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Naggie S, Boulware DR, Lindsell CJ, Stewart TG, Slandzicki AJ, Lim SC, Cohen J, Kavtaradze D, Amon AP, Gabriel A, Gentile N, Felker GM, Jayaweera D, McCarthy MW, Sulkowski M, Rothman RL, Wilson S, DeLong A, Remaly A, Wilder R, Collins S, Dunsmore SE, Adam SJ, Thicklin F, Hanna GJ, Ginde AA, Castro M, McTigue K, Shenkman E, Hernandez AF. Effect of Higher-Dose Ivermectin for 6 Days vs Placebo on Time to Sustained Recovery in Outpatients With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023; 329:888-897. [PMID: 36807465 PMCID: PMC9941969 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.1650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Importance It is unknown whether ivermectin, with a maximum targeted dose of 600 μg/kg, shortens symptom duration or prevents hospitalization among outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of ivermectin at a maximum targeted dose of 600 μg/kg daily for 6 days, compared with placebo, for the treatment of early mild to moderate COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants The ongoing Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines 6 (ACTIV-6) platform randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate repurposed therapies among outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. A total of 1206 participants older than 30 years with confirmed COVID-19 experiencing at least 2 symptoms of acute infection for less than or equal to 7 days were enrolled at 93 sites in the US from February 16, 2022, through July 22, 2022, with follow-up data through November 10, 2022. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to receive ivermectin, with a maximum targeted dose of 600 μg/kg (n = 602) daily, or placebo (n = 604) for 6 days. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was time to sustained recovery, defined as at least 3 consecutive days without symptoms. The 7 secondary outcomes included a composite of hospitalization, death, or urgent/emergent care utilization by day 28. Results Among 1206 randomized participants who received study medication or placebo, the median (IQR) age was 48 (38-58) years, 713 (59.1%) were women, and 1008 (83.5%) reported receiving at least 2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. The median (IQR) time to sustained recovery was 11 (11-12) days in the ivermectin group and 11 (11-12) days in the placebo group. The hazard ratio (posterior probability of benefit) for improvement in time to recovery was 1.02 (95% credible interval, 0.92-1.13; P = .68). Among those receiving ivermectin, 34 (5.7%) were hospitalized, died, or had urgent or emergency care visits compared with 36 (6.0%) receiving placebo (hazard ratio, 1.0 [95% credible interval, 0.6-1.5]; P = .53). In the ivermectin group, 1 participant died and 4 were hospitalized (0.8%); 2 participants (0.3%) were hospitalized in the placebo group and there were no deaths. Adverse events were uncommon in both groups. Conclusions and Relevance Among outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19, treatment with ivermectin, with a maximum targeted dose of 600 μg/kg daily for 6 days, compared with placebo did not improve time to sustained recovery. These findings do not support the use of ivermectin in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04885530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Naggie
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David R. Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | | | | | - Stephen C. Lim
- University Medical Center New Orleans, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- Jadestone Clinical Research, LLC, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | | | - Arch P. Amon
- Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Florida
| | - Ahab Gabriel
- Focus Clinical Research Solutions, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Nina Gentile
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - G. Michael Felker
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Dushyantha Jayaweera
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Mark Sulkowski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Sybil Wilson
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Allison DeLong
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - April Remaly
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rhonda Wilder
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sean Collins
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Nashville
| | - Sarah E. Dunsmore
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stacey J. Adam
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - George J. Hanna
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Washington, DC
| | | | - Mario Castro
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City
| | - Kathleen McTigue
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth Shenkman
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Adrian F. Hernandez
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Naggie S, Boulware DR, Lindsell CJ, Stewart TG, Lim SC, Cohen J, Kavtaradze D, Amon AP, Gabriel A, Gentile N, Felker GM, Rothman RL, Jayaweera D, McCarthy MW, Sulkowski M, Wilson S, DeLong A, Remaly A, Wilder R, Collins S, Dunsmore SE, Adam SJ, Thicklin F, Hanna GJ, Ginde AA, Castro M, McTigue K, Shenkman E, Hernandez AF. Effect of Ivermectin 600 μg/kg for 6 days vs Placebo on Time to Sustained Recovery in Outpatients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.12.15.22283488. [PMID: 36561174 PMCID: PMC9774212 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.15.22283488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Whether ivermectin, with a maximum targeted dose of 600 μg/kg, shortens symptom duration or prevents hospitalization among outpatients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of ivermectin, dosed at 600 μg/kg, daily for 6 days compared with placebo for the treatment of early mild to moderate COVID-19. Methods ACTIV-6, an ongoing, decentralized, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, platform trial, was designed to evaluate repurposed therapies in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. A total of 1206 participants age ≥30 years with confirmed COVID-19, experiencing ≥2 symptoms of acute infection for ≤7 days, were enrolled from February 16, 2022, through July 22, 2022, with follow-up data through November 10, 2022, at 93 sites in the US. Participants were randomized to ivermectin, with a maximum targeted dose of 600 μg/kg (n=602), daily vs. placebo daily (n=604) for 6 days. The primary outcome was time to sustained recovery, defined as at least 3 consecutive days without symptoms. The 7 secondary outcomes included a composite of hospitalization, death, or urgent/emergent care utilization by day 28. Results Among 1206 randomized participants who received study medication or placebo, median (interquartile range) age was 48 (38-58) years; 713 (59%) were women; and 1008 (84%) reported ≥2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. Median time to recovery was 11 (11-12) days in the ivermectin group and 11 (11-12) days in the placebo group. The hazard ratio (HR) (95% credible interval [CrI], posterior probability of benefit) for improvement in time to recovery was 1.02 (0.92-1.13; P[HR>1]=0.68). In those receiving ivermectin, 34 (5.7%) were hospitalized, died, or had urgent or emergency care visits compared with 36 (6.0%) receiving placebo (HR 1.0, 0.6- 1.5; P[HR<1]=0.53). In the ivermectin group, 1 participant died and 4 were hospitalized (0.8%); 2 participants (0.3%) were hospitalized in the placebo group and there were no deaths. Adverse events were uncommon in both groups. Conclusions Among outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19, treatment with ivermectin, with a maximum targeted dose of 600 μg/kg daily for 6 days, compared with placebo did not improve time to recovery. These findings do not support the use of ivermectin in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04885530 .
