Characteristics of fever and response to antipyretic therapy in military personnel with adenovirus-positive community-acquired pneumonia

Combined intravenous ribavirin and recombinant human interferon α1b aerosol inhalation for adenovirus pneumonia with plastic bronchitis in children: a case report and review of literature

Background

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infections in children can lead to profound pulmonary injury and are frequently associated with severe complications, particularly in cases concomitant with plastic bronchitis. Managing this condition presents significant challenges and carries an exceptionally high fatality rate. Regrettably, there are currently no specific antiviral agents that have demonstrated efficacy in treating severe adenovirus pneumonia in children.

Case presentation

We report a 10-month-old infant suffering from severe adenovirus pneumonia combined with plastic bronchitis (PB). He received intravenous ribavirin combined with recombinant human interferon α1b (INFα1b) aerosol inhalation and his condition eventually improved. No side effects occurred during the treatment, and the long-term prognosis was favorable.

Conclusion

In this case, the combination therapy of intravenous ribavirin and INFα1b seems to have contributed to the resolution of illness and may be considered for similar cases until stronger evidence is generated.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and inflammatory cytokines between hypoxemic and non-hypoxemic human adenovirus 55 pneumonia

Background

Human adenovirus (HAdV) can cause severe community-acquired pneumonia, but there are few studies on the associated cytokine patterns. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between inflammatory cytokine and severity of adenovirus pneumonia.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. We evaluated pneumonia patients admitted to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Korea. On admission, blood samples were acquired from patients who showed signs of pneumonia. HAdV infection was diagnosed using Real-Q RV detection Kit, and types of HAdV were confirmed by nucleotide blast analysis. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to quantify the serum levels of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, γ-interferon (IFN-γ), and IL-10]. We evaluated clinical characteristics and cytokine patterns.

Results

Of 74 pneumonia patients, respiratory specimens from 43 tested positive for HAdV-55, and the other 31 tested negatives. The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the HAdV group. The serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-γ were all significantly higher in the HAdV group. Of the 43 HAdV pneumonia patients, 6 evidenced PaO₂/FiO₂ (PF) ratio <300, and 37 did not. Compared to the non-hypoxemic group, the hypoxemic group showed significantly lower lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and increased IL-6 and IFN-γ concentrations. Logistic regression analysis showed that the IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ were significantly associated with hypoxemia in the HAdV group. The IL-6, and IFN-γ levels correlated significantly with the PF ratio.

Conclusions

We found that the levels IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ were significantly associated with hypoxemia in patients with HAdV-55 pneumonia.

Epidemiological and clinical features of 200 hospitalized patients with corona virus disease 2019 outside Wuhan, China: A descriptive study

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The characteristics of 200 patients with COVID-19 in Yichang were analyzed.

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COVID-19 was of clustering onset, and can cause severe respiratory disease and death.

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The mortality of ICU patients confirmed with COVID-19 was considerably high.

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The lymphocytes might be the main target of SARS-CoV-2 and this may be related to the severity and mortality of the disease.

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The cytokine storm may be associated with the worsening of the disease.

Background

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, with especially severe epidemics occurring in cities across China.

Objectives

To report the epidemiological and clinical futures of the 200 patients infected with COVID-19 in Yichang, Hubei Province, China.

Study design

200 patients confirmed with COVID-19 in a designated hospital in Yichang from Jan 30 to Feb 8, 2020 were investigated retrospectively. The epidemiological data and clinical characteristics were collected. The data between the ICU patients and non-ICU patients were compared. The patients were followed up till Feb 26, 2020.

Results

Of the 200 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 98 (49.0 %) were male, and the mean age was 55 years. Eighty-seven (43.5 %) had no linkage to Wuhan or contact history. Familial clustering was found in 34 patients. Sixtyfive (32.5 %) suffered from chronic diseases. The common symptoms included fever (171[85.5 %]), cough (116[58.0 %]), and fatigue (64[32 %]). Most patients had lymphopenia. One hundred and seventy-two (86 %) patients showed typical imaging findings of viral pneumonia. Most patients received antiviral, antibiotic, and corticosteroid treatment. Compared with the non-ICU patients, 29 (14.5 %) patients in the ICU were older and more likely to show dyspnea and complications including ARDS. As of Feb 26, 15 (51.7 %) patients in the ICU had died.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 infection was of clustering onset and can cause severe respiratory disease and even death. The mortality of ICU patients with COVID-19 was considerably high.