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Lamothe PA, Capric V, Lee FEH. Viral infections causing asthma exacerbations in the age of biologics and the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2024; 30:287-293. [PMID: 38411178 PMCID: PMC10959678 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000001061] [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] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma exacerbations are associated with substantial symptom burden and healthcare costs. Viral infections are the most common identified cause of asthma exacerbations. The epidemiology of viral respiratory infections has undergone a significant evolution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The relationship between viruses and asthmatic hosts has long been recognized but it is still incompletely understood. The use of newly approved asthma biologics has helped us understand this interaction better. RECENT FINDINGS We review recent updates on the interaction between asthma and respiratory viruses, and we address how biologics and immunotherapies could affect this relationship by altering the respiratory mucosa cytokine milieu. By exploring the evolving epidemiological landscape of viral infections during the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, we emphasize the early post-pandemic stage, where a resurgence of pre-pandemic viruses with atypical seasonality patterns occurred. Finally, we discuss the newly developed RSV and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and how they reduce respiratory infections. SUMMARY Characterizing how respiratory viruses interact with asthmatic hosts will allow us to identify tailored therapies to reduce the burden of asthma exacerbations. New vaccination strategies are likely to shape the future viral asthma exacerbation landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Lamothe
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. Department of Medicine. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Blankestijn JM, Abdel-Aziz MI, Baalbaki N, Bazdar S, Beekers I, Beijers RJHCG, Bloemsma LD, Cornelissen MEB, Gach D, Houweling L, Holverda S, Jacobs JJL, Jonker R, van der Lee I, Linders PMA, Mohamed Hoesein FAA, Noij LCE, Nossent EJ, van de Pol MA, Schaminee DW, Schols AMWJ, Schuurman LT, Sondermeijer B, Geelhoed JJM, van den Bergh JP, Weersink EJM, de Wit-van Wijck Y, Maitland-van der Zee AH. Long COVID exhibits clinically distinct phenotypes at 3-6 months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection: results from the P4O2 consortium. BMJ Open Respir Res 2024; 11:e001907. [PMID: 38663887 PMCID: PMC11043734 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Four months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, 22%-50% of COVID-19 patients still experience complaints. Long COVID is a heterogeneous disease and finding subtypes could aid in optimising and developing treatment for the individual patient. METHODS Data were collected from 95 patients in the P4O2 COVID-19 cohort at 3-6 months after infection. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed on patient characteristics, characteristics from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID symptom data, lung function and questionnaires describing the impact and severity of long COVID. To assess robustness, partitioning around medoids was used as alternative clustering. RESULTS Three distinct clusters of patients with long COVID were revealed. Cluster 1 (44%) represented predominantly female patients (93%) with pre-existing asthma and suffered from a median of four symptom categories, including fatigue and respiratory and neurological symptoms. They showed a milder SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cluster 2 (38%) consisted of predominantly male patients (83%) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and suffered from a median of three symptom categories, most commonly respiratory and neurological symptoms. This cluster also showed a significantly lower forced expiratory volume within 1 s and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Cluster 3 (18%) was predominantly male (88%) with pre-existing CVD and diabetes. This cluster showed the mildest long COVID, and suffered from symptoms in a median of one symptom category. CONCLUSIONS Long COVID patients can be clustered into three distinct phenotypes based on their clinical presentation and easily obtainable information. These clusters show distinction in patient characteristics, lung function, long COVID severity and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. This clustering can help in selecting the most beneficial monitoring and/or treatment strategies for patients suffering from long COVID. Follow-up research is needed to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms implicated in the different phenotypes and determine the efficacy of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle M Blankestijn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mahmoud I Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Assiut University Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nadia Baalbaki
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Somayeh Bazdar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inés Beekers
- ORTEC, Zoetermeer, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Rosanne J H C G Beijers
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Universiteit Maastricht School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lizan D Bloemsma
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merel E B Cornelissen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie Gach
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Universiteit Maastricht School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Houweling
