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Rzymski P, Niedziela J, Poniedziałek B, Rosińska J, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Sobala-Szczygieł B, Flisiak R, Gąsior M, Jaroszewicz J. Humoral anti-SARS-CoV-2 response in patients with different long COVID phenotypes. Virology 2024; 596:110118. [PMID: 38805803 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110118] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) is characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with various mechanisms offered to explain its pathogenesis. This study explored whether adaptive humoral anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses differ in LC. Unvaccinated COVID-19 convalescents (n = 200) were enrolled, with 21.5% (n = 43) presenting LC three months post-infection. LC diagnosis was based on persistent symptom(s) and alterations in biochemical/clinical markers; three phenotypes were distinguished: cardiological, pulmonary, and psychiatric LC. All three phenotypes were characterized by significantly decreased seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against nucleocapsid (anti-NP). LC was associated with decreased odds of testing positive for anti-NP (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.16-0.78, p = 0.001). Seropositive LC patients had lower anti-S1 and anti-S2 levels than individuals without LC, and those with pulmonary and psychological phenotypes also revealed decreased anti-RBD concentrations. The results indicate that LC can be characterized by diminished humoral response to SARS-CoV-2. The potential implication of this phenomenon in post-acute viral sequelae is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Jacek Niedziela
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Rosińska
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | | | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mariusz Gąsior
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland
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Poniedziałek B, Rzymski P, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Flisiak R. Viral respiratory infections and air pollution: A review focused on research in Poland. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142256. [PMID: 38723686 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced an interest in the relationship between air pollution and respiratory viral infections, indicating that their burden can be increased under poor air quality. This paper reviews the pathways through which air pollutants can enhance susceptibility to such infections and aggravate their clinical course and outcome. It also summarizes the research exploring the links between various viral infections and exposure to solid and gaseous pollution in Poland, a region characterized by poor air quality, especially during a heating season. The majority of studies focused on concentrations of particulate matter (PM; 86.7%); the other pollutants, i.e., BaP, benzene, CO, NOx, O3, and SO2, were studied less often and sometimes only in the context of a particular infection type. Most research concerned COVID-19, showing that elevated levels of PM and NO2 correlated with higher morbidity and mortality, while increased PM2.5 and benzo[a]pyrene levels were related to worse clinical course and outcome in hospitalized, regardless of age and dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. PM10 and PM2.5 levels were also associated with the incidence of influenza-like illness and, along with NO2 concentrations, with a higher rate of children's hospitalizations due to lower respiratory tract RSV infections. Higher levels of air pollutants also increased hospitalization due to bronchitis (PM, NOx, and O3) and emergency department admission due to viral croup (PM10, PM2.5, NOx, CO, and benzene). Although the conducted studies imply only correlations and have other limitations, as discussed in the present paper, it appears that improving air quality through reducing combustion processes in energy production in Poland should be perceived as a part of multilayered protection measures against respiratory viral infections, decreasing the healthcare costs of COVID-19, lower tract RSV infections, influenza, and other respiratory viral diseases prevalent between autumn and early spring, in addition to other health and climate benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | | | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland.
