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Stoicescu ER, Iacob R, Iacob ER, Ghenciu LA, Oancea C, Manolescu DL. Tiny Lungs, Big Differences: Navigating the Varied COVID-19 Landscape in Neonates vs. Infants via Biomarkers and Lung Ultrasound. Biomedicines 2024; 12:425. [PMID: 38398027 PMCID: PMC10886952 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their susceptibilities, neonates and infants face unique SARS-CoV-2 challenges. This retrospective study will compare the illness course, symptoms, biomarkers, and lung damage in neonates and infants with SARS-CoV-2 infection from February 2020 to October 2023. This study was conducted at two hospitals in Timisoara, Romania, using real-time multiplex PCR to diagnose and lung ultrasonography (LUS) to assess lung involvement. Neonates had a more severe clinical presentation, an increased immune response, and greater lung involvement. Neonates had more PCR-positive tests (p = 0.0089) and longer hospital stays (p = 0.0002). In neonates, LDH, CRP, and ferritin levels were higher, indicating a stronger inflammatory response. Reduced oxygen saturation in neonates indicates respiratory dysfunction. The symptoms were varied. Infants had fever, cough, and rhinorrhea, while neonates had psychomotor agitation, acute dehydration syndrome, and candidiasis. This study emphasizes individualized care and close monitoring for neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections. Newborn lung ultrasonography showed different variances and severity levels, emphasizing the need for targeted surveillance and therapy. Newborns have high lung ultrasound scores (LUSS), indicating significant lung involvement. Both groups had initial lung involvement, but understanding these modest differences is crucial to improving care for these vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Robert Stoicescu
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (E.R.S.); (D.L.M.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Field of Applied Engineering Sciences, Specialization Statistical Methods and Techniques in Health and Clinical Research, Faculty of Mechanics, ‘Politehnica’ University Timisoara, Mihai Viteazul Boulevard No. 1, 300222 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Iacob
- Field of Applied Engineering Sciences, Specialization Statistical Methods and Techniques in Health and Clinical Research, Faculty of Mechanics, ‘Politehnica’ University Timisoara, Mihai Viteazul Boulevard No. 1, 300222 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Anatomy and Embriology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emil Radu Iacob
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Laura Andreea Ghenciu
- Department of Functional Sciences, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Pulmonology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Diana Luminita Manolescu
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (E.R.S.); (D.L.M.)
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Zucchini L, Ajčević M, Coda Zabetta CD, Greco C, Fernetti C, Moretto C, Pennini S, Accardo A. Characterization of a Novel Approach for Neonatal Hematocrit Screening Based on Penetration Velocity in Lateral Flow Test Strip. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2813. [PMID: 36905017 PMCID: PMC10006883 DOI: 10.3390/s23052813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hematocrit (HCT) is a crucial parameter for both adult and pediatric patients, indicating potentially severe pathological conditions. Most common methods for HCT assessment are microhematocrit and automated analyzers; however, developing countries present specific needs often not addressed by these technologies. Paper-based devices can be suitable for those environments being inexpensive, rapid, easy to use, and portable. The aim of this study is to describe and validate against a reference method, a novel HCT estimation method based on penetration velocity in lateral flow test strips complying with the requirements in low- or middle-income country (LMIC) scenarios. To calibrate and test the proposed method, 145 blood samples of 105 healthy neonates with gestational age greater than 37 weeks were collected (29 calibration set, 116 test set) in the range of HCT values (31.6-72.5%). The time difference (Δt) from the whole blood sample loading into the test strip instant till the nitrocellulose membrane saturation instant was measured by a reflectance meter. A nonlinear relation was observed between HCT and Δt and was estimated by a third-degree polynomial equation (R2 = 0.91) valid in 30% to 70% HCT interval. The proposed model was subsequently used to estimate HCT values on the test set showing a good agreement between the estimated HCT and the HCT measured by the reference method (r = 0.87, p < 0.001), with a low mean difference of 0.53 ± 5.04% and a slight trend of overestimation for higher hematocrit values. The mean absolute error was 4.29%, while the maximum absolute error was 10.69%. Although the proposed method did not present a sufficient accuracy to be used for diagnostic purposes, it could be suitable as a fast, low-cost, easy-to-use screening tool especially in LMIC scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zucchini
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Miloš Ajčević
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Agostino Accardo
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Su F, Cao L, Ren X, Hu J, Tavengana G, Wu H, Zhou Y, Fu Y, Jiang M, Wen Y. Age and sex trend differences in hemoglobin levels in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:8. [PMID: 36624464 PMCID: PMC9827637 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01218-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both age and gender are the influence factors of hemoglobin concentration. However, the changing trend of hemoglobin levels between males and females with age remains unclear. This study aimed to explore their changing characteristics in different genders. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Physical Examination Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College in Wuhu, China from 2014 to 2016. The generalized linear model was applied to explore the relationship between age, gender and hemoglobin levels. RESULTS Among the 303,084 participants, the mean age for females and males was 46.9 ± 13.4(15-98) and 48.1 ± 13.7(14-98) years old, respectively. Generalized smoothing splines showed that hemoglobin levels increased up to age 25 and then decreased in men; in women the levels increased up until age 20, and then decreased, with slight increase again (β = 0.244, P < 0.01). After dividing all participants into hyperglycemia and normal groups, only the normal female group showed a significant upward trend (β = 0.257, P < 0.01) between ages 50-59. CONCLUSIONS Hemoglobin concentration changes with age and the curve is different in males and females. The slightly upward trend of female hemoglobin in the age range of 50-59 years old should be considered in developing the reference range of hemoglobin making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Su
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Lei Cao
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Xia Ren
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Jian Hu
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Grace Tavengana
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Huan Wu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yumei Zhou
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Yuhan Fu
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Mingfei Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yufeng Wen
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Province, No.22, Wenchang Xi Road, Wuhu, 241002, China.
