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Tsai DHT, Harmon E, Goelen J, Barry HE, Chen LY, Hsia Y. Evaluating the Risk-Benefit Profile of Corticosteroid Therapy for COVID-19 Patients: A Scoping Review. PHARMACY 2024; 12:129. [PMID: 39195858 PMCID: PMC11360832 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12040129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. It quickly spread across all continents, causing significant social, environmental, health, and economic impacts. During the pandemic, there has been consideration of repurposing and repositioning of medications, such as corticosteroids, for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients. OBJECTIVE To assess and summarise corticosteroid regimens used for hospitalised COVID-19 patients, focusing on dosage, route of administration, and clinical outcome from clinical trials. METHODS PubMed and Embase databases and the grey literature were searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of corticosteroids in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 between January 2020 and January 2023. This scoping review was conducted in line with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. KEY FINDINGS A total of 24 RCTs were eligible for inclusion. There was variation in the steroid regimens used for treatment across COVID-19 trials. Despite the heterogeneity of included RCTs, the overall results have shown the benefits of improving lung function and a lower all-cause mortality rate in hospitalised COVID-19 patients treated with systematic corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS Corticosteroids have proven to be an effective treatment for COVID-19 patients in critical condition. However, comparative effectiveness studies should be conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of optimal corticosteroid treatment at the population level. Moreover, the global burden of long COVID is significant, affecting millions with persistent symptoms and long-term health complications. Thus, it is also necessary to evaluate the optimal steroid regimen for long COVID treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hsiang-Te Tsai
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (D.H.-T.T.)
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Emma Harmon
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Jan Goelen
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (D.H.-T.T.)
| | - Heather E. Barry
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Li-Yang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Yingfen Hsia
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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Xu Y, Sang L, Wang Y, Li Z, Wu H, Deng X, Zhong N, Liu X, Li S, Li Y. Impact of diabetes on COVID-19 and glucocorticoids on patients with COVID-19 and diabetes during the Omicron variant epidemic: a multicenter retrospective cohort study in South China. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:706. [PMID: 39026159 PMCID: PMC11256567 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09287-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the impact of diabetes on the clinical features and prognosis of COVID-19 and assess the influence of glucocorticoid use on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 and diabetes. METHODS This retrospective multicenter cohort study included patients admitted between December 2022 and January 2023. The patients were grouped according to diabetes and glucocorticoid use. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Among 400 patients with glucocorticoid data, 109 (27.3%) had diabetes. The inflammatory cytokines were higher in patients with diabetes, manifested by higher IL-6 (25.33 vs. 11.29 ng/L, p = 0.011), CRP (26.55 vs. 8.62 mg/L, p = 0.003), and PCT (0.07 vs. 0.04 ng/ml, p = 0.010), while CD4+ (319 vs. 506 /mL, p = 0.004) and CD8+ (141 vs. 261 /mL, p < 0.001) T lymphocytes were lower. The overall mortality rate of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes was 13.46%. The diabetic patients who received glucocorticoids vs. those who did not receive glucocorticoids had a similar mortality (15.00% vs. 11.39%, p = 0.591). CONCLUSIONS Patients with COVID-19 and diabetes are more likely to experience hyperinflammatory response and T cell reduction, especially those with severe/critical disease. Glucocorticoid use was not associated with the prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes. Still, glucocorticoids should be used cautiously in diabetic patients with severe/critical COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Sang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhentu Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongkai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xilong Deng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510040, China
| | - Nanshan Zhong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shiyue Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yimin Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Giesing W, Soney H, Wang L, Hoang L, Cui M, Prathivada S, Sidhu M. Outcomes of Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients Arriving With Hypoxic Respiratory Failure. Heart Lung Circ 2024:S1443-9506(24)00173-2. [PMID: 39004555 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia is a common complication seen in people with COVID-19 and can often be the presenting symptom. METHODS Using a multi-centre observational database, we analysed 3,624 hospitalised COVID-19 PCR-positive patients at Methodist Health System, Dallas, Texas, USA from March 2020 to December 2020. We compared in-hospital death or hospice referral rates and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between patients with four levels of oxygen (O2) requirements (0-1 L/min, 2-10 L/min, 11-20 L/min, 21-100 L/min). MACE included congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbations, myocardial infarctions (MI), strokes, pulmonary embolism (PE) / deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and shock. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine comorbidities and demographics associated with mortality. Multinomial regression analysis was used to find which of these variables were associated with hypoxia. RESULTS Patients who arrived needing 0-1 L/min of O2 had reduced risk of mortality compared to those requiring 2-10 L/min (OR=1.54, 95% CI=1.207-1.976, p<0.0001), 11-20 L/min (OR=4.55, 95% CI=3.169-6.547, p<0.0001), or 21-100 L/min (OR=12.06, 95% CI=8.548-17.016, p<0.0001). In addition, patients who arrived needing 0-1 L/min of O2 showed reduced risk of MACE compared to those requiring 2-10 L/min (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.029-1.409, p<0.0001), 11-20 L/min (OR=2.76, 95% CI 2.06-3.696, p<0.0001), or 21-100 L/min (OR=6.74, 95% CI 4.966-9.155, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Hypoxia on arrival is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality and MACE among hospitalised patients with COVID-19. This data will promote better prognostication and help reduce negative outcomes in an inpatient setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Giesing
- Department of Internal Medicine, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Hywel Soney
- Department of Internal Medicine, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lucas Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lawrence Hoang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mingyang Cui
- Clinical Research Institute, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sri Prathivada
- Methodist Dallas Cardiovascular Consultants, Methodist Medical Group, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Manavjot Sidhu
- Methodist Dallas Cardiovascular Consultants, Methodist Medical Group, Dallas, TX, USA; Division of Cardiology, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Saito Z, Kanai O, Okamoto N, Watanabe I, Tsukino M. Efficacy of corticosteroid therapy for oxygen-free coronavirus disease 2019-derived pneumonia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38932. [PMID: 38996125 PMCID: PMC11245202 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Corticosteroid therapy for oxygen-free coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not recommended due to its negative prognostic impact, but the efficacy of corticosteroids when limited to COVID-19 pneumonia is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroid monotherapy for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without supplemental oxygen. We retrospectively reviewed patients with oxygen-free COVID-19 pneumonia at our institute between September 2020 and August 2021 and assessed the use of corticosteroids and the timing of initiation. We classified the patients into the following 2 groups: those who were initiated corticosteroids without developing respiratory failure (early steroid group) and those who were not (standard of care [SOC] group). We used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPW) to balance between the groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of respiratory failure. A total of 144 patient records were reviewed; 63 patients were in the early steroid group and 81 patients were in the SOC group. Of all patients, 14 (22.2%) and 27 (33.3%) patients in the early steroid and SOC group, respectively, required supplemental oxygen (P = .192). After adjusted by the IPW method, 10 (16.0%) and 32 (40.1%) patients in the early steroid and SOC groups, respectively, required supplemental oxygen (P = .004). The logistic regression analysis indicated that early corticosteroid use was significantly associated with a decreased incidence of respiratory failure (odds ratio; 0.17, 95% confidence intervals; 0.06-0.46, P < .001). Corticosteroid monotherapy may suppress the development of exacerbation requiring oxygen supply in patients with oxygen-free COVID-19 pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zentaro Saito