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Abstract
Purpose: COVID-19, a novel infection, presented with several complications, including socioeconomical and reproductive health challenges such as erectile dysfunction (ED). The present review summarizes the available shreds of evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on ED.Materials and methods: All published peer-reviewed articles from the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak to date, relating to ED, were reviewed. Results: Available pieces of evidence that ED is a consequence of COVID-19 are convincing. COVID-19 and ED share common risk factors such as disruption of vascular integrity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cytokine storm, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). COVID-19 also induces impaired pulmonary haemodynamics, increased ang II, testicular damage and low serum testosterone, and reduced arginine-dependent NO bioavailability that promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endothelial dysfunction, resulting in ED. In addition, COVID-19 triggers psychological/mental stress and suppresses testosterone-dependent dopamine concentration, which contributes to incident ED.Conclusions: In conclusion, COVID-19 exerts a detrimental effect on male reproductive function, including erectile function. This involves a cascade of events from multiple pathways. As the pandemic dwindles, identifying the long-term effects of COVID-19-induced ED, and proffering adequate and effective measures in militating against COVID-19-induced ED remains pertinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Adeyemi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Nigeria
| | - A F Odetayo
- Department of Physiology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - M A Hamed
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- The Brainwill Laboratories, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - R E Akhigbe
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
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Capodici A, Salussolia A, Sanmarchi F, Gori D, Golinelli D. Biased, wrong and counterfeited evidences published during the COVID-19 pandemic, a systematic review of retracted COVID-19 papers. QUALITY & QUANTITY 2022; 57:1-33. [PMID: 36466994 PMCID: PMC9707851 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In 2020 COVID-19 led to an unprecedented stream of papers being submitted to journals. Scientists and physicians all around the globe were in need for information about this new disease. In this climate, many articles were accepted after extremely fast peer-reviews to provide the scientific community with the latest discoveries and knowledge. Unfortunately, this also led to articles retraction due to authors' misconduct or errors in methodology and/or conclusions. The aim of this study is to investigate the number and characteristics of retracted papers, and to explore the main causes that led to retraction. We conducted a systematic review on retracted articles, using PubMed as data source. Our inclusion criteria were the following: English-language retracted articles that reported original data, results, opinions or hypotheses on COVID-19 and Sars-CoV-2. Twenty-seven retracted articles were identified, mainly reporting observational studies and opinion pieces. Many articles published during the first year of the pandemic have been retracted, mainly due to the authors' scientific misconduct. Duplications, plagiarism, frauds and absence of consent, were the main reasons for retractions. In modern medicine, researchers are required to publish frequently, and, especially during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, when articles were rapidly published, gaps in peer-reviews system and in the path to scientific publication arose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Capodici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Informatics), Stanford University - School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Aurelia Salussolia
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Golinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Naggie S, Boulware DR, Lindsell CJ, Stewart TG, Gentile N, Collins S, McCarthy MW, Jayaweera D, Castro M, Sulkowski M, McTigue K, Thicklin F, Felker GM, Ginde AA, Bramante CT, Slandzicki AJ, Gabriel A, Shah NS, Lenert LA, Dunsmore SE, Adam SJ, DeLong A, Hanna G, Remaly A, Wilder R, Wilson S, Shenkman E, Hernandez AF. Effect of Ivermectin vs Placebo on Time to Sustained Recovery in Outpatients With Mild to Moderate COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2022; 328:1595-1603. [PMID: 36269852 PMCID: PMC9587497 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.18590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Importance The effectiveness of ivermectin to shorten symptom duration or prevent hospitalization among outpatients in the US with mild to moderate symptomatic COVID-19 is unknown. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin, 400 μg/kg, daily for 3 days compared with placebo for the treatment of early mild to moderate COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants ACTIV-6, an ongoing, decentralized, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled platform trial, was designed to evaluate repurposed therapies in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. A total of 1591 participants aged 30 years and older with confirmed COVID-19, experiencing 2 or more symptoms of acute infection for 7 days or less, were enrolled from June 23, 2021, through February 4, 2022, with follow-up data through May 31, 2022, at 93 sites in the US. Interventions Participants were randomized to receive ivermectin, 400 μg/kg (n = 817), daily for 3 days or placebo (n = 774). Main Outcomes and Measures Time to sustained recovery, defined as at least 3 consecutive days without symptoms. There were 7 secondary outcomes, including a composite of hospitalization or death by day 28. Results Among 1800 participants who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 48 [12] years; 932 women [58.6%]; 753 [47.3%] reported receiving at least 2 doses of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine), 1591 completed the trial. The hazard ratio (HR) for improvement in time to recovery was 1.07 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.96-1.17; posterior P value [HR >1] = .91). The median time to recovery was 12 days (IQR, 11-13) in the ivermectin group and 13 days (IQR, 12-14) in the placebo group. There were 10 hospitalizations or deaths in the ivermectin group and 9 in the placebo group (1.2% vs 1.2%; HR, 1.1 [95% CrI, 0.4-2.6]). The most common serious adverse events were COVID-19 pneumonia (ivermectin [n = 5]; placebo [n = 7]) and venous thromboembolism (ivermectin [n = 1]; placebo [n = 5]). Conclusions and Relevance Among outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19, treatment with ivermectin, compared with placebo, did not significantly improve time to recovery. These findings do not support the use of ivermectin in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04885530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Naggie