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Reneé Jonker
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo van der Lee
- Department of Pulmonology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Paulien M A Linders
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lieke C E Noij
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther J Nossent
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne A van de Pol
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne W Schaminee
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemie M W J Schols
- Universiteit Maastricht School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne T Schuurman
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Universiteit Maastricht School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - J J Miranda Geelhoed
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joop P van den Bergh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Els J M Weersink
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anke H Maitland-van der Zee
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Emma Childrens' Hospital UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Khojasteh-Kaffash S, Parhizkar Roudsari P, Ghaffari Jolfayi A, Samieefar N, Rezaei N. Pediatric asthma exacerbation and COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts, challenges, and future considerations. J Asthma 2024; 61:81-91. [PMID: 37610180 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2251062] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma, a common disease among children and adolescents, poses a great health risk when ignored; therefore, a thorough follow-up to prevent exacerbations is emphasized. The aim of the present study is to investigate asthma exacerbation in children during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. DATA SOURCES This narrative review has been done by searching the PubMed and Embase databases using Asthma, COVID-19, Pandemic, and Symptom flare up as keywords. STUDY SELECTIONS Studies related to asthma exacerbation in COVID-19 pandemic were included. RESULTS Based on studies, controlled or mild to moderate asthma has not been considered a risk factor for COVID-19 severity and has not affected hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality. Surprisingly, emergent and non-emergent visits and asthmatic attacks decreased during the pandemic. The three main reasons for decreased incidence and exacerbation of asthma episodes in the COVID-19 era included reduced exposure to environmental allergens, increasing the acceptance of treatment by pediatrics and caregivers, and decreased risk of other respiratory viral infections. Based on the available studies, COVID-19 vaccination had no serious side effects, except in cases of uncontrolled severe asthma, and can be injected in these children. Also, there was no conclusive evidence of asthma exacerbation after the injection of COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSION Further studies are recommended to follow the pattern of asthma in the post-pandemic situation and to become prepared for similar future conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Khojasteh-Kaffash
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ghaffari Jolfayi
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noosha Samieefar
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Li J, Wisnivesky JP, Lin JJ, Campbell KN, Hu L, Kale MS. Examining the Trajectory of Health-Related Quality of Life among Coronavirus Disease Patients. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-023-08575-9. [PMID: 38169022 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08575-9] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have reported a reduction in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, there remains a gap in research examining the heterogeneity and determinants of HR-QoL trajectory in these patients. OBJECTIVE To describe and identify factors explaining the variability in HR-QoL trajectories among a cohort of patients with history of COVID-19. DESIGN A prospective study using data from a cohort of COVID-19 patients enrolled into a registry established at a health system in New York City. PARTICIPANTS Participants were enrolled from July 2020 to June 2022, and completed a baseline evaluation and two follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months. METHODS We assessed HR-QoL with the 29-item Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System instrument, which was summarized into mental and physical health domains. We performed latent class growth and multinomial logistic regression to examine trajectories of HR-QoL and identify factors associated with specific trajectories. RESULTS The study included 588 individuals with a median age of 52 years, 65% female, 54% White, 18% Black, and 18% Hispanic. We identified five physical health trajectories and four mental health trajectories. Female gender, having pre-existing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and hospitalization for acute COVID-19 were independently associated with lower physical health. In addition, patients with increasing body mass index were more likely to experience lower physical health over time. Female gender, younger age, pre-existing asthma, arthritis and cardiovascular disease were associated with poor mental health. CONCLUSIONS We found significant heterogeneity of HR-QoL after COVID-19, with women and patients with specific comorbidities at increased risk of lower HR-QoL. Implementation of targeted psychological and physical interventions is crucial for enhancing the quality of life of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Juan P Wisnivesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jenny J Lin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kirk N Campbell
- Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liangyuan Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University School of Public Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Minal S Kale
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Cherry N, Adisesh A, Burstyn I, Durand-Moreau Q, Galarneau JM, Labrèche F, Ruzycki SM, Zadunayski T. Cohort profile: recruitment and retention in a prospective cohort of Canadian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074716. [PMID: 37914305 PMCID: PMC10626826 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074716] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Healthcare workers were recruited early in 2020 to chart effects on their health as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved. The aim was to identify modifiable workplace risk factors for infection and mental ill health. PARTICIPANTS Participants were recruited from four Canadian provinces, physicians (medical doctors, MDs) in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and healthcare aides (HCAs) in Alberta and personal support workers (PSWs) in Ontario. Volunteers gave blood for serology testing before and after vaccination. Cases with COVID-19 were matched with up to four referents in a nested case-referent study. FINDINGS TO DATE Overall, 4964/5130 (97%) of those recruited joined the longitudinal cohort: 1442 MDs, 3136 RNs, 71 LPNs, 235 PSWs, 80 HCAs. Overall, 3812 (77%) were from Alberta. Prepandemic risk factors for mental ill health and respiratory illness differed markedly by occupation. Participants completed questionnaires at recruitment, fall 2020, spring 2021, spring 2022. By 2022, 4837 remained in the cohort (127 had retired, moved away or died), for a response rate of 89% (4299/4837). 4567/4964 (92%) received at least one vaccine shot: 2752/4567 (60%) gave postvaccine blood samples. Ease of accessing blood collection sites was a strong determinant of participation. Among 533 cases and 1697 referents recruited to the nested case-referent study, risk of infection at work decreased with widespread vaccination. FUTURE PLANS Serology results (concentration of IgG) together with demographic data will be entered into the publicly accessible database compiled by the Canadian Immunology Task Force. Linkage with provincial administrative health databases will permit case validation, investigation of longer-term sequelae of infection and comparison with community controls. Analysis of the existing dataset will concentrate on effects on IgG of medical condition, medications and stage of pregnancy, and the role of occupational exposures and supports on mental health during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cherry
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anil Adisesh
- Division of Occupational Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Igor Burstyn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Quentin Durand-Moreau
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Galarneau
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Shannon M Ruzycki
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- W21C, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tanis Zadunayski
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Lim LHM, Lim HF, Liew MF, Chen W. Impact of Guideline-Based Asthma Treatment on Health Services Use in Singapore Before and During COVID-19 Outbreak. J Asthma Allergy 2023; 16:1207-1216. [PMID: 37927777 PMCID: PMC10625321 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s425342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction To date, the role of standard asthma care in reducing asthma-related health services use (HSU) during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. This study examined the impact of guideline-based asthma treatment on the use of asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, polyclinic visits (total visits and urgent visits characterized by nebuliser use) before and during the pandemic. Methods Data from April 2017 to October 2020 was obtained from the National University Health System, one of the three healthcare clusters in Singapore. Using generalized linear models, we estimated the joint effects of the ratio of preventer to reliever dispensations (PRR) and COVID-19 on asthma-related ED visits per hospital per month, total asthma-related polyclinic visits and asthma-related urgent polyclinic visits per clinic per month. Results Findings show that before the onset of COVID-19, for every 0.5 unit increase in PRR, the number of asthma-related ED visits and urgent polyclinic visits decreased by 12.9% (95% CI: -13.0% to -12.9%) and 6.8% (95% CI: -6.9% to -6.7%), respectively, whereas total asthma-related polyclinic visits increased by 1.0% (95% CI: 0.9% to 1.0%). During the pandemic, a 0.5 unit increase of PRR decreased the number of asthma-related ED visits, urgent and total polyclinic visits by 16.9% (95% CI: -17.0% to - 16.9%), 9.3% (95% CI: -9.5% to -9.2%) and 0.7% (95% CI: -0.8% to -0.7%), respectively. Discussion These findings suggest that regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in PRR consistently reduced the frequency of asthma-related urgent and emergent care, although it barely influenced routine asthma follow-up visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Huey Mien Lim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Fang Lim
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, SingaporeSingapore
| | - Mei Fong Liew
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, SingaporeSingapore
- FAST and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Dounce-Cuevas CA, Flores-Flores A, Bazán MS, Portales-Rivera V, Morelos-Ulíbarri AA, Bazán-Perkins B. Asthma and COVID-19: a controversial relationship. Virol J 2023; 20:207. [PMID: 37679779 PMCID: PMC10485988 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02174-0] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection induces a spectrum of clinical manifestations that depend on the immune response of the patient, i.e., from an asymptomatic form to an inflammatory response with multiorgan deterioration. In some cases, severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 are characterized by an excessive, persistent release of inflammatory mediators known as a cytokine storm. This phenomenon arises from an ineffective T helper (Th)-1 response, which is unable to control the infection and leads to a reinforcement of innate immunity, causing tissue damage. The evolution of the disease produced by SARS-CoV2, known as COVID-19, has been of interest in several research fields. Asthma patients have been reported to present highly variable outcomes due to the heterogeneity of the disease. For example, the Th2 response in patients with allergic asthma is capable of decreasing Th1 activation in COVID-19, preventing the onset of a cytokine storm; additionally, IL-33 released by damaged epithelium in the context of COVID-19 potentiates either Th1 or T2-high responses, a process that contributes to poor outcomes. IL-13, a T2-high inflammatory cytokine, decreases the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, hindering SARS-CoV-2 entry; finally, poor outcomes have been observed in COVID-19 patients with severe neutrophilic asthma. In other contexts, the COVID-19 lockdown has had interesting effects on asthma epidemiology. The incidence of asthma in the most populated states in Mexico, including Tamaulipas, which has the highest asthma incidence in the country, showed similar tendencies independent of how strict the lockdown measures were in each state. As described worldwide for various diseases, a decrease in asthma cases was observed during the COVID-19 lockdown. This decrease was associated with a drop in acute respiratory infection cases. The drop in cases of various diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension or depression, observed in 2020 was restored in 2022, but not for asthma and acute respiratory infections. There were slight increases in asthma cases when in-person classes resumed. In conclusion, although many factors were involved in asthma outcomes during the pandemic, it seems that acute respiratory infection is intimately linked to asthma cases. Social distancing during remote learning, particularly school lockdown, appears to be an important cause of the decrease in cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Dounce-Cuevas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, 14380, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angélica Flores-Flores
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, 14380, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariana S Bazán
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, 14380, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Victor Portales-Rivera
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, 14380, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Blanca Bazán-Perkins
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, 14380, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Kwok WC, Tam TCC, Lam DCL, Leung JKC, Chan KPF, Chan SKS, Chiang KY, Ip MSM, Ho JCM. Worsening of asthma control after recovery from mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients from Hong Kong. Respir Res 2023; 24:53. [PMID: 36788605 PMCID: PMC9927038 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there are postulations that asthma is potentially associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there has been conflicting results from studies on the impact mild-to-moderate COVID-19 on asthma control after recovery. METHODS A case control study on the association between mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and asthma control post infection was conducted. The primary outcome was a reduction in Asthma Control Test (ACT) score by ≥ 3 points post-COVID infection. The secondary outcomes included the change in ACT score, the proportion of patient with ACT score who dropped to ≤ 15 on enrolment visit and the need for escalation of asthma maintenance therapy. RESULTS Out of the total of 221 adult patients with asthma recruited, 111 had mild-to-moderate COVID-19 within 30 to 270 days prior to study enrolment. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for a reduction in ACT score by ≥ 3 points after COVID-19 was 3.105 (95% CI = 1.385-6.959, p = 0.006). The odds of escalation of asthma maintenance therapy by at least 1 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step was 4.733 (95% CI = 1.151-19.467, p = 0.031) and asthma patient are more likely to become uncontrolled after COVID-19 [aOR = 5.509 (95% CI = 1.061-28.600, p = 0.042)]. CONCLUSION Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 among asthma patients, upon recovery, was associated with worsening of asthma symptom, lower ACT score, a higher need for escalation of asthma maintenance therapy and more uncontrolled asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Chun Kwok
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Terence Chi Chun Tam
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - David Chi Leung Lam
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Jackson Ka Chun Leung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - King Pui Florence Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Shung Kay Samuel Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Ka Yan Chiang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Mary Sau Man Ip
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - James Chung Man Ho
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China.
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