- Divison of Respiratory Medicine, Hikone Municipal Hospital, Hikone City, Japan
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Osamu Kanai
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Natsumi Okamoto
- Divison of Respiratory Medicine, Hikone Municipal Hospital, Hikone City, Japan
| | - Isao Watanabe
- Divison of Respiratory Medicine, Hikone Municipal Hospital, Hikone City, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Tsukino
- Divison of Respiratory Medicine, Hikone Municipal Hospital, Hikone City, Japan
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Pacheco G, Lopes ALF, Oliveira APD, Corrêa WDRM, Lima LDB, Souza MHLPD, Teles AS, Nicolau LAD, Medeiros JVR. Comprehensive analysis of gastrointestinal side effects in COVID-19 patients undergoing combined pharmacological treatment with azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:345-358. [PMID: 38860720 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2348169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several drugs were repositioned and combined to quickly find a way to mitigate the effects of the infection. However, the adverse effects of these combinations on the gastrointestinal tract are unknown. We aimed investigate whether Hydroxychloroquine (HD), Azithromycin (AZ), and Ivermectin (IV) used in combination for the treatment of COVID-19, can lead to the development of gastrointestinal disorders. This is a systematic review and network meta-analysis conducted using Stata and Revman software, respectively. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023372802). A search of clinical trials in Cochrane Library databases, Embase, Web of Science, Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus and Clinicaltrials.gov conducted on November 26, 2023. The eligibility of the studies was assessed based on PICO criteria, including trials that compared different treatments and control group. The analysis of the quality of the evidence was carried out according to the GRADE. Six trials involving 1,686 COVID-19 patients were included. No trials on the association of HD or AZ with IV met the inclusion criteria, only studies on the association between HD and AZ were included. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and increased transaminases were related. The symptoms of vomiting and nausea were evaluated through a network meta-analysis, while the symptom of abdominal pain was evaluated through a meta-analysis. No significant associations with these symptoms were observed for HD, AZ, or their combination, compared to control. Low heterogeneity and absence of inconsistency in indirect and direct comparisons were noted. Limitations included small sample sizes, varied drug dosages, and potential publication bias during the pandemic peak. This review unveils that there are no associations between gastrointestinal adverse effects and the combined treatment of HD with AZ in the management of COVID-19, as compared to either the use of a control group or the administration of the drugs individually, on the other hand, highlighting the very low or low certainty of evidence for the evaluated outcomes. To accurately conclude the absence of side effects, further high-quality randomized studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pacheco
- Medicinal Plants Research Center (NPPM), Post-graduation Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - André Luis Fernandes Lopes
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Research Center (BIOTEC), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University (UFDPar), Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lucas Daniel Batista Lima
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Research Center (BIOTEC), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University (UFDPar), Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | | | - Ariel Soares Teles
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Research Center (BIOTEC), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University (UFDPar), Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
- Federal Institute of Maranhão (IFMA), Araioses, MA, Brazil
| | - Lucas Antonio Duarte Nicolau
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Research Center (BIOTEC), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University (UFDPar), Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Jand Venes Rolim Medeiros
- Medicinal Plants Research Center (NPPM), Post-graduation Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Research Center (BIOTEC), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University (UFDPar), Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
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Stern R, Bibi M, Keltz MD. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency After Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Autoimmune Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and FSH Receptor Blockade. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:e149-e152. [PMID: 38574363 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a variety of long-COVID-19 symptoms and autoimmune complications have been recognized. CASES We report three cases of autoimmune premature poor ovarian response in patients aged 30-37 years after mild to asymptomatic COVID-19 before vaccination, with nucleotide antibody confirmation. Two patients failed to respond to maximum-dose gonadotropins for more than 4 weeks, despite a recent history of response before having COVID-19. After a month of prednisone 30 mg, these two patients had normal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, high oocyte yield, and blastocyst formation in successful in vitro fertilization cycles. All three patients have above-average anti-müllerian hormone levels that persisted throughout their clinical ovarian insufficiency. Two patients had elevated FSH levels, perhaps resulting from FSH receptor blockade. One patient, with a history of high response to gonadotropins 75 international units per day and below-normal FSH levels, had no ovarian response to more than a month of gonadotropins (525 international units daily), suggesting autoimmune block of the FSH glycoprotein and possible FSH receptor blockade. CONCLUSION Auto-antibody production in response to COVID-19 before vaccination may be a rare cause of autoimmune poor ovarian response. Although vaccination is likely protective, further study will be required to evaluate the effect of vaccination and duration of autoimmune FSH or FSH receptor blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stern
- New York Medical College, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, and Reproductive Endocrinology, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, and Westmed Reproductive Services, Purchase, New York
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Mwangi VI, Netto RLA, Borba MGS, Santos GF, Lima GS, Machado LS, Yakubu MN, Val FFA, Sampaio VS, Sartim MA, Koolen HHF, Costa AG, Toméi MCM, Guimarães TP, Chaves AR, Vaz BG, Lacerda MVG, Monteiro WM, Gardinassi LG, Melo GC. Methylprednisolone therapy induces differential metabolic trajectories in severe COVID-19 patients. mSystems 2023; 8:e0072623. [PMID: 37874139 PMCID: PMC10734516 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00726-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in humans induces significant inflammatory and systemic reactions and complications of which corticosteroids like methylprednisolone have been recommended as treatment. Our understanding of the metabolic and metabolomic pathway dysregulations while using intravenous corticosteroids in COVID-19 is limited. This study will help enlighten the metabolic and metabolomic pathway dysregulations underlying high daily doses of intravenous methylprednisolone in COVID-19 patients compared to those receiving placebo. The information on key metabolites and pathways identified in this study together with the crosstalk with the inflammation and biochemistry components may be used, in the future, to leverage the use of methylprednisolone in any future pandemics from the coronavirus family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor I. Mwangi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rebeca L. A. Netto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Mayla G. S. Borba