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Poniedziałek B, Sikora D, Hallmann E, Brydak L, Rzymski P. Influenza vaccination as a prognostic factor of humoral IgA responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cent Eur J Immunol 2024; 49:11-18. [PMID: 38812601 PMCID: PMC11130984 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2024.135462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that influenza vaccination may provide additional benefits by inducing training of innate immunity and increasing humoral responses to heterologous challenges. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies dominate the early phase of the adaptive response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but whether their production may be associated with previous influenza vaccination has not been a subject of any study. This study compared serum SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA responses, measured with Microblot-Array assay, in individuals who experienced COVID-19 (N = 1318) and differed in the status of the seasonal influenza vaccine, age, sex, and disease severity. Influenza-vaccinated individuals had a higher seroprevalence of IgA antibodies against nucleocapsid (anti-NP; by 10.1%), receptor-binding domain of spike protein (anti-RBD; by 11.8%) and the S2 subunit of spike protein (anti-S2; by 6.8%). Multivariate analysis, including age, sex, and COVID-19 severity, confirmed that receiving the influenza vaccine was associated with higher odds of being seropositive for anti-NP (OR, 95% CI = 1.57, 1.2-2.0), anti-RBD (OR, 95% CI = 1.6, 1.3-2.0), and anti-S2 (OR, 95% CI = 1.9, 1.4-2.7), as well as being seropositive for at least one anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibody (OR, 95% CI = 1.7, 1.3-2.1) and all three of them (OR, 95% CI = 2.6, 1.7-4.0). Age ≥ 50 years was an additional factor predicting better IgA responses. However, the concentration of particular antibodies in seropositive subjects did not differ in relation to the influenza vaccination status. The study evidenced that influenza vaccination was associated with improved serum IgA levels produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are necessary to assess whether trained immunity is involved in the observed phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dominika Sikora
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewelina Hallmann
- Laboratory of Influenza Viruses and Respiratory Infection Viruses, Department of Virology at the National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Brydak
- Laboratory of Influenza Viruses and Respiratory Infection Viruses, Department of Virology at the National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Poniedziałek B, Rzymski P, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rogalska M, Rorat M, Czupryna P, Kozielewicz D, Hawro M, Kowalska J, Jaroszewicz J, Sikorska K, Flisiak R. Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and COVID-19 severity during SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron waves: A multicenter study. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28962. [PMID: 37466326 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution may affect the clinical course of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between exposure of adult patients to mean 24 h levels of particulate matter sized <10 μm (PM10 ) and <2.5 μm (PM2.5 ) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) during a week before their hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatology, hyperinflammation, coagulopathy, the clinical course of disease, and outcome. The analyses were conducted during two pandemic waves: (i) dominated by highly pathogenic Delta variant (n = 1440) and (ii) clinically less-severe Omicron (n = 785), while the analyzed associations were adjusted for patient's age, BMI, gender, and comorbidities. The exposure to mean 24 h B(a)P exceeding the limits was associated with increased odds of fever and fatigue as early COVID-19 symptoms, hyperinflammation due to serum C-reactive protein >200 mg/L and interleukin-6 >100 pg/mL, coagulopathy due to d-dimer >2 mg/L and fatal outcome. Elevated PM10 and PM2. 5 levels were associated with higher odds of respiratory symptoms, procalcitonin >0.25 ng/mL and interleukin >100 pg/mL, lower oxygen saturation, need for oxygen support, and death. The significant relationships between exposure to air pollutants and the course and outcomes of COVID-19 were observed during both pandemic waves. Short-term exposure to elevated PM and B(a)P levels can be associated with a worse clinical course of COVID-19 in patients requiring hospitalization and, ultimately, contribute to the health burden caused by SARS-CoV-2 variants of higher and lower clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Rogalska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marta Rorat
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Marcin Hawro
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical Center in Łańcut, Łańcut, Poland
| | - Justyna Kowalska
- Department of Adult's Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Bytom, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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Palus DK, Gołębiewska ME, Piątek O, Grudziński K, Majeranowski A, Owczuk R, Kuziemski K, Stefaniak T. Analysing COVID-19 treatment outcomes in dedicated wards at a large university hospital in northern Poland: a result-based observational study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066734. [PMID: 37308272 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066734] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Presenting outcomes of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 should be put in context and comparison with other facilities. However, varied methodology applied in published studies can impede or even hinder a reliable comparison. The aim of this study is to share our experience in pandemic management and highlight previously under-reported factors affecting mortality. We present outcomes of COVID-19 treatment in our facility