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David R. Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - Thomas G. Stewart
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nina Gentile
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sean Collins
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Dushyantha Jayaweera
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Mario Castro
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kathleen McTigue
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - G. Michael Felker
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Adit A. Ginde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz, Denver
| | - Carolyn T. Bramante
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - Ahab Gabriel
- Focus Clinical Research Solutions, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Nirav S. Shah
- NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Leslie A. Lenert
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Sarah E. Dunsmore
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stacey J. Adam
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Allison DeLong
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - George Hanna
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Washington, DC
| | - April Remaly
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rhonda Wilder
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sybil Wilson
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Elizabeth Shenkman
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Adrian F. Hernandez
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Naggie S. Ivermectin for Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 in the Outpatient Setting: A Decentralized, Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Platform Clinical Trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.06.10.22276252. [PMID: 35982669 PMCID: PMC9387156 DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.10.22276252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of ivermectin to shorten symptom duration or prevent hospitalization among outpatients in the United States with mild-to-moderate symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unknown. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the efficacy of ivermectin 400 µg/kg daily for 3 days compared with placebo for the treatment of early mild-to-moderate COVID-19. METHODS ACTIV-6 is an ongoing, decentralized, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled platform trial to evaluate repurposed therapies in outpatients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Non-hospitalized adults age ≥30 years with confirmed COVID-19, experiencing ≥2 symptoms of acute infection for ≤7 days were randomized to receive ivermectin 400 µg/kg daily for 3 days or placebo. The main outcome measure was time to sustained recovery, defined as achieving at least 3 consecutive days without symptoms. Secondary outcomes included a composite of hospitalization or death by day 28. RESULTS Of the 3457 participants who consented to be evaluated for inclusion in the ivermectin arm, 1591 were eligible for this study arm, randomized to receive ivermectin 400 µg/kg (n=817) or placebo (n=774), and received study drug. Of those enrolled, 47% reported receiving at least 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The posterior probability for any improvement in time to recovery was 0.91 (hazard ratio 1.07, 95% credible interval 0.96-1.17). The posterior probability of this benefit exceeding 24 hours was less than 0.01, as measured by the difference in mean time unwell. Hospitalizations or deaths were uncommon (ivermectin [n=10]; placebo [n=9]). Ivermectin at 400 µg/kg was safe and without serious adverse events as compared with placebo (ivermectin [n=10]; placebo [n=9]). CONCLUSIONS Ivermectin dosed at 400 µg/kg daily for 3 days resulted in less than one day of shortening of symptoms and did not lower incidence of hospitalization or death among outpatients with COVID-19 in the United States during the delta and omicron variant time periods. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04885530 .
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Amratia DA, Viola H, Ioachimescu OC. Glucocorticoid therapy in respiratory illness: bench to bedside. J Investig Med 2022; 70:1662-1680. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-002161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Each year, hundreds of millions of individuals are affected by respiratory disease leading to approximately 4 million deaths. Most respiratory pathologies involve substantially dysregulated immune processes that either fail to resolve the underlying process or actively exacerbate the disease. Therefore, clinicians have long considered immune-modulating corticosteroids (CSs), particularly glucocorticoids (GCs), as a critical tool for management of a wide spectrum of respiratory conditions. However, the complex interplay between effectiveness, risks and side effects can lead to different results, depending on the disease in consideration. In this comprehensive review, we present a summary of the bench and the bedside evidence regarding GC treatment in a spectrum of respiratory illnesses. We first describe here the experimental evidence of GC effects in the distal airways and/or parenchyma, both in vitro and in disease-specific animal studies, then we evaluate the recent clinical evidence regarding GC treatment in over 20 respiratory pathologies. Overall, CS remain a critical tool in the management of respiratory illness, but their benefits are dependent on the underlying pathology and should be weighed against patient-specific risks.