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Gabriel F. Santos
- Laboratório de Cromatografia e Espectrometria de Massas, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Gesiane S. Lima
- Laboratório de Cromatografia e Espectrometria de Massas, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lucas S. Machado
- Laboratório de Cromatografia e Espectrometria de Massas, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Michael N. Yakubu
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Fernando F. A. Val
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências do Movimento Humano, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Vanderson S. Sampaio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto Todos pela Saúde, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco A. Sartim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Pró-reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-graduação, Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Hector H. F. Koolen
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Allyson G. Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Escola de Enfermagem de Manaus, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia (PPGH-UEA/HEMOAM), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Maria C. M. Toméi
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Tiago P. Guimarães
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Andrea R. Chaves
- Laboratório de Cromatografia e Espectrometria de Massas, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Boniek G. Vaz
- Laboratório de Cromatografia e Espectrometria de Massas, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marcus V. G. Lacerda
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ILMD/Fiocruz Amazônia), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M. Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Luiz G. Gardinassi
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Gisely C. Melo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia (PPGH-UEA/HEMOAM), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
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8
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Spannenburg L, Reed H. Adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoids: A systematic review of the literature. Steroids 2023; 200:109314. [PMID: 37758053 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glucocorticoids as a drug class are widely used in the treatment of many conditions including more recently as one of the mainstay treatments for the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The physiological adverse effects are well described. However, less is known and understood about the potentially deleterious neuro-cognitive effects of this class of medication. METHODS We carried out a systematic review of the literature using two separate search strategies. The first focussed on the rates of reporting of adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoid use in randomised controlled trials. The second looked at those studies focussing directly on adverse cognitive effects associated with the use of glucocorticoids. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library was searched for randomised controlled trials utilising glucocorticoids as a part of a treatment regimen. Additionally, these databases were also used to search for articles looking directly at the adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoids. RESULTS Of the forty-three RCTs included as a part of the first search strategy, only one (2.3%) included specific documentation pertaining to cognitive side effects. As a part of the twenty studies included in the second search strategy, eleven of the included studies (55%) were able to demonstrate a correlation between glucocorticoid use and decreased cognition. Most studies within this strategy showed that GCs predominately affected hippocampus-dependent functions such as memory, while sparing executive function and attention. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the data reporting of adverse clinical effects of glucocorticoid use is poor in recent RCTs. Given the demonstrable effect on predominately hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions evident within the literature, more thorough documentation is needed within clinical research to fully appreciate the potentially widespread nature of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Spannenburg
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, School of Clinical Medicine, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Metro South Hospital & Health Service, Department of Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Hayley Reed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, School of Clinical Medicine, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4101, Australia
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9
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Morsali M, Doosti-Irani A, Amini S, Nazemipour M, Mansournia MA, Aliannejad R. Comparison of corticosteroids types, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 6:100116. [PMID: 37637717 PMCID: PMC10445991 DOI: 10.1016/j.gloepi.2023.100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is associated with severe pneumonia lung damage, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality. In this study, we aimed to compare corticosteroids' effect on the mortality risk in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched using a predesigned search strategy. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had compared the corticosteroid drugs were included. The hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to summarize the effect size from the network meta-analysis (NMA). Results Out of 329 retrieved references, 12 RCTs with 11,455 participants met the eligibility criteria in this review. The included RCTs formed one network with six treatments. In addition, five treatments in two RCTs were not connected to the network. Methylprednisolone + usual care (UC) versus UC decreased the risk of death by 0.65 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.90). Among treatments in the network the highest P-score (0.89) was related to Methylprednisolone + UC. Conclusion Based on the results of this NMA it seems Methylprednisolone + UC to be the best treatment option in patients with COVID-ARDS and COVID pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Morsali
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amin Doosti-Irani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shahideh Amini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Nazemipour
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mansournia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Aliannejad
- Division of pulmonary and critical care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Advanced Thoracic Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Ghorbanali Z, Zare-Mirakabad F, Salehi N, Akbari M, Masoudi-Nejad A. DrugRep-HeSiaGraph: when heterogenous siamese neural network meets knowledge graphs for drug repurposing. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:374. [PMID: 37789314 PMCID: PMC10548718 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05479-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug repurposing is an approach that holds promise for identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs. Recently, knowledge graphs have emerged as significant tools for addressing the challenges of drug repurposing. However, there are still major issues with constructing and embedding knowledge graphs. RESULTS This study proposes a two-step method called DrugRep-HeSiaGraph to address these challenges. The method integrates the drug-disease knowledge graph with the application of a heterogeneous siamese neural network. In the first step, a drug-disease knowledge graph named DDKG-V1 is constructed by defining new relationship types, and then numerical vector representations for the nodes are created using the distributional learning method. In the second step, a heterogeneous siamese neural network called HeSiaNet is applied to enrich the embedding of drugs and diseases by bringing them closer in a new unified latent space. Then, it predicts potential drug candidates for diseases. DrugRep-HeSiaGraph achieves impressive performance metrics, including an AUC-ROC of 91.16%, an AUC-PR of 90.32%, an accuracy of 84.63%, a BS of 0.119, and an MCC of 69.31%. CONCLUSION We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in identifying potential drugs for COVID-19 as a case study. In addition, this study shows the role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) as a potential receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and the effectiveness of DPP-4 inhibitors in facing COVID-19. This highlights the practical application of the model in addressing real-world challenges in the field of drug repurposing. The code and data for DrugRep-HeSiaGraph are publicly available at https://github.com/CBRC-lab/DrugRep-HeSiaGraph .
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghorbanali
- Computational Biology Research Center (CBRC), Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zare-Mirakabad
- Computational Biology Research Center (CBRC), Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Akbari
- Computational Biology Research Center (CBRC), Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Masoudi-Nejad
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Akter R, Rahman MR, Ahmed ZS, Afrose A. Plausibility of natural immunomodulators in the treatment of COVID-19-A comprehensive analysis and future recommendations. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17478. [PMID: 37366526 PMCID: PMC10284624 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted millions of deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of several vaccines and some special drugs approved for emergency use to prevent or treat this disease still, there is a huge concern regarding their effectiveness, adverse effects, and most importantly, their efficacy against the new variants. A cascade of immune-inflammatory responses is involved with the pathogenesis and severe complications with COVID-19. People with dysfunctional and compromised immune systems display severe complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, multiple organ failure etc., when they get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Plant-derived natural immune-suppressant compounds, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, berberine, luteolin, etc., have been reported to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, natural products with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential could be plausible targets to treat this contagious disease. This review aims to delineate the clinical trials status and outcomes of natural compounds with immunomodulatory potential in COVID-19 patients along with the outcomes of their in-vivo studies. In clinical trials several natural immunomodulators resulted in significant improvement of COVID-19 patients by diminishing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and breathlessness. Most importantly, they reduced the duration of hospitalization and the need for supplemental oxygen therapy, improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, especially weakness, and eliminated acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This paper also discusses many potent natural immunomodulators yet to undergo clinical trials. In-vivo studies with natural immunomodulators demonstrated reduction of a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines. Natural immunomodulators that were found effective, safe, and well tolerated in small-scale clinical trials are warranted to undergo large-scale trials to be used as drugs to treat COVID-19 infections. Alongside, compounds yet to test clinically must undergo clinical trials to find their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raushanara Akter
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Rashidur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Zainab Syed Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afrina Afrose
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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12
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Kang T, Sun Y, Kim JH, Ta C, Perotte A, Schiffer K, Wu M, Zhao Y, Moustafa-Fahmy N, Peng Y, Weng C. EvidenceMap: a three-level knowledge representation for medical evidence computation and comprehension. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2023; 30:1022-1031. [PMID: 36921288 PMCID: PMC10198523 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a computable representation for medical evidence and to contribute a gold standard dataset of annotated randomized controlled trial (RCT) abstracts, along with a natural language processing (NLP) pipeline for transforming free-text RCT evidence in PubMed into the structured representation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our representation, EvidenceMap, consists of 3 levels of abstraction: Medical Evidence Entity, Proposition and Map, to represent the hierarchical structure of medical evidence composition. Randomly selected RCT abstracts were annotated following EvidenceMap based on the consensus of 2 independent annotators to train an NLP pipeline. Via a user study, we measured how the EvidenceMap improved evidence comprehension and analyzed its representative capacity by comparing the evidence annotation with EvidenceMap representation and without following any specific guidelines. RESULTS Two corpora including 229 disease-agnostic and 80 COVID-19 RCT abstracts were annotated, yielding 12 725 entities and 1602 propositions. EvidenceMap saves users 51.9% of the time compared to reading raw-text abstracts. Most evidence elements identified during the freeform annotation were successfully represented by EvidenceMap, and users gave the enrollment, study design, and study Results sections mean 5-scale Likert ratings of 4.85, 4.70, and 4.20, respectively. The end-to-end evaluations of the pipeline show that the evidence proposition formulation achieves F1 scores of 0.84 and 0.86 in the adjusted random index score. CONCLUSIONS EvidenceMap extends the participant, intervention, comparator, and outcome framework into 3 levels of abstraction for transforming free-text evidence from the clinical literature into a computable structure. It can be used as an interoperable format for better evidence retrieval and synthesis and an interpretable representation to efficiently comprehend RCT findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Kang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yingcheng Sun
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jae Hyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Casey Ta
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adler Perotte
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kayla Schiffer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mutong Wu
- Department of Statistics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Statistics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Yifan Peng
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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13
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Maynard N, Armstrong AW. The Impact of Immune-Modulating Treatments for Dermatological Diseases on the Risk of Infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Outcomes Associated with COVID-19 Illness. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 12:45-55. [PMID: 37304177 PMCID: PMC10068706 DOI: 10.1007/s13671-023-00385-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Immune-modulating treatments are used in dermatology for a variety of conditions. The authors aim to review the data regarding the safety of these treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the outcomes associated with COVID-19-related illness. Recent Findings Several large-scale studies found no increased risk of COVID-19 infection for patients on TNF-α inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, dupilumab, and methotrexate. They also found that these patients did not have worse outcomes when infected with COVID-19. The data regarding JAK inhibitors, rituximab, prednisone, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine are more mixed. Summary Based on current research and guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation, dermatology patients on immune-modulating therapies can continue treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic when they are not infected with SARS-CoV-2. For patients who have COVID-19, guidelines encourage individualized assessment of the benefits and risks of continuing or temporarily withholding treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Maynard
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, 1975 Zonal Avenue, KAM 510, MC 9034, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - April W. Armstrong
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, 1975 Zonal Avenue, KAM 510, MC 9034, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
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14
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Tiwari P, Singh N, Sharma B. Long Term Treatment of Corticostreroids May Cause Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Damage: A Case Controlled Study. Indian J Clin Biochem 2023; 39:1-9. [PMID: 37360645 PMCID: PMC10066027 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-023-01127-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Arthritis is a clinical condition, which mainly affects the structure and function joints. During this condition the joints gets swelled and stiffed resulting into development of pain and morbidity. Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to manage various clinical conditions including the chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. The steroidal drug also causes certain adverse effects depending on the dose, the route of administration and duration of treatment. However, a systematic investigation on the biochemical consequences of steroids as a therapeutic has not been carried out. In the present study we analyzed certain parameters associated to oxidative stress, liver function and energy metabolism has been done in the blood plasma of the arthritis patients who were using steroidal drugs (methylprednisolone and deflazacort) up to 168 days for the treatment of the disease. The results indicated increase in level of MDA and decrease in the activities of SOD, CAT and LDH. The activities of AST and ALT were found to be significantly enhanced over the increase in the treatment period. These results suggested that corticosteroids may induce lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and liver toxicity in the arthritis patients in the dose and duration dependent manner. The use of antioxidants as supplements to the anti-arthritis agents could play a role in suppressing the oxidative stress mediated adverse effects. However, extensive research is required to explore for safer medication devoid of steroids to cure arthritis. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002 India