that will allow for an intercentre comparison. We use simple statistical parameters-case fatality ratio (CFR) and length of stay (LOS). SETTING Large clinical hospital in northern Poland serving over 120 000 patients annually. PARTICIPANTS Data were collected from patients hospitalised in COVID-19 general and intensive care unit (ICU) isolation wards from November 2020 to June 2021. The sample consisted of 640 patients-250 (39.1 %) were women and 390 (60.9 %) were men, with a median age of 69 (IQR 59-78) years. RESULTS Values of LOS and CFR were calculated and analysed. Overall CFR for the analysed period was 24.8%, varying from 15.9 % during second quarter 2021 to 34.1% during fourth quarter 2020. The CFR was 23.2% in the general ward and 70.7% in the ICU. All ICU patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation, and 44 (75.9 %) of them developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The average LOS was 12.6 (±7.5) days. CONCLUSIONS We highlighted the importance of some of the under-reported factors affecting CFR, LOS and thus, mortality. For further multicentre analysis, we recommend broad analysis of factors affecting mortality in COVID-19 using simple and transparent statistical and clinical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Krystian Palus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Olga Piątek
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pulmonology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Alan Majeranowski
- Department of Hematology and Transplantology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Radosław Owczuk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kuziemski
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pulmonology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Stefaniak
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Board of Directors, University Clinical Center of Medical University of Gdansk, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Kal M, Płatkowska-Adamska B, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rzymski P. Reduced Vessel Density and Enlarged Foveal Avascular Zone in the Macula as a Result of Systemic Hypoxia Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Pers Med 2023; 13:926. [PMID: 37373915 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to various long-term consequences, including those of an ophthalmic nature. This paper reviews the results of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) performed among COVID-19 patients. The review included papers evaluating short- and long-term outcomes following the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some differentiated the obtained retinal and choroidal vascularization parameters according to gender. Following COVID-19, patients reveal changes in retinal and choroidal vascular parameters based on OCTA, such as reduced vascular density and an increased foveal avascular zone, which can persist for several months. Routine ophthalmic follow-up with OCTA should be considered in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection to assess the effects of inflammation and systemic hypoxia in COVID-19. Further research is needed to understand whether infection with particular viral variants/subvariants may vary in the risk of effects on retinal and choroidal vascularization and whether and to what extent these risks may also differ in relation to reinfected and vaccinated individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kal
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
- Ophthalmic Clinic, Voivodeship Hospital, 25-736 Kielce, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
- Department of Infectious Disease, Provincial Hospital, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Patients with Pneumonia Due to COVID-19: A Single-Institution Prospective Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030858. [PMID: 36979837 PMCID: PMC10045009 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Results of the low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in patients with pneumonia due to COVID-19 has been presented. Methods: Fifteen patients received a single-fraction radiation dose of 1 Gy to the bilateral lungs due to pre-ARDS pneumonia in the course of COVID-19. Follow-up was performed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 after LDRT. Results: Eleven patients (73%) were released up until day 28. Median hospitalization was 20 days; 28-day mortality was 13%. Median O2 saturation improved within 24 h after LDRT in 14/15, with median SpO2 values of 84.5% vs. 87.5% p = 0.016, respectively. At day 14 of hospitalization, 46% did not require oxygen supplementation. Significant decline in CRP and IL-6 was observed within 24 h post LDRT. No organ toxicities were noted. Conclusion: LDRT is feasible, well tolerated and may translate to early clinical recovery in patients with severe pneumonia. Further studies are needed to determine optimal candidate, time and dose of LDRT for COVID-19 patients with pneumonia.
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Brydak L, Sikora D, Poniedziałek B, Hallmann E, Szymański K, Kondratiuk K, Rzymski P. Association between the Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Seasonal Alphacoronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 Humoral Immune Response, COVID-19 Severity, and Influenza Vaccination. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051733. [PMID: 36902520 PMCID: PMC10003754 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study assesses the seroprevalence of antibodies against seasonal human alphacoronaviruses 229E and NL63 among adult patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, and its association with the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its severity, and influenza vaccination. A serosurvey was conducted to quantify the presence of IgG antibodies against the nucleocapsid of 229E (anti-229E-N) and NL63 (anti-NL63-N), and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (against nucleocapsid, receptor-binding domain, S2 domain, envelope, and papain-like protease) for 1313 Polish patients. The seroprevalence of anti-229E-N and anti-NL63 in the studied cohort was 3.3% and 2.4%. Seropositive individuals had a higher prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, higher titers of the selected anti-SARS-CoV2 antibodies, and higher odds of an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 2.5 for 229E and OR = 2.7 for NL63). Lastly, the individuals vaccinated against influenza in the 2019/2020 epidemic season had lower odds of seropositivity to 229E (OR = 0.38). The 229E and NL63 seroprevalence was below the expected pre-pandemic levels (up to 10%), likely due to social distancing, increased hygiene, and face masking. The study also suggests that exposure to seasonal alphacoronaviruses may improve humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 while decreasing the clinical significance of its infection. It also adds to accumulating evidence of the favorable indirect effects of influenza vaccination. However, the findings of the present study are of a correlative nature and thereby do not necessarily imply causation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Brydak
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Sikora
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewelina Hallmann
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Szymański
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kondratiuk
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
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9
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Flisiak R, Rzymski P, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Ciechanowski P, Dobrowolska K, Rogalska M, Jaroszewicz J, Szymanek-Pasternak A, Rorat M, Kozielewicz D, Kowalska J, Dutkiewicz E, Sikorska K, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Variability in the Clinical Course of COVID-19 in a Retrospective Analysis of a Large Real-World Database. Viruses 2023; 15:149. [PMID: 36680188 PMCID: PMC9863894 DOI: 10.3390/v15010149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic proceeds in waves, with variable characteristics of the clinical picture resulting from the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study aimed to compare the epidemiological characteristics, symptomatology, and outcomes of the disease in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 during periods of different variants dominance. Comparing the periods of dominance of variants preceding the Delta variant, the Delta period was characterized by a higher share of hospitalized females, less frequent comorbidities among patients, and a different age distribution. The lowest need for oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation was observed under Omicron dominance. The triad of classic COVID-19 symptoms, cough, fever, dyspnoea, and fatigue, were most prevalent during the Delta period, and significantly less common under the Omicron dominance. During the Omicron period, nearly twice as many patients as in the previous periods could be discharged from the hospital within 7 days; the overall 28-day mortality was significantly lower compared to that of the Delta period. It also did not differ between periods that were dominated by the BA.1 and BA.2 subvariants. The study indicates that the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant that dominated between January and June 2022 caused a disease which resembled the common cold, and was caused by seasonal alpha and beta-coronaviruses with a low pathogenicity for humans. However, one should note that this effect may not only have been related to biological features of the Omicron lineage, but may additionally have been driven by the increased levels of immunization through natural infections and vaccinations, for which we could not account for due to a lack of sufficient data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-540 Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Przemysław Ciechanowski
- Department of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Szczecin, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Rogalska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-540 Białystok, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Anna Szymanek-Pasternak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wrocław Medical University, 51-149 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Rorat
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Justyna Kowalska
- Department of Adult’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Dutkiewicz
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-809 Bialystok, Poland
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Kania M, Mazur K, Terlecki M, Matejko B, Hohendorff J, Chaykivska Z, Fiema M, Kopka M, Kostrzycka M, Wilk M, Klupa T, Witek P, Katra B, Klocek M, Rajzer M, Malecki MT. Characteristics, Mortality, and Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Diabetes: A Reference Single-Center Cohort Study from Poland. Int J Endocrinol 2023; 2023:8700302. [PMID: 36844106 PMCID: PMC9949948 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8700302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a risk factor for a severe course of COVID-19. We evaluated the characteristics and risk factors associated with undesirable outcomes in diabetic patients (DPs) hospitalized due to COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data analysis of patients admitted between March 6, 2020, and May 31, 2021, to the University Hospital in Krakow (Poland), a reference center for COVID-19, was performed. The data were gathered from their medical records. RESULTS A total number of 5191 patients were included, of which 2348 (45.2%) were women. The patients were at the median age of 64 (IQR: 51-74) years, and 1364 (26.3%) were DPs. DPs, compared to nondiabetics, were older (median age: 70 years, IQR: 62-77 vs. 62, IQR: 47-72, and p < 0.001) and had a similar gender distribution. The DP group had a higher mortality rate (26.2% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.001) and longer hospital stays (median: 15 days, IQR: 10-24 vs. 13, IQR: 9-20, and p < 0.001). DPs were admitted to the ICU more frequently (15.7% vs. 11.0%, p < 0.001) and required mechanical ventilation more often (15.5% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression, factors associated with a higher risk of death were age >65 years, glycaemia >10 mmol/L, CRP and D-dimer level, prehospital insulin and loop diuretic use, presence of heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Factors contributing to lower mortality were in-hospital use of statin, thiazide diuretic, and calcium channel blocker. CONCLUSION In this large COVID-19 cohort, DPs constituted more than a quarter of hospitalized patients. The risk of death and other outcomes compared to nondiabetics was higher in this group. We identified a number of clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic variables associated with the risk of hospital death in DPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Kania
