesity, low glomerular filtration rate, and an insulin-based regimen also predicted increased risk of death. There was no association between the preexisting treatment with DPP-4is and COVID-19-related hospitalization in the matched analysis or multivariate model. The rate of admission to the intensive care unit and/or mechanical ventilation favored the DPP-4i group (21.7 vs. 25.2%; p = 0.001), although this association became saturated in the multivariate analysis (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.39-1.08; p = 0.099).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate an association between DDP-4i use and reduced mortality in people with T2DM who tested PCR positive for COVID-19.

The effect of underlying diabetes disease on clinical outcome and survival in patients with Covid-19: a propensity score matching study

Purpose

Coronavirus increases mortality rate in people with underlying disease. The purpose of the present research was to compare the clinical outcomes in Covid-19 patients with and without underlying diabetes disease using propensity score matching.

Methods

A matched case-control study was conducted on 459 diabetic patients with Covid-19 (case group) and 459 non-diabetic patients with Covid-19 (control group). Matching in two groups was performed using propensity score matching method. The effect of covariates on the clinical outcome of the patients (recovery-death) was assessed using logistic regression and the associations of factors with the patients' survival were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression model. Data were analyzed using R software.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of patients in the case and control groups were 65.77 (12.2) and 65.8 (12.24), respectively. 196 patients (43%) in the case group, and 249 patients (54%) in the control group were male (with P-value < 0.05). The logistic regression model showed that the variables of age, level of blood oxygen (SpO2), ICU admission, length of hospitalization, cancer and diabetes affected patients' death. Furthermore, the resuts of the Cox regression showed that the variables of age, level of blood oxygen (SpO2), ICU admission,cancer and diabetes were related to survival of the patients. It was found that diabetes was significantly associated with mortality from COVID-19 with odds ratio of 2.88 (95% CI: 1.80-4.69; P < 0.01) and hazard ratio of 1.45 (95% CI: 1.01-2.03; P = 0.05).

Conclusion

The underlying diabetes significantly increases the mortality among patients with Covid-19, so special care should be taken for this high risk group if they develop Covid-19.

The management of type 2 diabetes before, during and after Covid-19 infection: what is the evidence?

Patients with Covid-19 place new challenges on the management of type 2 diabetes, including the questions of whether glucose-lowering therapy should be adjusted during infection and how to manage a return to normal care after resolution of Covid-19 symptoms. Due to the sudden onset of the pandemic, physicians have by necessity made such important clinical decisions in the absence of robust evidence or consistent guidelines. The risk to patients is compounded by the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in this population, which alongside diabetes is a major risk factor for severe disease and mortality in Covid-19. We convened as experts from the Central and Eastern European region to consider what advice we can provide in the setting of type 2 diabetes and Covid-19, considering the evidence before, during and after infection. We review recommendations that have been published to date, and consider the best available—but currently limited—evidence from large observational studies and the DARE-19 randomized control trial. Notably, we find a lack of guidance on restarting patients on optimal antidiabetic therapy after recovering from Covid-19, and suggest that this may provide an opportunity to optimize treatment and counter clinical inertia that predates the pandemic. Furthermore, we emphasize that optimization applies not only to glycaemic control, but other factors such as cardiorenal protection. While we look forward to the emergence of new evidence that we hope will address these gaps, in the interim we provide a perspective, based on our collective clinical experience, on how best to manage glucose-lowering therapy as patients with Covid-19 recover from their disease and return to normal care.

Dissection of non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented by Iran, South Korea, and Turkey in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has imposed a great global burden on public health. As one of the most affected countries, Iran has tackled emerging challenges in the path to overcoming the epidemic, with three peaks of the disease propagation as of February 19, 2020. To flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have implemented bundles of intrusive, sometimes extremely stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). In this communication, we have dissected the effectiveness of NPIs and compared the strategies implemented by Iran, Turkey, and South Korea to mitigate the disease’s spread.

Methods

We searched online databases via PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. Titles/abstracts and full-texts were screened by two reviewers and discrepancies were resolved upon discussion.

Results

Our results provide insights into five domains: prevention, screening, in-patient and out-patient facilities, governance, and management of diabetes mellitus. Analysis of previous efforts put in place illustrates that by fostering efficient social distancing measures, increasing the capability to perform prompt polymerase chain reaction tests, applying smart contact tracing, and supplying adequate personal protective equipment, Turkey and South Korea have brought the epidemic sub-optimally under control.

Conclusion

From the perspective of policymakers, these achievements are of utmost importance given that attaining the aspirational goals in the management of the COVID-19 necessities a suitable adjustment of previous successful strategies. Hence, policymakers should be noticed that a suitable combination of NPIs is necessary to stem the disease’s propagation.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with Overweight and Obesity: Turkish Nationwide Cohort Study (TurCObesity)

PURPOSE

While obesity is related to more severe outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), factors leading to poor prognosis still remain unclear. The present study evaluated the outcomes of COVID-19 patients who were overweight or obese and variables associated with severe disease in a large group of consecutive cases.

METHODS

A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed using the Turkish National Healthcare Database. Demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, comorbidities, and medications of patients registered between March 11 and May 30, 2020, were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 14, 625 patients (median age:42, IQR:26 years; female 57.4%) with normal weight (34.7%), overweight (35.6%), and obesity (29.7%) were included. Hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation/mechanical ventilation, pulmonary involvement, and mortality were significantly higher in patients who were overweight or obese. In adjusted analyses, both overweight (OR, 95% CI: 1.82, 1.04-3.21; p=0.037) and obesity (OR, 95% CI: 2.69, 1.02-1.05; p<0.001) were associated with a higher intubation/mechanical ventilation rate but only obesity was associated with increased mortality (OR, 95% CI: 2.56, 1.40-4.67; p=0.002). Old age, male gender, chronic kidney disease, and high C reactive protein levels were independently associated with COVID-19 mortality in overweight or obese patients.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 patients who were overweight or obese were more likely to have adverse outcomes but only obesity was a predictor of mortality. Such patients should receive urgent medical attention and active management, especially the elderly, men, and people with chronic kidney disease.

Clinical outcomes of non-diabetic COVID-19 patients with different blood glucose levels: a nationwide Turkish study (TurCoGlycemia)

PURPOSE

New coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a worse prognosis in patients with diabetes. However, there are insufficient data about the effect of hyperglycemia on COVID-19 prognosis in non-diabetic patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between random blood glucose levels measured at the time of diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19 disease in non-diabetic patients.

METHODS

A nationwide retrospective cohort of non-diabetic patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection from 11 March to 30 May 2020 in the Turkish Ministry of Health database was investigated. The patients were stratified into three groups according to blood glucose levels which were <100 mg/dL in group-1, in the range of 100-139 mg/dl in group-2, and the range of 140-199 mg/dl in group-3. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared among the groups. The primary outcome was mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 12,817 non-diabetic patients (median age [IQR]: 44 [25] years, females: 50.9%) were included. Patients in group-2 (5%) and group-3 (14%) had higher mortality rates than patients in group-1 (2.1%). The rates of hospitalization, hospital stays longer than 8 days, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU stay more than 6 days, and mechanical ventilation were also significantly higher in group-3 patients. Likewise, glucose levels in the range of 140-199 mg/dL were an independent associate of mortality and composite of ICU admission and/or mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION

Hyperglycemia at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis in non-diabetic patients. Clinicians should be more careful in the treatment of non-diabetic COVID-19 patients with hyperglycemia.