| | - Nitika Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002 India
| | - Bechan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002 India
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15
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in significant mortality in pandemic proportions. Inflammation in response to the infection contributes to the pathogenesis of pneumonia. This review will discuss prior studies on the use of glucocorticoids to treat respiratory infections, the rationale for the use glucocorticoids in COVID-19, and review of existing data. We will also highlight outstanding research questions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Amati
- Respiratory Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Tonutti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - John Huston
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Infection Research and Treatment, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Charles S. Dela Cruz
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Center for Pulmonary Infection Research and Treatment, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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16
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Li X, Yuan X, Xu Z, Shi L, Huang L, Lu X, Fu J. Effect of Methylprednisolone on Mortality and Clinical Courses in Patients with Severe COVID-19: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis. INFECTIOUS DISEASES & IMMUNITY 2023; 3:20-28. [PMID: 36789030 PMCID: PMC9912987 DOI: 10.1097/id9.0000000000000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Whether methylprednisolone therapy can reduce the mortality rate of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains controversial, and its effects on the length of hospital stay and virus shedding time are also unknown. This retrospective study investigates the previous issues to provide more evidence for methylprednisolone treatment in severe COVID-19. Methods This retrospective study included 563 of 4827 patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital or Wuhan Guanggu Hospital between February 3, 2020 and March 30, 2020 who met the screening criteria. The participants' epidemiological and demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory test results, treatments, outcomes, and vital clinical time points were extracted from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was in-hospital death, and the secondary outcomes were 2 clinical courses: length from admission to viral clearance and discharge. Univariate and multivariate logistic or linear regression analyses were used to assess the role of methylprednisolone in different outcomes. Propensity score matching was performed to control for confounding factors. Results Of the 563 patients who met the screening criteria and were included in the subsequent analysis, 138 were included in the methylprednisolone group and 425 in the nonmethylprednisolone group. The in-hospital death rate between the methylprednisolone and nonmethylprednisolone groups showed a significant difference (23.91% vs. 1.65%, P < 0.001), which was maintained after propensity score matching (13.98% vs. 5.38%, P = 0.048). However, univariate logistic analysis in the matched groups showed that methylprednisolone treatment (odds ratio [OR], 5.242; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.802 to 34.246; P = 0.084) was not a risk factor for in-hospital death in severe patients. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis found comorbidities (OR, 3.327; 95% CI, 1.702 to 6.501; P < 0.001), lower lymphocyte count (OR, 0.076; 95% CI, 0.012 to 0.461; P = 0.005), higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (OR, 1.008; 95% CI, 1.003 to 1.013; P = 0.002), and anticoagulation therapy (OR, 11.187; 95% CI, 2.459 to 50.900; P = 0.002) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Multivariate linear regression analysis in the matched groups showed that methylprednisolone treatment was not a risk factor for a prolonged duration from admission to viral clearance (β Value 0.081; 95% CI, -1.012 to 3.657; P = 0.265) or discharge (β Value 0.114; 95% CI, -0.723 to 6.408; P = 0.117). d-dimer (β Value, 0.144; 95% CI, 0.012 to 0.817; P = 0.044), LDH (β Value 0.260; 95% CI, 0.010 to 0.034; P < 0.001), and antiviral therapy (β Value 0.220; 95% CI, 1.373 to 6.263; P = 0.002) were associated with a longer length from admission to viral clearance. The lymphocyte count (β Value -0.206; 95% CI, -6.248 to -1.197; P = 0.004), LDH (β Value 0.231; 95% CI, 0.012 to 0.048; P = 0.001), antiviral therapy (β Value 0.143; 95% CI, 0.058 to 7.497; P = 0.047), and antibacterial therapy (β Value 0.152; 95% CI, 0.133 to 8.154; P = 0.043) were associated with a longer hospitalization duration from admission to discharge. Further stratified analysis revealed that the low daily dose group (≤60 mg/d) and the low total dose group (≤200 mg) had shorter duration from admission to viral clearance (Z=-2.362, P = 0.018; Z=-2.010, P = 0.044) and a shorter hospital stay (Z=-2.735, P = 0.006; Z=-3.858, P < 0.001). Conclusions In patients with severe COVID-19, methylprednisolone is safe and does not prolong the duration from admission to viral clearance or discharge. Low-dose, short-term methylprednisolone treatment may be more beneficial in shortening the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xuechun Lu
- Department of Hematology, the Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Junliang Fu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
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Qiao W, Meng L, Zhang Y, Li D, Chen J, Wang J, Xie D, Xue X. Safety and efficacy of glucocorticoids in the treatment of COVID-19: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Expert Rev Respir Med 2023; 17:81-96. [PMID: 36738136 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2023.2177155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids compared with placebo or usual care for treatment of COVID-19. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients from 1 December 2019, to 30 June 2022, were assessed using Cochrane bias risk assessment method and improved Jadad score scale. GRADEpro was used to rate the quality of evidence for outcomes. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs were included, including 10,620 patients. Glucocorticoid treatment for severe and critical COVID-19 showed lesser all-cause mortality (OR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.76, 0.94], P = 0.002) than conventional treatment. However, for mildly ill patients, neither inhaled drugs nor intravenous drugs reduced mortality (OR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.24, 1.76], P = 0.39). Glucocorticoids had no significant effect on the adverse reactions of patients (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [0.77, 1.80], P = 0.44) compared with usual care/placebo. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that dexamethasone significantly reduced the mortality of COVID-19 patients. Low-dose glucocorticoids were also associated with lower all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Glucocorticoids (especially dexamethasone) reduce mortality of patients with severe and critical COVID-19 with no significant effect on the incidence of adverse reactions (moderate quality). In contrast, glucocorticoids do not benefit patients with mild symptoms (low quality).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Qiao
- Institute of Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.,Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lihong Meng
- Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Dian Li
- Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinyun Wang
- Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Di Xie
- Institute of Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoming Xue
- Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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18
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Bitar AN, Sulaiman SAS. The evidence from clinical trials on colchicine and corticosteroids' effect on COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:2097-2108. [PMID: 35819071 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2100654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With no clear end for the outbreak, identifying the drugs that are effective in COVID-19's management is of utmost importance to reduce the impact on the general population and the healthcare systems. METHODS This is a systematic review and a meta-analysis evaluating the evidence from clinical trials on the effect of colchicine and corticosteroids against COVID-19. In this review, we have systematically searched five databases [(PubMed, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov, ICTRP, CINAHL (EBSCO)]. Cochrane's data extraction sheet was used to collect the required information, and RevMan-5.4.1 was used to conduct the meta-analysis and to assess the risk of bias. The review was registered in Prospero (CRD42022299718). RESULTS The total number of included studies was 17, with 18,956 participants; the majority were male 12,001. Out of which, 8772 participants were on colchicine, 569 took methylprednisolone, and 64 patients received prednisolone. The meta-analysis has shown that colchicine had no significant effect on reducing the mortality rate among COVID-19 patients [OR 0.98(95% CI 0.90-1.08), p = .70), I2:1%)], corticosteroids have significantly reduced the mortality rates [OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.33-0.91), p = .02, I2:40]. Colchicine