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Michał Terlecki
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Arterial Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Matejko
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Hohendorff
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Magdalena Wilk
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Klupa
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Przemysław Witek
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Katra
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Klocek
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Arterial Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Rajzer
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Arterial Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej T. Malecki
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
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11
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Bieńkowski C, Kowalska JD, Paciorek M, Wasilewski P, Uliczny P, Garbacz-Łagożna E, Pihowicz A, Mrozińska M, Dyda T, Makowiecki M, Puła J, Horban A. The Clinical Course and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized Due to COVID-19 during Three Pandemic Waves in Poland: A Single Center Observational Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11247386. [PMID: 36556002 PMCID: PMC9787021 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11247386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Poland was reported on 4 March 2020. We aim to compare the clinical course and outcomes of patients hospitalized in the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw due to COVID-19 during three pandemic waves. Materials and methods: The medical data were collected for all patients diagnosed with COVID-19 hospitalized in our hospital from 6 March 2020 till 30 November 2021. COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed by nasopharyngeal swabs using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) or SARS-CoV-2 antigen test. COVID-19 waves were defined based on the number and dynamics of cases. Results: Altogether, 2138 patient medical records were analyzed. The majority of the cohort was male (1235/2138, 57.8%), and the median age was 65 years [IQR: 50−74 years]. Patients hospitalized during the third wave had lower oxygen saturation on admission (p < 0.001) and were more likely to receive oxygen supplementation (p < 0.001). Serious complications, including pneumothorax (p < 0.001) and thromboembolic complications (p < 0.001), intensive care unit admission (p = 0.034), and death (p = 0.003), occurred more often in patients of the third wave. Conclusions: During the third wave, patients in our cohort experienced a more severe course of the disease and poorer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Bieńkowski
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-33-55-301
| | - Justyna D. Kowalska
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Paciorek
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Wasilewski
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Uliczny
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Pihowicz
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Mrozińska
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Dyda
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Makowiecki
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Puła
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Horban
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
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12
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The Age-Related Course of COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients-1405 Cases in a Single Center. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11247347. [PMID: 36555963 PMCID: PMC9782360 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11247347] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the pandemic, many reports have pointed to age as the most important risk factor for severe COVID-19 in adults, but this relationship is less clear in children. Between March 2020 and April 2022, 1405 pediatric COVID-19 patients were included in our prospective study, which aimed to analyze the disease's characteristics in three age groups: infants, toddlers (1-5 years), and children (5-18 years). We observed male prevalence of the disease in infants and toddlers compared to female prevalence in children. Comorbidities appeared most often in children. In the first pandemic wave, the vast majority of pediatric patients were children, but later, the percentage of infant and toddler patients increased significantly. A total of 74% of hospitalized children were younger than five years. Upper respiratory tract symptoms were most common in infants and toddlers, and lower respiratory tract symptoms and gastroenterocolitis were more common in children. Neurological symptoms appeared similarly in all age groups. The activities of ALT, CK, and LDH were the most elevated in infants, along with D-dimers. The median length of hospitalization fluctuated between three and four days and was highest in infants. Severe courses were more common in adolescents.
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13
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Stopyra L, Kowalik A, Stala J, Majchrzak I, Szebla J, Jakosz M, Grzywaczewska K, Kwinta P. Characteristics of Hospitalized Pediatric Patients in the First Five Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Single Center in Poland-1407 Cases. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226806. [PMID: 36431283 PMCID: PMC9697870 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226806] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a single-center, prospective study that compared the clinical presentation and laboratory findings of hospitalized children during the first five waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected, according to a standardized questionnaire, from 1407 children from 23 March 2020 to 30 April 2022. Significant differences in clinical courses were found among the five waves probably due to different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The median age was 95.8 months in the first wave versus 14.6-23 months in the others. The number of patients with upper respiratory infection was the highest in the fifth wave (74.4% versus 43.8-56.9% in the others) and for lower respiratory infection in the first wave (50.0% versus 16.4-32.5%). Gastroenterocolitis was more common in the fifth wave (24.4% versus 8.9-16.5%); neurological diagnoses appeared more frequently in the fourth wave (16.6% versus 0.6-9.9%), while anosmia and ageusia were higher in the fifth wave (13% versus 1.5-4%). Life-threatening courses were relatively rare. However, children with pneumonia, dehydration from high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, loss of smell and taste, and neurological symptoms required hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Stopyra
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics, Zeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow, 30-931 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-126-229-513
| | - Aleksandra Kowalik
- Department of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Stala
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics, Zeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow, 30-931 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ida Majchrzak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics, Zeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow, 30-931 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Szebla
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics, Zeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow, 30-931 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Jakosz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics, Zeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow, 30-931 Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Grzywaczewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics, Zeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow, 30-931 Kraków, Poland
| | - Przemko Kwinta
- Department of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
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14
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The Effect of Reduced Oxygen Saturation on Retinal Microvascularization in COVID-19 Patients with Bilateral Pneumonia Based on Optical Coherence Tomography Study. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111824. [PMID: 36573721 PMCID: PMC9692346 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the retinal thickness and microvasculature based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) depending on baseline oxygen saturation (SpO2) in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia. The prospective study was carried out among 62 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who underwent ophthalmic examination after hospital discharge. They were divided into three groups depending on the oxygen saturation (SpO2) on admission: ≤90% (group 1), >90% and ≤95% (group 2), and >95% (group 3). The following parameters were assessed in the ophthalmological examination and correlated with the baseline SpO2: ganglion cell layer (GCL), the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the macular area, RNFL in the peripapillary area, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), vessel density (VD) in SCP, in DCP, and in the choriocapillaris plexus (CC). Baseline saturation ≤90% in COVID-19 patients caused a decrease of VD in some areas of SCP and DCP and an increase in FAZ area in SCP and DCP. In the group of patients with SpO2 ≤ 90% statistically significant thinning of the retina in the inner superior ring (ISR) (p = 0.029), the inner temporal ring (ITR) (p = 0.34), the outer superior ring (OSR) (p = 0.012), and the outer temporal ring (OTR) (p= 0.004)] was observed. The statistically significant thickening of RNFL optic disc and thinning of RNFL retina in some macular areas in patients with SpO2 ≤ 90% were reported. The size of FAZ area in SCP and vessel density were significantly greater in some areas of SCP, DCP, and CC in patients with SpO2 ≤ 90% (p = 0.025). Baseline oxygen saturation ≤90% has been found to influence the ocular parameters of OCT in COVID-19 patients. We noticed a widened FAZ zone in SCP and increased VD in some regions of the retina and choroid as a response to systemic hypoxia.
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15
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Poniedziałek B, Hallmann E, Sikora D, Szymański K, Kondratiuk K, Żurawski J, Rzymski P, Brydak L. Relationship between Humoral Response in COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1621. [PMID: 36298486 PMCID: PMC9610939 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that vaccination against seasonal influenza can improve innate immune responses to COVID-19 and decrease disease severity. However, less is known about whether it could also impact the humoral immunity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. The present study aimed to compare the SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral responses (IgG antibodies against nucleocapsid; anti-N, receptor binding domain; anti-RBD, subunit S2; anti-S2, and envelope protein; anti-E) between non-hospitalized, COVID-19 unvaccinated, and mild COVID-19 convalescent patients who were and were not vaccinated against influenza during the 2019/2020 epidemic season (n = 489 and n = 292, respectively). The influenza-vaccinated group had significantly higher frequency and titers of anti-N antibodies (75 vs. 66%; mean 559 vs. 520 U/mL) and anti-RBD antibodies (85 vs. 76%; mean 580 vs. 540 U/mL). The prevalence and concentrations of anti-S2 and anti-E antibodies did not differ between groups (40-43%; mean 370-375 U/mL and 1.4-1.7%; mean 261-294 U/mL) and were significantly lower compared to those of anti-RBD and anti-N. In both groups, age, comorbidities, and gender did not affect the prevalence and concentrations of studied antibodies. The results indicate that influenza vaccination can improve serum antibody levels produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewelina Hallmann
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, Chocimska St. 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Sikora
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Fredry St. 10, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Karol Szymański
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, Chocimska St. 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kondratiuk
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, Chocimska St. 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Żurawski
- Department of Immunobiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Lidia Brydak
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute in