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Bergthorsdottir R, Esposito D, Olsson DS, Ragnarsson O, Dahlqvist P, Bensing S, Nåtman J, Johannsson G, Nyberg F. Increased risk of hospitalization, intensive care and death due to COVID-19 in patients with adrenal insufficiency: A Swedish nationwide study. J Intern Med 2024; 295:322-330. [PMID: 37850585 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) have excess morbidity and mortality related to infectious disorders. Whether patients with AI have increased morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 is unknown. METHODS In this linked Swedish national register-based cohort study, patients with primary and secondary AI diagnosis were identified and followed from 1 January 2020 to 28 February 2021. They were compared with a control cohort from the general population matched 10:1 for age and sex. The following COVID-19 outcomes were studied: incidence of COVID-19 infection, rates of hospitalization, intensive care admission and death. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) adjusted for socioeconomic factors and comorbidities were estimated using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS We identified 5430 patients with AI and 54,300 matched controls: There were 47.6% women, mean age was 57.1 (standard deviation 18.1) years, and the frequency of COVID-19 infection was similar, but the frequency of hospitalization (2.1% vs. 0.8%), intensive care (0.3% vs. 0.1%) and death (0.8% vs. 0.2%) for COVID-19 was higher in AI patients than matched controls. After adjustment for socioeconomic factors and comorbidities, the HR (95% CI) was increased for hospitalization (1.96, 1.59-2.43), intensive care admission (2.76, 1.49-5.09) and death (2.29, 1.60-3.28). CONCLUSION Patients with AI have a similar incidence of COVID-19 infection to a matched control population, but a more than twofold increased risk of developing a severe infection or a fatal outcome. They should therefore be prioritized for vaccination, antiviral therapy and other appropriate treatment to mitigate hospitalization and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhildur Bergthorsdottir
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniela Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel S Olsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Dahlqvist
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sophie Bensing
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Sollentuna, Sweden
| | | | - Gudmundur Johannsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Nyberg
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Macaluso M, Rothenberg ME, Ferkol T, Kuhnell P, Kaminski HJ, Kimberlin DW, Benatar M, Chehade M. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People Living With Rare Diseases and Their Families: Results of a National Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e48430. [PMID: 38354030 PMCID: PMC10868638 DOI: 10.2196/48430] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With more than 103 million cases and 1.1 million deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences for the health system and the well-being of the entire US population. The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network funded by the National Institutes of Health was strategically positioned to study the impact of the pandemic on the large, vulnerable population of people living with rare diseases (RDs). OBJECTIVE This study was designed to describe the characteristics of COVID-19 in the RD population, determine whether patient subgroups experienced increased occurrence or severity of infection and whether the pandemic changed RD symptoms and treatment, and understand the broader impact on respondents and their families. METHODS US residents who had an RD and were <90 years old completed a web-based survey investigating self-reported COVID-19 infection, pandemic-related changes in RD symptoms and medications, access to care, and psychological impact on self and family. We estimated the incidence of self-reported COVID-19 and compared it with that in the US population; evaluated the frequency of COVID-19 symptoms according to self-reported infection; assessed infection duration, complications and need for hospitalization; assessed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on RD symptoms and treatment, and whether the pandemic influenced access to care, special food and nutrition, or demand for professional psychological assistance. RESULTS Between May 2, 2020, and December 15, 2020, in total, 3413 individuals completed the survey. Most were female (2212/3413, 64.81%), White (3038/3413, 89.01%), and aged ≥25 years (2646/3413, 77.53%). Overall, 80.6% (2751/3413) did not acquire COVID-19, 2.08% (71/3413) acquired it, and 16.58% (566/3413) did not know. Self-reported cases represented an annual incidence rate of 2.2% (95% CI 1.7%-2.8%). COVID-19 cases were more than twice the expected (71 vs 30.3; P<.001). COVID-19 was associated with specific symptoms (loss of taste: odds ratio [OR] 38.9, 95% CI 22.4-67.6, loss of smell: OR 30.6, 95% CI 17.7-53.1) and multiple symptoms (>9 symptoms vs none: OR 82.5, 95% CI 29-234 and 5-9: OR 44.8, 95% CI 18.7-107). Median symptom duration was 16 (IQR 9-30) days. Hospitalization (7/71, 10%) and ventilator support (4/71, 6%) were uncommon. Respondents who acquired COVID-19 reported increased occurrence and severity of RD symptoms and use or dosage of select medications; those who did not acquire COVID-19 reported decreased occurrence and severity of RD symptoms and use of medications; those who did not know had an intermediate pattern. The pandemic made it difficult to access care, receive treatment, get hospitalized, and caused mood changes for respondents and their families. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported COVID-19 was more frequent than expected and was associated with increased prevalence and severity of RD symptoms and greater use of medications. The pandemic negatively affected access to care and caused mood changes in the respondents and family members. Continued surveillance is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Macaluso
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Marc E Rothenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Thomas Ferkol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Pierce Kuhnell
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Henry J Kaminski
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - David W Kimberlin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Mirna Chehade
- Mount Sinai Center for Eosinophilic Disorders, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Javaid R, Sinaii N, Kollender S, Desai J, Moon A, Merke DP. Course of COVID-19 infection in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1348130. [PMID: 38405151 PMCID: PMC10884314 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1348130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk for adrenal crisis during infectious illnesses. Increased risk of infection including COVID-19 has been variably reported. Objective To evaluate COVID-19 illness outcomes and stress dose practices in a large cohort of patients with CAH during the first two years of the pandemic and compare observations of COVID-19 infection in patients with CAH to the general USA population. Methods Between March 2020 and November 2022, patients with CAH followed at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center were queried about COVID-19 infection during their routine visits. Cases of COVID-19 were compared to controls. COVID-19 infection rates and symptoms were compared to general USA population data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results Of 168 patient visits, there were 54 (32%) cases of COVID-19 infection, and 15 (28%) were pediatric. Overall an association was found between acquiring COVID-19 and obesity (p=0.018), and adults acquiring COVID-19 were on lower doses of fludrocortisone (p=0.008). Fewer cases of COVID-19 infection were reported in those receiving hydrocortisone or modified-release hydrocortisone compared to longer acting glucocorticoids (p=0.0018). In our CAH population, the pattern of COVID-19 infection rates and COVID-related symptomatology were similar to those observed in the general USA population. Most patients with the presumed alpha variant reported anosmia and ageusia, while gastrointestinal symptoms were commonly reported during the delta and omicron waves. Stress dosing occurred in 30/54 cases, and 7 received parenteral hydrocortisone. Two hospitalizations occurred; one pediatric and one adult, both with co-morbidities. There were 5 emergency room visits and no reported deaths. Conclusion Patients with CAH with close follow-up do not appear to be at increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 or to have a more severe course of COVID-19 compared to the general USA population. Obesity may increase risk of acquiring COVID-19 in patients with CAH, and overall infection risk may be lower in those receiving short-acting and circadian glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Established age-appropriate guidelines for stress dosing during infectious illnesses should be used for patients with CAH and COVID-19. COVID-19 specific guidelines are not indicated. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00250159.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rida Javaid
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ninet Sinaii
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Service, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sarah Kollender
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jay Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Amy Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Deborah P. Merke
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Cozzolino A, Hasenmajer V, Newell-Price J, Isidori AM. COVID-19 pandemic and adrenals: deep insights and implications in patients with glucocorticoid disorders. Endocrine 2023; 82:1-14. [PMID: 37338722 PMCID: PMC10462567 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world. It was initially defined as a potentially severe syndrome affecting the respiratory tract, but it has since been shown to be a systemic disease with relevant extrapulmonary manifestations that increase mortality. The endocrine system has been found to be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. The current review aims to evaluate the available data on the impact of COVID-19 infection and treatment, as well as COVID-19 vaccines, on adrenal gland function, particularly in patients with GC disorders. METHODS A thorough search of published peer-reviewed studies in PubMed was performed using proper keywords. RESULTS Adrenal viral tropism and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication in the adrenal glands have been demonstrated, and adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare, but potentially severe complication in COVID-19 disease, whose recognition can be difficult if only for the empirical treatments administered in the early stages. Glucocorticoid (GC) treatment have had a pivotal role in preventing clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19, but long-term GC use may increase COVID-19-related mortality and the development of iatrogenic AI. Patients with GC disorders, especially AI and Cushing's syndrome, have been identified as being at high risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Published evidence suggests that AI patient awareness and proper education may help adjust GC replacement therapy appropriately when necessary, thereby reducing COVID-19 severity. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on AI management, particularly in terms of adherence to patients' care plans and self-perceived challenges. On the other hand, published evidence suggests that the clinical course of COVID-19 may be affected by the severity of hypercortisolism in patients with CS. Therefore, to ameliorate the risk profile in these patients, cortisol levels should be adequately controlled, along with careful monitoring of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities. To date, the COVID-19 vaccine remains the only available tool to face SARS-CoV-2, and it should not be treated differently in patients with AI and CS. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to adrenal damage and AI is a rare complication in COVID-19 disease, requiring prompt recognition. Educational efforts and patient awareness may reduce COVID-19 severity in patients with AI. Control of cortisol levels and monitoring of complications may improve the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cozzolino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, IT, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Hasenmajer
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, IT, Rome, Italy
| | - John Newell-Price
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, IT, Rome, Italy.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ENDO-ERN accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.
