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Tana C, Moffa L, Falasca K, Vecchiet J, Tana M, Mantini C, Ricci F, Ticinesi A, Meschi T, Cipollone F, Giamberardino MA. Approach to COVID-19 in older adults and indications for improving the outcomes. Ann Med 2023; 55:2265298. [PMID: 37839411 PMCID: PMC10578089 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2265298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 continues to present challenges in the care of older adults with frailty and/or comorbidities and very old patients, who can be hospitalized with severe COVID-19 despite full vaccination. Frailty is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by an increased aging-related vulnerability due to a reduced physiological reserve and function of systemic organs, and is associated with an impairment of activities of daily living. Frail older adults remain at elevated risk of mortality from COVID-19 compared to older adults without frailty, and some pre-existing risk factors such as malnutrition, prolonged bed rest, and the association with comorbidities can aggravate the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, the severity of COVID-19 can impact on long-term functioning of older patients surviving from the infection. Persistent symptoms are another emerging problem of the post-vaccination phase of pandemic, as most patients suffer from chronic symptoms which can become debilitating and affect the daily routine. Aim of this review: In this complex relationship, the evaluation of COVID-19 in vulnerable categories is still a matter of high interest and personalized care plans based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment, tailored interventions; specific therapeutic algorithms among older adults are thus recommended in order to improve the outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Tana
- Geriatrics Clinic, SS Annunziata Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Livia Moffa
- Infectious Disease Department and COVID-19 Unit, University Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Katia Falasca
- Infectious Disease Department and COVID-19 Unit, University Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vecchiet
- Infectious Disease Department and COVID-19 Unit, University Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Tana
- Internal Medicine Unit, SS. Annunziata Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cesare Mantini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D’Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D’Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Ticinesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Italy and Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Meschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Italy and Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Cipollone
- Medical Clinic, SS. Annunziata Hospital of Chieti, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, "G. D’Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Adele Giamberardino
- Geriatrics Clinic, SS Annunziata Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
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Covello RD, Pasin L, Fresilli S, Tóth K, Damiani C, Hajjar LA, Zangrillo A, Landoni G. Meta-Analysis of Glucocorticoids for Covid-19 Patients Not Receiving Oxygen. NEJM EVIDENCE 2023; 2:EVIDoa2200283. [PMID: 38320047 DOI: 10.1056/evidoa2200283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), although a possible harm was documented in patients with Covid-19 not requiring oxygen. METHODS: We searched Embase, BioMed Central, medRxiv, bioRxiv, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for any randomized trial or matched study ever performed on adult patients with Covid-19 not receiving oxygen therapy treated with intravenous or oral glucocorticoids versus any comparator (standard therapy or placebo); there were no restrictions on dose or time of administration. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at the longest available follow-up. RESULTS: Five randomized trials and one propensity-matched study involving 6634 hospitalized patients not on oxygen were finally included (3704 received glucocorticoids and 2930 received standard treatment). The overall mortality of patients treated with glucocorticoids was significantly higher than the mortality of patients in the control group (509 of 3704 [14%] in the glucocorticoid group vs. 294 of 2930 [10%] in the control group; odds ratio, 1.56 [95% confidence interval, 1.27 to 1.92], with three articles reporting mortality events and contributing to the combined odds ratio; P<0.001; number needed to harm=27). CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoid use likely increases mortality in hospitalized patients with Covid-19 not receiving oxygen, with a number needed to harm of 27. (PROSPERO number CRD42022342996.)
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Pasin
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Fresilli
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan
| | - Krisztina Tóth
- Doctoral School of Theoretical and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Caterina Damiani
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan
| | | | - Alberto Zangrillo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan
- Faculty of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan
- Faculty of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan
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Perico N, Cortinovis M, Suter F, Remuzzi G. Home as the new frontier for the treatment of COVID-19: the case for anti-inflammatory agents. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023. [PMID: 36030796 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is characterised by a broad spectrum of symptom severity that requires varying amounts of care according to the different stages of the disease. Intervening at the onset of mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms in the outpatient setting would provide the opportunity to prevent progression to a more severe illness and long-term complications. As early disease symptoms variably reflect an underlying excessive inflammatory response to the viral infection, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in the initial outpatient stage of COVID-19 seems to be a valuable therapeutic strategy. A few observational studies have tested NSAIDs (especially relatively selective COX-2 inhibitors), often as part of multipharmacological protocols, for early outpatient treatment of COVID-19. The findings from these studies are promising and point to a crucial role of NSAIDs for the at-home management of people with initial COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norberto Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Cortinovis
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Fredy Suter
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy; Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.
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Perico N, Cortinovis M, Suter F, Remuzzi G. Home as the new frontier for the treatment of COVID-19: the case for anti-inflammatory agents. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:e22-e33. [PMID: 36030796 PMCID: PMC9411261 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is characterised by a broad spectrum of symptom severity that requires varying amounts of care according to the different stages of the disease. Intervening at the onset of mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms in the outpatient setting would provide the opportunity to prevent progression to a more severe illness and long-term complications. As early disease symptoms variably reflect an underlying excessive inflammatory response to the viral infection, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in the initial outpatient stage of COVID-19 seems to be a valuable therapeutic strategy. A few observational studies have tested NSAIDs (especially relatively selective COX-2 inhibitors), often as part of multipharmacological protocols, for early outpatient treatment of COVID-19. The findings from these studies are promising and point to a crucial role of NSAIDs for the at-home management of people with initial COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norberto Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Cortinovis
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Fredy Suter
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy,Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy,Correspondence to: Prof Giuseppe Remuzzi, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Parco Scientifico Tecnologico Kilometro Rosso, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
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Franchi R, Okoye C, Morelli V, Guarino D, Mazzarone T, Coppini G, Peta U, Rogani S, Fabbri A, Polini A, Monzani F. Utility of lung ultrasound in selecting older patients with hyperinflammatory phase in COVID-19 pneumonia. A monocentric, cross-sectional pilot study. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS 2022. [DOI: 10.36150/2499-6564-n554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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