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Richardson BS, de Vrijer B, Brown HK, Stitt L, Choo S, Regnault TRH. Gestational age impacts birth to placental weight ratio and umbilical cord oxygen values with implications for the fetal oxygen margin of safety. Early Hum Dev 2022; 164:105511. [PMID: 34839188 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We determined the impact of gestational age (GA) from near term to term to post-term on birth/placental weight ratio and cord oxygen values with implications for placental transport efficiency for oxygen, fetal O2 consumption relative to delivery or fractional O2 extraction, and oxygen margin of safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS A hospital database was used to obtain birth/placental weight ratios, cord PO2 and other information on patients delivering between Jan 1, 1990 and Jun 15, 2011 with GA > 34 completed weeks (N = 69,852). Oxygen saturation was calculated from the cord PO2 and pH data, while fractional O2 extraction was calculated from the oxygen saturation data. The effect of GA grouping on birth/placental weight ratio, cord PO2, O2 saturation, and fractional O2 extraction values, was examined in all patients adjusting for pregnancy and labor/delivery covariates, and in a subset of low-risk patients. RESULTS Birth/placental weight ratio and umbilical venous O2 values increased with advancing GA, supporting the conjecture of increasing placental transport efficiency for oxygen. However, umbilical arterial O2 values decreased while fractional O2 extraction increased with successive GA groupings, indicating that fetal O2 consumption must be increasing relative to delivery. CONCLUSIONS Fetal O2 consumption can be seen as ever 'outgrowing' O2 delivery over the last weeks of pregnancy and leading to a continued lowering in systemic oxygen levels. While this lowering in oxygen may trigger feedback mechanisms with survival benefit, the 'oxygen margin of safety' will also be lowered increasing perinatal morbidity and mortality which appear to be hypoxia related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Hilary K Brown
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health & Society, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Larry Stitt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Sheryl Choo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Orlandin JR, Machado LC, Ambrósio CE, Travagli V. Ozone and its derivatives in veterinary medicine: A careful appraisal. Vet Anim Sci 2021; 13:100191. [PMID: 34401601 PMCID: PMC8350423 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2021.100191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of ozone and its derivatives in the veterinary medicine it is still in an emergent stage. Gaseous ozone chemical instability makes necessary its extemporaneous preparation and the accordance about ozone treatments with the highest quality standards in publications is of paramount importance. Moreover, the numerous method of administration in different animal species, the prevalence of case reports, the deficiency of consistent evaluation of the outcomes, as well as the lack of standardization of the treatment operating procedures represents an open question for its spreading and official approval. The keywords "ozone", "ozonated", "ozonation" "ozonized", "ozonization", "oxygen-ozone therapy", "veterinary", "pets", "animal" were used to perform a literature review using PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Zotero databases with the temporal restriction for published manuscripts starting from 2010. All the researches were critically evaluated, regardless of the impact factor, if any, of the journals in which they were presented. The deepening of the mechanisms of action of this bio-oxidative therapy can open new horizons on its use. The distinctive condition to achieve such a scenario is an improved knowledge of the qualitative/quantitative characteristics of ozone and its derivatives. All with the aim of taking nothing away to the cited original research papers, but of improving the promising therapeutic implications of ozone therapy in veterinary medicine as a standardization stimulus about this therapeutic resource with multiple application specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Rodrigues Orlandin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA-USP), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy – Department of National Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Luciana Cristina Machado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA-USP), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA-USP), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valter Travagli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy – Department of National Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Italy
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