did not reduce the incidence of ICU admissions [OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.39-1.40), p = .35, I2:0%], while steroidal drugs significantly reduced the ICU admissions [OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.23-0.78), p = .005, I2:0%]. Unlike steroidal drugs [OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.30-0.95), p = .03, I2:61%], colchicine failed to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation [OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.48-1.10), p = .13, I2:76%]. Steroidal drugs significantly reduced the duration of hospitalization among COVID-19 patients [OR -0.50 (95% CI -0.79-0.21), p = .0007, I2:36%]. CONCLUSIONS The use of colchicine did not significantly reduce the mortality rate, ICU admissions, and mechanical ventilation among COVID-19 patients. Conversely, corticosteroids significantly reduced the mortality rate, ICU admissions, mechanical ventilation, and hospitalization duration among COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Naoras Bitar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Michel Sayegh College of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, South of Aqaba, Aqaba, Jordan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy, Jenjarom Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Wagner C, Griesel M, Mikolajewska A, Metzendorf MI, Fischer AL, Stegemann M, Spagl M, Nair AA, Daniel J, Fichtner F, Skoetz N. Systemic corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID-19: Equity-related analyses and update on evidence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 11:CD014963. [PMID: 36385229 PMCID: PMC9670242 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014963.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic corticosteroids are used to treat people with COVID-19 because they counter hyper-inflammation. Existing evidence syntheses suggest a slight benefit on mortality. Nonetheless, size of effect, optimal therapy regimen, and selection of patients who are likely to benefit most are factors that remain to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES To assess whether and at which doses systemic corticosteroids are effective and safe in the treatment of people with COVID-19, to explore equity-related aspects in subgroup analyses, and to keep up to date with the evolving evidence base using a living systematic review approach. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register (which includes PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and medRxiv), Web of Science (Science Citation Index, Emerging Citation Index), and the WHO COVID-19 Global literature on coronavirus disease to identify completed and ongoing studies to 6 January 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated systemic corticosteroids for people with COVID-19. We included any type or dose of systemic corticosteroids and the following comparisons: systemic corticosteroids plus standard care versus standard care, different types, doses and timings (early versus late) of corticosteroids. We excluded corticosteroids in combination with other active substances versus standard care, topical or inhaled corticosteroids, and corticosteroids for long-COVID treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. To assess the risk of bias in included studies, we used the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' 2 tool for RCTs. We rated the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach for the following outcomes: all-cause mortality up to 30 and 120 days, discharged alive (clinical improvement), new need for invasive mechanical ventilation or death (clinical worsening), serious adverse events, adverse events, hospital-acquired infections, and invasive fungal infections. MAIN RESULTS We included 16 RCTs in 9549 participants, of whom 8271 (87%) originated from high-income countries. A total of 4532 participants were randomised to corticosteroid arms and the majority received dexamethasone (n = 3766). These studies included participants mostly older than 50 years and male. We also identified 42 ongoing and 23 completed studies lacking published results or relevant information on the study design. Hospitalised individuals with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 Systemic corticosteroids plus standard care versus standard care plus/minus placebo We included 11 RCTs (8019 participants), one of which did not report any of our pre-specified outcomes and thus our analyses included outcome data from 10 studies. Systemic corticosteroids plus standard care compared to standard care probably reduce all-cause mortality (up to 30 days) slightly (risk ratio (RR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 0.97; 7898 participants; estimated absolute effect: 274 deaths per 1000 people not receiving systemic corticosteroids compared to 246 deaths per 1000 people receiving the intervention (95% CI 230 to 265 per 1000 people); moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect on all-cause mortality (up to 120 days) (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.23 to 2.34; 485 participants). The chance of clinical improvement (discharged alive at day 28) may slightly increase (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.11; 6786 participants; low-certainty evidence) while the risk of clinical worsening (new need for invasive mechanical ventilation or death) may slightly decrease (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.01; 5586 participants; low-certainty evidence). For serious adverse events (two RCTs, 678 participants), adverse events (three RCTs, 447 participants), hospital-acquired infections (four RCTs, 598 participants), and invasive fungal infections (one study, 64 participants), we did not perform any analyses beyond the presentation of descriptive statistics due to very low-certainty evidence (high risk of bias, heterogeneous definitions, and underreporting). Different types, dosages or timing of systemic corticosteroids We identified one RCT (86 participants) comparing methylprednisolone to dexamethasone, thus the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of methylprednisolone on all-cause mortality (up to 30 days) (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.07; 86 participants). None of the other outcomes of interest were reported in this study. We included four RCTs (1383 participants) comparing high-dose dexamethasone (12 mg or higher) to low-dose dexamethasone (6 mg to 8 mg). High-dose dexamethasone compared to low-dose dexamethasone may reduce all-cause mortality (up to 30 days) (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.04; 1269 participants; low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of high-dose dexamethasone on all-cause mortality (up to 120 days) (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.08; 1383 participants) and it may have little or no impact on clinical improvement (discharged alive at 28 days) (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.09; 200 participants; low-certainty evidence). Studies did not report data on clinical worsening (new need for invasive mechanical ventilation or death). For serious adverse events, adverse events, hospital-acquired infections, and invasive fungal infections, we did not perform analyses beyond the presentation of descriptive statistics due to very low-certainty evidence. We could not identify studies for comparisons of different timing and systemic corticosteroids versus other active substances. Equity-related subgroup analyses We conducted the following subgroup analyses to explore equity-related factors: sex, age (< 70 years; ≥ 70 years), ethnicity (Black, Asian or other versus White versus unknown) and place of residence (high-income versus low- and middle-income countries). Except for age and ethnicity, no evidence for differences could be identified. For all-cause mortality up to 30 days, participants younger than 70 years seemed to benefit from systemic corticosteroids in comparison to those aged 70 years and older. The few participants from a Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic group showed a larger estimated effect than the many White participants. Outpatients with asymptomatic or mild disease There are no studies published in populations with asymptomatic infection or mild disease. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Systemic corticosteroids probably slightly reduce all-cause mortality up to 30 days in people hospitalised because of symptomatic COVID-19, while the evidence is very uncertain about the effect on all-cause mortality up to 120 days. For younger people (under 70 years of age) there was a potential advantage, as well as for Black, Asian, or people of a minority ethnic group; further subgroup analyses showed no relevant effects. Evidence related to the most effective type, dose, or timing of systemic corticosteroids remains immature. Currently, there is no evidence on asymptomatic or mild disease (non-hospitalised participants). Due to the low to very low certainty of the current evidence, we cannot assess safety adequately to rule out harmful effects of the treatment, therefore there is an urgent need for good-quality safety data. Findings of equity-related subgroup analyses should be interpreted with caution because of their explorative nature, low precision, and missing data. We identified 42 ongoing and 23 completed studies lacking published results or relevant information on the study design, suggesting there may be possible changes of the effect estimates and certainty of the evidence in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Wagner
- Cochrane Haematology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mirko Griesel
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Agata Mikolajewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria-Inti Metzendorf
- Cochrane Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders Group, Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Fischer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Miriam Stegemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel Spagl
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Avinash Anil Nair
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Jefferson Daniel
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Falk Fichtner
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- Cochrane Haematology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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20
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Messing M, Sekhon MS, Hughes MR, Stukas S, Hoiland RL, Cooper J, Ahmed N, Hamer MS, Li Y, Shin SB, Tung LW, Wellington CL, Sin DD, Leslie KB, McNagny KM. Prognostic peripheral blood biomarkers at ICU admission predict COVID-19 clinical outcomes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1010216. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge the capacities of hospital ICUs which currently lack the ability to identify prospectively those patients who may require extended management. In this study of 90 ICU COVID-19 patients, we evaluated serum levels of four cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα) as well as standard clinical and laboratory measurements. On 42 of these patients (binned into Initial and Replication Cohorts), we further performed CyTOF-based deep immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with a panel of 38 antibodies. All measurements and patient samples were taken at time of ICU admission and retrospectively linked to patient clinical outcomes through statistical approaches. These analyses resulted in the definition of a new measure of patient clinical outcome: patients who will recover after short ICU stays (< 6 days) and those who will subsequently die or recover after long ICU stays (≥6 days). Based on these clinical outcome categories, we identified blood prognostic biomarkers that, at time of ICU admission, prospectively distinguish, with 91% sensitivity and 91% specificity (positive likelihood ratio 10.1), patients in the two clinical outcome groups. This is achieved through a tiered evaluation of serum IL-10 and targeted immunophenotyping of monocyte subsets, specifically, CD11clow classical monocytes. Both immune biomarkers were consistently elevated ( ≥15 pg/ml and ≥2.7 x107/L for serum IL-10 and CD11clow classical monocytes, respectively) in those patients who will subsequently die or recover after long ICU stays. This highly sensitive and specific prognostic test could prove useful in guiding clinical resource allocation.
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21
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Ramón A, Zaragozá M, Torres AM, Cascón J, Blasco P, Milara J, Mateo J. Application of Machine Learning in Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID-19 Treated with Tocilizumab. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164729. [PMID: 36012968 PMCID: PMC9410189 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the IL-6 inhibitors, tocilizumab is the most widely used therapeutic option in patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated severe respiratory failure (SRF). The aim of our study was to provide evidence on predictors of poor outcome in patients with COVID-19 treated with tocilizumab, using machine learning (ML) techniques. We conducted a retrospective study, analyzing the clinical, laboratory and sociodemographic data of patients admitted for severe COVID-19 with SRF, treated with tocilizumab. The extreme gradient boost (XGB) method had the highest balanced accuracy (93.16%). The factors associated with a worse outcome of tocilizumab use in terms of mortality were: baseline situation at the start of tocilizumab treatment requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), elevated ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), lymphopenia, and low PaFi [ratio between arterial oxygen pressure and inspired oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2)] values. The factors associated with a worse outcome of tocilizumab use in terms of hospital stay were: baseline situation at the start of tocilizumab treatment requiring IMV or supplemental oxygen, elevated levels of ferritin, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), GPT, C-reactive protein (CRP), LDH, lymphopenia, and low PaFi values. In our study focused on patients with severe COVID-19 treated with tocilizumab, the factors that were weighted most strongly in predicting worse clinical outcome were baseline status at the start of tocilizumab treatment requiring IMV and hyperferritinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ramón
- Department of Pharmacy, General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Zaragozá
- Department of Pharmacy, General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana María Torres
- Institute of Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 16002 Cuenca, Spain
| | - Joaquín Cascón
- Institute of Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 16002 Cuenca, Spain
| | - Pilar Blasco
- Department of Pharmacy, General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Milara
- Department of Pharmacy, General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Jorge Mateo
- Institute of Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 16002 Cuenca, Spain
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22
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Chertok Shacham E, Ishay A. New insights on Effects of Glucocorticoids in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Endocr Pract 2022; 28:1100-1106. [PMID: 35870803 PMCID: PMC9300587 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective Since January 2020, the highly contagious novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic. Severe COVID-19 leads to a massive release of proinflammatory mediators, leading to diffuse damage to the lung parenchyma, and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Treatment with the highly potent glucocorticoid (GC) dexamethasone was found to be effective in reducing mortality in severely affected patients. Methods To review the effects of glucocorticoids in the context of COVID-19 we performed a literature search in the PubMed database using the terms COVID-19 and glucocorticoid treatment. We identified 1429 article publications related to COVID-19 and glucocorticoid published from 1.1.2020 to the present including 238 review articles and 36 Randomized Controlled Trials. From these studies, we retrieved 13 Randomized Controlled Trials and 86 review articles that were relevant to our review topics. We focused on the recent literature dealing with glucocorticoid metabolism in critically ill patients and investigating the effects of glucocorticoid therapy on the immune system in COVID-19 patients with severe lung injury. Results In our review, we have discussed the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients with critical illness, selection of a specific GC for critical illness-related GC insufficiency, and recent studies that investigated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysfunction in patients with COVID-19. We have also addressed the specific activation of the immune system with chronic endogenous glucocorticoid excess, as seen in patients with Cushing syndrome, and, finally, we have discussed immune activation due to coronavirus infection and the possible mechanisms leading to improved outcomes in patients with COVID-19 treated with GCs. Conclusion For clinical endocrinologists prescribing GCs for their patients, a precise understanding of both the molecular- and cellular-level mechanisms of endogenous and exogenous GCs is imperative, including timing of administration, dosage, duration of treatment, and specific formulations of GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Avraham Ishay
- Endocrinology Unit, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula, Israel; Faculty of medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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23
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Abstract
Purpose of Review COVID-19 has posed a continuously evolving challenge for providers caring for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). While guidelines from national and international organizations came quickly, these have required constant reassessment and modification as the pandemic has progressed. This review aims to assess the first 2 years of literature on COVID-19 relevant to the clinical management of patients with MS. In particular, we will review how MS impacts the risk of COVID-19 infection, how disease-modifying therapies may alter this risk, and explore considerations regarding disease-modifying therapy (DMT) and vaccination for COVID-19. We will also explore potential ways in which a COVID-19 infection may impact multiple sclerosis. Our goal is to provide an overarching review of the major findings at this stage of the pandemic relevant to those that care for patients with MS. Recent Findings Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, providers have had to re-evaluate the priorities in the management of MS. A growing number of studies have evaluated the relevant risk factors and considerations regarding MS and particular disease-modifying therapies. Summary The long-term impacts of the pandemic on the health of those with MS will continue to be revealed. In general, most patients with MS do not need major revisions to their treatment plan due to COVID-19 risk. However, individuals who are older, more disabled, and on more potent therapies may need to consider strategies for decreasing their overall risk. Regardless, continued improvement in our understanding of interactions between infections, disease-modifying therapy, and MS are paramount to optimizing the care of those with MS going forward.
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24
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Strickland BA, Ansari SA, Dantoft W, Uhlenhaut NH. How to tame your genes: mechanisms of inflammatory gene repression by glucocorticoids. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:2596-2616. [PMID: 35612756 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used therapeutic agents to treat a broad range of inflammatory conditions. Their functional effects are elicited by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which regulates transcription of distinct gene networks in response to ligand. However, the mechanisms governing various aspects of undesired side effects versus beneficial immunomodulation upon GR activation remain complex and incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss emerging models of inflammatory gene regulation by GR, highlighting GR's regulatory specificity conferred by context-dependent changes in chromatin architecture and transcription factor or co-regulator dynamics. GR controls both gene activation and repression, with the repression mechanism being central to favorable clinical outcomes. We describe current knowledge about 3D genome organization and its role in spatiotemporal transcriptional control by GR. Looking beyond, we summarize the evidence for dynamics in gene regulation by GR through cooperative convergence of epigenetic modifications, transcription factor crosstalk, molecular condensate formation and chromatin looping. Further characterizing these genomic events will reframe our understanding of mechanisms of transcriptional repression by GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Strickland
- Metabolic Programming, Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, ZIEL - Institute for Food and Health, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Suhail A Ansari
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Widad Dantoft
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - N Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Metabolic Programming, Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, ZIEL - Institute for Food and Health, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
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25
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de Oliveira Resende R, José de Oliveira V, Sousa Correa A, Trica de Araújo P, Akio Taketomi E. COVID-19 scenario and recommendations on the continuity of immunobiological therapy in patients with atopic asthma in Brazil and Latin America. Expert Rev Respir Med 2022; 16:211-220. [PMID: 35034544 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2027758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the abrupt establishment of the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment for immunological diseases may be influenced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, including asthma and other allergies. Immunobiologics play a pivotal role in the management of severe symptoms of allergy and an opinion regarding the continuity of this treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic must be issued. AREAS COVERED In Brazil and other countries, patients with severe asthma were included in the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination, even those who are undergoing immunobiological therapy. Data are insufficient to support the influence of this therapy on severe COVID-19 as targeting molecules may play a role in the physiopathology of the infection. Therapeutic strategies for asthma and guidelines/statements of the main societies of Allergy in Latin America on the continuity of treatment with immunobiologics during the COVID-19 pandemic were obtained from the institutional websites, PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, and CINAHL electronic platforms by searching for papers published up to September 2021. EXPERT OPINION Although the association between asthma and COVID-19 has been under investigation, immunobiological treatment should follow the consensus-based statements recommending the maintenance of the therapy unless the patient is infected by the SARS-CoV-2. However, it must be closely followed by the medical assistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael de Oliveira Resende
- Laboratory of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil.,Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinícius José de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Sousa Correa
- Laboratory of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Pedro Trica de Araújo
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Akio Taketomi
- Laboratory of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
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26
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FakhriRavari A, Jin S, Kachouei FH, Le D, Lopez M. Systemic corticosteroids for management of COVID-19: Saving lives or causing harm? Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:20587384211063976. [PMID: 34923856 PMCID: PMC8725047 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211063976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying cause of many complications associated with severe COVID-19 is attributed to the inflammatory cytokine storm that leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which appears to be the leading cause of death in COVID-19. Systemic corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory activity through repression of pro-inflammatory genes and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, which makes them a potential medical intervention to diminish the upregulated inflammatory response. Early in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the role of corticosteroids was unclear. Corticosteroid use in other indications such as ARDS and septic shock has proven benefit while its use in other respiratory viral pneumonias is associated with reduced viral clearance and increased secondary infections. This review article evaluates the benefits and harms of systemic corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19 to assist clinicians in improving patient outcomes, including patient safety. Dexamethasone up to 10 days is the preferred regimen to reduce mortality risk in COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen support, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. If dexamethasone is unavailable, other corticosteroids can be substituted at equivalent doses. Higher doses of corticosteroids may be beneficial in patients who develop ARDS. Corticosteroids should be avoided early in the disease course when patients do not require oxygen support because of potential harms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diana Le
- 15471Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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27
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Wang L, Li G, Yuan C, Yang Y, Ling G, Zheng J, Zhou Y, Zhang T, Lin W, Lin Z. Progress in the Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19 in Children: A Review. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:8097-8108. [PMID: 34795516 PMCID: PMC8594783 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s335888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been circulating in many countries around the world, characterized by long incubation period, strong infectivity, strong variability, high population susceptibility and diversified transmission methods. Its causative agent is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Compared with adult patients, the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in children are often dominated by mild or asymptomatic infections, but children are also important virus carriers and play an important role in the transmission of the virus. In addition, some children will show excessive inflammatory response and experience serious complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). At present, the research on COVID-19 in children is still imperfect. This article will review epidemiological characteristics, the mechanism of action, variant characteristics, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations and treatment of children with COVID-19, in order to provide help for the diagnosis, treatment and research of children with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Gan Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Yuan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuele Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Gongxia Ling
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyu Zheng
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianlei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenlang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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