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Mohiuddin Chowdhury ATM, Kamal A, Abbas KU, Talukder S, Karim MR, Ali MA, Nuruzzaman M, Li Y, He S. Efficacy and Outcome of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab Combination Against Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:690726. [PMID: 35450050 PMCID: PMC9017992 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.690726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of remdesivir and tocilizumab combination therapy against dexamethasone for the management of severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a multicenter study. Cases were randomly chosen and divided into two groups using an odd-even ratio of 1:1 applied to the hospital registration number. Group A received remdesivir [5 mg/kg (<40 kg) or 200 mg (>40 kg) on day 1 and then 2.5 mg/kg (<40 kg) or 100 mg (>40 kg) daily] + tocilizumab [8 mg/kg up to 800 mg highest 12 h apart], and group B was the control and received dexamethasone 6 mg/day. In addition, a broad-spectrum antibiotic and other essential treatments were received by all patients. To evaluate the mortality risk, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was calculated on day-1. Treatment outcomes were measured as time to clinical improvement; mortality rate; duration of ICU stay; total period of hospitalization; the rate of (Supplementary Material) oxygen use; time to clinical failure; National Early Warning Score-2 (NEWS), and the percentage of lung recovery on CT of chest on discharge. Clinical trial registration ID: NCT04678739. Results: Remdesivir-Tocilizumab group had a lower mortality rate (25.49%) than the control (30.77%). The time to clinical improvement (Group A-9.41; B-14.21 days), NEWS-2 on discharge (Group A-0.89; B-1.2), duration of ICU stay (Group A-7.68; B-10.58), and duration of hospitalization (Group A-9.91; B-14.68) were less in the treatment group. Group A had a better percentage of lung recovery on chest CT than the control (Group A-22.13; B-11.74). All these differences were statistically significant (p= <0.05) in a t-test. However, no significant survival benefit was found among the study groups in Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, p = 0.739. Conclusion: The remdesivir-tocilizumab combination had preferable outcomes compared to the dexamethasone therapy for the treatment of severe COVID-19 concerning mortality rate and clinical and pulmonary improvement, although it did not demonstrate a significant survival benefit. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04678739.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Taiub Mohammed Mohiuddin Chowdhury
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (OSD-DGHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Aktar Kamal
- Department of Critical Care, M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Kafil Uddin Abbas
- Department of Critical Care, Cox's Bazar 250 Bed District Sadar Hospital, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Shubhashis Talukder
- Department of Critical Care, 250 Bed Chattogram General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Institute of Neuroscience, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Acute Medical Unit, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Md Ahsan Ali
- Department of Histology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Md Nuruzzaman
- Department of Internal Medicine, M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Yarui Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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9
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Astapenko D, Tomasova A, Ticha A, Hyspler R, Chua HS, Manzoor M, Skulec R, Lehmann C, Hahn R, Malbrain ML, Cerny V. Endothelial glycocalyx damage in patients with severe COVID-19 on mechanical ventilation - a prospective observational pilot study. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2022; 81:205-219. [PMID: 35342082 DOI: 10.3233/ch-221401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) associated endotheliopathy and microvascular dysfunction are of concern. OBJECTIVE The objective of the present single-center observational pilot study was to compare endothelial glycocalyx (EG) damage and endotheliopathy in patients with severe COVID-19 (COVID-19 group) with patients with bacterial pneumonia with septic shock (non-COVID group). METHODS Biomarkers of EG damage (syndecan-1), endothelial cells (EC) damage (thrombomodulin), and activation (P-selectin) were measured in blood on three consecutive days from admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The sublingual microcirculation was studied by Side-stream Dark Field (SDF) imaging with automatic assessment. RESULTS We enrolled 13 patients in the non-COVID group (mean age 70 years, 6 women), and 15 in the COVID-19 group (64 years old, 3 women). The plasma concentrations of syndecan-1 were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group during all three days. Differences regarding other biomarkers were not statistically significant. The assessment of the sublingual microcirculation showed improvement on Day 2 in the COVID-19 group. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher on the first two days in the COVID-19 group. Plasma syndecan-1 and CRP were higher in patients suffering from severe COVID-19 pneumonia compared to bacterial pneumonia patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the role of EG injury in the microvascular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients who require ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Astapenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic.,Center for Research and Development, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Adela Tomasova
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Ticha
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Radomir Hyspler
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Huey Shin Chua
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Mubashar Manzoor
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Skulec
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, and Intensive Care, J.E. Purkinje University, Masaryk Hospital, Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Robert Hahn
- Research Unit, Södertälje Hospital, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet at Danderyds Hospital (KIDS), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manu Lng Malbrain
- Department of Medical, Medical Direction, AZ Jan Palfijn Hospital, Gent, Belgium.,First Department of Anaesthesia and IntensiveTherapy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.,International Fluid Academy, Lovenjoel, Belgium
| | - Vladimir Cerny
- Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic.,Center for Research and Development, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, and Intensive Care, J.E. Purkinje University, Masaryk Hospital, Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic.,Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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10
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Lewis SL, Chizmar LR, Liotta S. COVID-19 and Micronutrient Deficiency symptoms – is there some overlap? Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 48:275-281. [PMID: 35331502 PMCID: PMC8809666 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background & aims COVID-19 is highly inflammatory and when it affects the elderly who have multiple comorbidities, the risk of malnutrition is high. The aim of this review is to highlight the evidence for COVID-19 and risk for malnutrition (macro- and micro-nutrient deficiency) sharing two case reports. Methods We report two cases of patients with COVID-19. The first case includes a 75-year-old male with increasing confusion, delirium and malnutrition once he had clinically resolved from his COVID-19 diagnosis. The patient had a number of comorbidities and was treated with diuretics before and after his hospital admission. He was treated with intravenous thiamine and enteral nutrition. The second case includes a 77-year-old male with diabetes who presented with suspected vitamin C deficiency likely due to chronic aspirin use nearly two weeks prior to being diagnosed with pneumonia and COVID-19. The patient recovered from his COVID-19 diagnosis but continued to decline nutritionally and was readmitted sixty days later with failure to thrive. Results The first case had significant improvements in his appetite and neurological conditions following thiamine infusion and enteral nutrition and was discharged to home after a 19-day hospital stay. The second case presented with a vitamin C deficiency before testing positive for COVID-19. Although he did recover from COVID-19 he struggled to meet nutritional needs post-COVID and passed away 60 days after his COVID-19 diagnosis with pneumonia and failure to thrive. Conclusion Elderly patients with chronic diseases who use nutrient depleting medications are particularly high risk for micronutrient deficiency when they also experience the inflammatory insult of COVID-19. Patients who continue to have poor nutrition intake even after they appear to be clinically resolved from the virus should be closely monitored.