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Calcaterra V, Tagi VM, De Santis R, Biuso A, Taranto S, D’Auria E, Zuccotti G. Endocrinological Involvement in Children and Adolescents Affected by COVID-19: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5248. [PMID: 37629291 PMCID: PMC10455095 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, an increased incidence of several endocrinological anomalies in acute-phase and/or long-term complications has been described. The aim of this review is to provide a broad overview of the available literature regarding changes in the worldwide epidemiology of endocrinological involvement in children since December 2019 and to report the evidence supporting its association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although little is known regarding the involvement of endocrine organs during COVID-19 in children, the current evidence in adults and epidemiological studies on the pediatric population suggest the presence of a causal association between the virus and endocrinopathies. Untreated transient thyroid dysfunction, sick euthyroid syndrome, nonthyroidal illness syndrome, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and central precocious puberty have been observed in children in acute infection and/or during multisystem inflammatory syndrome development. Furthermore, a higher frequency of ketoacidosis at onset in children with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is reported in the literature. Although the direct association between COVID-19 and endocrinological involvement has not been confirmed yet, data on the development of different endocrinopathies in children, both during acute infection and as a result of its long-term complications, have been reported. This information is of primary importance to guide the management of patients with previous or current COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Veronica Maria Tagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Raffaella De Santis
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Andrea Biuso
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Silvia Taranto
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Enza D’Auria
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Knowles G, Warmington E, Shepherd LM, Hazlehurst JM, de Bray A, Gleeson H, Arlt W, Prete A. Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on patients with primary adrenal insufficiency: a cross-sectional study. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e230122. [PMID: 37253239 PMCID: PMC10388655 DOI: 10.1530/ec-23-0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) are thought to be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, little is known about its true impact on this group. We assessed morbidity and health promotion attitudes during the pandemic amongst a large cohort of patients with PAI. Design Cross-sectional, single-centre study. Methods In May 2020, COVID-19 advice on social distancing and sick-day rules was distributed to all patients with PAI registered with a large secondary/tertiary care centre. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey patients in early 2021. Results Of 207 contacted patients, 162 responded (82/111 with Addison's disease, AD; 80/96 with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, CAH). Patients with AD were older than those with CAH (median age 51 vs 39 years; P < 0.001) and had more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 47.6% vs 10.0%; P< 0.001). By the time of the survey, 47 patients (29.0%) had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the second commonest cause of sick-day dosing during the study and the leading trigger of adrenal crises (4/18 cases). Patients with CAH had a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to AD (adjusted odds ratio 2.53 (95% CI 1.07-6.16), P= 0.036), were less inclined to have the COVID-19 vaccine (80.0% vs 96.3%; P = 0.001), and were less likely to have undergone hydrocortisone self-injection training (80.0% vs 91.5%; P = 0.044) or wear medical alert jewellery (36.3% vs 64.6%; P = 0.001). Conclusions COVID-19 was a principal trigger for adrenal crises and sick-day dosing in patients with PAI. Despite a higher risk of COVID-19, patients with CAH showed less engagement with self-protective attitudes. Significance statement We conducted a cross-sectional study on a large and well-characterised group of patients with PAI and demonstrated that COVID-19 was a leading cause of morbidity during the early phases of the pandemic. Patients with AD were older and had a greater burden of comorbidity than those with CAH, including non-adrenal autoimmune disorders. However, patients with CAH were more likely to develop COVID-19 and demonstrated reduced engagement with healthcare services and health promotion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Warmington
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa M Shepherd
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan M Hazlehurst
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anne de Bray
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helena Gleeson
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Prete
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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