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11
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Taccone FS, Hites M, Dauby N. From hydroxychloroquine to ivermectin: how unproven “cures” can go viral. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:472-474. [PMID: 35124262 PMCID: PMC8810517 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Silvio Taccone
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Maya Hites
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Pierre Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Effect of a Nutritional Support System to Increase Survival and Reduce Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 in Stage III and Comorbidities: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031172. [PMID: 35162195 PMCID: PMC8835093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 evolution depends on immunological capacity. The global hospital mortality rate is 15–20%, but in México it is 46%. There are several therapeutic protocols, however, integral nutrition is not considered. In this study, a Nutritional Support System (NSS) was employed to increase survival and reduce mortality in patients with stage III COVID-19. A randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial was performed. Eighty patients (aged 30 to 75 years, both sexes) were assigned to (1) “Control Group” (CG) hospital diet and medical treatment or (2) “Intervention Group” (IG) hospital diet, medical treatment, and the NSS (vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega-3, amino acids, B-complex, and probiotics). IG significantly increased survival and reduced mortality compared to CG (p = 0.027). IG decreased progression to Mechanical Ventilation Assistance (MVA) by 10%, reduced the intubation period by 15 days, and increased survival in intubated patients by 38% compared to CG. IG showed improvement compared to CG in decrease in supplemental oxygen (p = 0.014), the qSOFA test (p = 0.040), constipation (p = 0.014), the PHQ-9 test (p = 0.003), and in the follow-up, saturation with oxygen (p = 0.030). The NSS increases survival and decreases mortality in patients with stage III COVID-19.
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13
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Mohiuddin Chowdhury ATM, Kamal A, Abbas KU, Talukder S, Karim MR, Ali MA, Nuruzzaman M, Li Y, He S. Efficacy and Outcome of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab Combination Against Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:690726. [PMID: 35450050 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.690726/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of remdesivir and tocilizumab combination therapy against dexamethasone for the management of severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a multicenter study. Cases were randomly chosen and divided into two groups using an odd-even ratio of 1:1 applied to the hospital registration number. Group A received remdesivir [5 mg/kg (<40 kg) or 200 mg (>40 kg) on day 1 and then 2.5 mg/kg (<40 kg) or 100 mg (>40 kg) daily] + tocilizumab [8 mg/kg up to 800 mg highest 12 h apart], and group B was the control and received dexamethasone 6 mg/day. In addition, a broad-spectrum antibiotic and other essential treatments were received by all patients. To evaluate the mortality risk, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was calculated on day-1. Treatment outcomes were measured as time to clinical improvement; mortality rate; duration of ICU stay; total period of hospitalization; the rate of (Supplementary Material) oxygen use; time to clinical failure; National Early Warning Score-2 (NEWS), and the percentage of lung recovery on CT of chest on discharge. Clinical trial registration ID: NCT04678739. Results: Remdesivir-Tocilizumab group had a lower mortality rate (25.49%) than the control (30.77%). The time to clinical improvement (Group A-9.41; B-14.21 days), NEWS-2 on discharge (Group A-0.89; B-1.2), duration of ICU stay (Group A-7.68; B-10.58), and duration of hospitalization (Group A-9.91; B-14.68) were less in the treatment group. Group A had a better percentage of lung recovery on chest CT than the control (Group A-22.13; B-11.74). All these differences were statistically significant (p= <0.05) in a t-test. However, no significant survival benefit was found among the study groups in Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, p = 0.739. Conclusion: The remdesivir-tocilizumab combination had preferable outcomes compared to the dexamethasone therapy for the treatment of severe COVID-19 concerning mortality rate and clinical and pulmonary improvement, although it did not demonstrate a significant survival benefit. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04678739.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Taiub Mohammed Mohiuddin Chowdhury
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (OSD-DGHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Aktar Kamal
- Department of Critical Care, M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Kafil Uddin Abbas
- Department of Critical Care, Cox's Bazar 250 Bed District Sadar Hospital, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Shubhashis Talukder
- Department of Critical Care, 250 Bed Chattogram General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Institute of Neuroscience, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Acute Medical Unit, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Md Ahsan Ali
- Department of Histology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Md Nuruzzaman
- Department of Internal Medicine, M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Yarui Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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14
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Barber MS, Barrett R, Bradley RD, Walker E. A naturopathic treatment approach for mild and moderate COVID-19: A retrospective chart review. Complement Ther Med 2021; 63:102788. [PMID: 34748955 PMCID: PMC8570825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant morbidity and mortality. Although COVID-19 vaccination is available, therapeutic options are still needed. The goal of the present manuscript is to report on a treatment strategy used in a naturopathic medical practice for mild and moderate COVID-19. DESIGN A retrospective chart review was conducted of 30 consecutive patients diagnosed with mild and moderate COVID-19 who were provided multi-nutrient, herbal, and probiotic treatment in a rural, out-patient, naturopathic primary care setting. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES The primary outcome was treatment safety; secondary outcomes included changes in symptoms, progression to severe COVID-19, incidence of long COVID, and recovery time. RESULTS No side effects or adverse events were reported from treatment and all patients experienced resolution of symptoms presumed to be associated with COVID-19 infection. One patient who had been ill for 28 days prior to presentation was hospitalized. Five patients had an illness duration of more than one month. Time to treatment was correlated with duration of illness post-treatment (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) and more symptoms at presentation was correlated with a longer duration of illness (r = 0.52, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective chart review, a multi-nutrient, herbal, and probiotic therapeutic approach for mild and moderate COVID-19 appeared to be well-tolerated. Delay in seeking treatment after symptom onset, as well as more symptoms at presentation, were correlated with a longer duration of illness. This treatment strategy may have clinical benefit, warranting prospective clinical trials with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Barber
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Richard Barrett
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Ryan D Bradley
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Erin Walker
- Canby Clinic, 452 NW 1st Ave, Canby, OR, United States.
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15
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Wani TA, Alsaif NA, Alanazi MM, Bakheit AH, Khan AA, Zargar S. Binding of colchicine and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to bovine serum albumin: An in-vitro interaction study using multispectroscopic, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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16
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Araiza A, Duran M, Patiño C, Marik PE, Varon J. The Ichikado CT score as a prognostic tool for coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study. J Intensive Care 2021; 9:51. [PMID: 34419163 PMCID: PMC8379600 DOI: 10.1186/s40560-021-00566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between computed tomography (CT) and prognosis of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia remains unclear. We hypothesized that the Ichikado CT score, obtained in the first 24 h of hospital admission, is an independent predictor for all-cause mortality during hospitalization in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods Single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted at our institution between March 20th, 2020 and October 31st, 2020. Patients were enrolled if, within 24 h of admission, a chest CT scan, an arterial blood gas, a complete blood count, and a basic metabolic panel were performed. Two independent radiologists, who were blinded to clinical data, retrospectively evaluated the chest CT scans following a previously described qualitative and quantitative CT scoring system. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality or survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were new requirements for invasive mechanical ventilation and hospital length of stay. Cox regression models were used to test the association between potential independent predictors and all-cause mortality. Results Two hundred thirty-five patients, 197 survivors and 38 nonsurvivors, were studied. The median Ichikado CT score for nonsurvivors was significantly higher than survivors (P < 0.001). An Ichikado CT score of more than 172 enabled prediction of mortality, with a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 79.7%. Multivariate analysis identified Ichikado CT score (HR, 7.772; 95% CI, 3.164–19.095; P < 0.001), together with age (HR, 1.030; 95% CI, 1.030–1.060; P = 0.043), as independent predictors of all-cause in-hospital mortality. Conclusions Ichikado CT score is an independent predictor of both requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and all-cause mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Further prospective evaluation is necessary to confirm these findings. Trial registration: The WCG institutional review board approved this retrospective study and patient consent was waived due to its non-interventional nature (Identifier: 20210799).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Araiza
- United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, México
| | - Melanie Duran
- United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Universidad Xochicalco, Ensenada, México
| | - Cesar Patiño
- United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Paul E Marik
- United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Varon
- United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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17
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Frohman EM, Villemarette-Pittman NR, Rodriguez A, Glanzman R, Rugheimer S, Komogortsev O, Zamvil SS, Cruz RA, Varkey TC, Frohman AN, Frohman AR, Parsons MS, Konkle EH, Frohman TC. Application of an evidence-based, out-patient treatment strategy for COVID-19: Multidisciplinary medical practice principles to prevent severe disease. J Neurol Sci 2021; 426:117463. [PMID: 33971376 PMCID: PMC8055502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117463] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated individuals, families, and institutions throughout the world. Despite the breakneck speed of vaccine development, the human population remains at risk of further devastation. The decision to not become vaccinated, the protracted rollout of available vaccine, vaccine failure, mutational forms of the SARS virus, which may exhibit mounting resistance to our molecular strike at only one form of the viral family, and the rapid ability of the virus(es) to hitch a ride on our global transportation systems, means that we are will likely continue to confront an invisible, yet devastating foe. The enemy targets one of our human physiology's most important and vulnerable life-preserving body tissues, our broncho-alveolar gas exchange apparatus. Notwithstanding the fear and the fury of this microbe's potential to raise existential questions across the entire spectrum of human endeavor, the application of an early treatment intervention initiative may represent a crucial tool in our defensive strategy. This strategy is driven by evidence-based medical practice principles, those not likely to become antiquated, given the molecular diversity and mutational evolution of this very clever "world traveler".
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot M Frohman
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Professor Lawrence Steinman, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America.
| | | | - Adriana Rodriguez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook Children's Medical Center, Ft. Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Robert Glanzman
- Clene Nanomedicine, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84121, United States of America.
| | - Sarah Rugheimer
- Department of Physics, University Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK.
| | - Oleg Komogortsev
- Department of Computer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States of America.
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- Department of Neurology and Program in Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
| | - Roberto Alejandro Cruz
- Department of Neurology, Doctor's Health at Renaissance Health Neurology Institute, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, United States of America.
| | - Thomas C Varkey
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, United States of America.
| | | | | | - Matthew S Parsons
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, United States of America; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | | | - Teresa C Frohman
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Professor Lawrence Steinman, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America.
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18
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Mathachan SR, Sardana K, Khurana A. Current Use of Ivermectin in Dermatology, Tropical Medicine, and COVID-19: An Update on Pharmacology, Uses, Proven and Varied Proposed Mechanistic Action. Indian Dermatol Online J 2021; 12:500-514. [PMID: 34430453 PMCID: PMC8354388 DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_298_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug with anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-tumor effects. In this review, we discuss the history, pharmacology, multimodal actions, indications in dermatology and tropical medicine, therapeutic and prophylactic use of ivermectin in COVID-19, safety, adverse effects, special considerations, and drug interactions of ivermectin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinu Rose Mathachan
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ABVIMS and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kabir Sardana
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ABVIMS and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ananta Khurana
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ABVIMS and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
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19
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Al Sulaiman K, Aljuhani O, Al Dossari M, Alshahrani A, Alharbi A, Algarni R, Al Jeraisy M, Al Harbi S, Al Katheri A, Al Eidan F, Al Bekairy AM, Al Qahtani N, Al Muqrin M, Vishwakarma R, Al Ghamdi G. Evaluation of thiamine as adjunctive therapy in COVID-19 critically ill patients: a two-center propensity score matched study. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2021; 25:223. [PMID: 34193235 PMCID: PMC8242279 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-021-03648-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Thiamine is a precursor of the essential coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate required for glucose metabolism; it improves the immune system function and has shown to reduce the risk of several diseases. The role of thiamine in critically ill septic patient has been addressed in multiple studies; however, it’s role in COVID-19 patients is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of thiamine as an adjunctive therapy on mortality in COVID-19 critically ill patients. Methods This is a two-center, non-interventional, retrospective cohort study for critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID19. All patients aged 18 years or older admitted to ICUs between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, with positive PCR COVID-19 were eligible for inclusion. We investigated thiamine use as an adjunctive therapy on the clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients after propensity score matching. Results A total of 738 critically ill patients with COVID-19 who had been admitted to ICUs were included in the study. Among 166 patients matched using the propensity score method, 83 had received thiamine as adjunctive therapy. There was significant association between thiamine use with in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.19–0.78; P value = 0.008) as well as the 30-day mortality (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.18–0.78; P value = 0.009). Moreover, patients who received thiamine as an adjunctive therapy were less likely to have thrombosis during ICU stay [OR (95% CI) 0.19 (0.04–0.88), P value = 0.03]. Conclusion Thiamine use as adjunctive therapy may have potential survival benefits in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Additionally, it was associated with a lower incidence of thrombosis. Further interventional studies are required to confirm these findings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-021-03648-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Al Sulaiman
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ohoud Aljuhani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maram Al Dossari
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Alshahrani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Alharbi
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahmah Algarni
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Al Jeraisy
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shmeylan Al Harbi
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmalik Al Katheri
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Al Eidan
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkareem M Al Bekairy
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Al Qahtani
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Al Muqrin
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramesh Vishwakarma
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghassan Al Ghamdi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Intensive Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Payne JD, Sims K, Peacock C, Welch T, Berggren RE. Evidence-based approach to early outpatient treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 2021; 34:464-468. [PMID: 34211257 PMCID: PMC8182819 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2021.1925049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Misinformation and promotion of well-intended but disproved therapies for COVID-19 have plagued evidence-based shared decision-making throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of crisis, clinicians may feel that their strong inclination to prescribe potentially harmful, unproven therapies on behalf of their patients is supported by beneficence. Clinicians should mindfully identify and avoid commission bias during this pandemic, especially as more data have accumulated to assist with clinically sound decision-making. We describe a more evidence-based approach to treatment of early outpatient COVID-19, stressing the availability of Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization therapies and considering plausibly beneficial, nonprescription supplements that are generally regarded as safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Drew Payne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Kimberly Sims
- Department of Internal Medicine, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, Pearland, Texas
| | - Cynthia Peacock
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tanis Welch
- Department of Pharmacy, UMC Health System, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Ruth E Berggren
- Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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21
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Less Can Be More: The Hormesis Theory of Stress Adaptation in the Global Biosphere and Its Implications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030293. [PMID: 33805626 PMCID: PMC8000639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A dose-response relationship to stressors, according to the hormesis theory, is characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. It is non-linear with a low-dose optimum. Stress responses by cells lead to adapted vitality and fitness. Physical stress can be exerted through heat, radiation, or physical exercise. Chemical stressors include reactive species from oxygen (ROS), nitrogen (RNS), and carbon (RCS), carcinogens, elements, such as lithium (Li) and silicon (Si), and metals, such as silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Anthropogenic chemicals are agrochemicals (phytotoxins, herbicides), industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Biochemical stress can be exerted through toxins, medical drugs (e.g., cytostatics, psychopharmaceuticals, non-steroidal inhibitors of inflammation), and through fasting (dietary restriction). Key-lock interactions between enzymes and substrates, antigens and antibodies, antigen-presenting cells, and cognate T cells are the basics of biology, biochemistry, and immunology. Their rules do not obey linear dose-response relationships. The review provides examples of biologic stressors: oncolytic viruses (e.g., immuno-virotherapy of cancer) and hormones (e.g., melatonin, stress hormones). Molecular mechanisms of cellular stress adaptation involve the protein quality control system (PQS) and homeostasis of proteasome, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Important components are transcription factors (e.g., Nrf2), micro-RNAs, heat shock proteins, ionic calcium, and enzymes (e.g., glutathion redox enzymes, DNA methyltransferases, and DNA repair enzymes). Cellular growth control, intercellular communication, and resistance to stress from microbial infections involve growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, interferons, and their respective receptors. The effects of hormesis during evolution are multifarious: cell protection and survival, evolutionary flexibility, and epigenetic memory. According to the hormesis theory, this is true for the entire biosphere, e.g., archaia, bacteria, fungi, plants, and the animal kingdoms.
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23
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Marik PE, Iglesias J, Varon J, Kory P. A scoping review of the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:20587384211048026. [PMID: 34569339 PMCID: PMC8477699 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211048026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a highly heterogeneous and complex medical disorder; indeed, severe COVID-19 is probably amongst the most complex of medical conditions known to medical science. While enormous strides have been made in understanding the molecular pathways involved in patients infected with coronaviruses an overarching and comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is lacking. Such an understanding is essential in the formulation of effective prophylactic and treatment strategies. Based on clinical, proteomic, and genomic studies as well as autopsy data severe COVID-19 disease can be considered to be the connection of three basic pathologic processes, namely a pulmonary macrophage activation syndrome with uncontrolled inflammation, a complement-mediated endothelialitis together with a procoagulant state with a thrombotic microangiopathy. In addition, platelet activation with the release of serotonin and the activation and degranulation of mast cells contributes to the hyper-inflammatory state. Auto-antibodies have been demonstrated in a large number of hospitalized patients which adds to the end-organ damage and pro-thrombotic state. This paper provides a clinical overview of the major pathogenetic mechanism leading to severe COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Marik
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
- Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance
| | - Jose Iglesias
- Department of Nephrology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, Nutley, NJ, USA
- Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance
| | - Joseph Varon
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance
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24
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Turkia M. The History of Methylprednisolone, Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine, and Heparin Protocol and I-MASK+ Ivermectin Protocol for COVID-19. Cureus 2020; 12:e12403. [PMID: 33532161 PMCID: PMC7845747 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An alliance of established experts on critical care, Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC), has published two protocols for treatment of COVID-19. The first one, methylprednisolone, ascorbic acid, thiamine, and heparin (MATH+), is intended for hospital and intensive care unit treatment of pulmonary phases of the disease. It is based on affordable, commonly available components: anti-inflammatory corticosteroids (methylprednisolone, "M"), high-dose vitamin C infusion (ascorbic acid, "A"), vitamin B1 (thiamine, "T"), anticoagulant heparin ("H"), antiparasitic agent ivermectin, and supplemental components ("+") including melatonin, vitamin D, elemental zinc, and magnesium. The MATH+ protocol has received scarce attention due to the World Health Organization (WHO) advising against the use of corticosteroids in the beginning of the pandemic. In addition, randomized controlled clinical trials were required as a condition for adoption of the protocol. As the hospital mortality rate of MATH+ treated patients was approximately a quarter of the rate of patients receiving a standard of care, the authors of the protocol considered performing such trials unethical. Other parties have later performed clinical trials with corticosteroids and anticoagulants, which has led to a more widespread adoption of these components. In October 2020, ivermectin was upgraded from an optional component to an essential component of the protocol. According to the authors, ivermectin is considered the first agent effective for both prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19 and for treatment of all phases of COVID-19 including outpatient treatment of the early symptomatic phase. Therefore, at the end of October 2020, a separate ivermectin-based I-MASK+ protocol for prophylaxis and early outpatient treatment of COVID-19 was published.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Turkia
- Qualitative Research, Independent Researcher, Helsinki, FIN
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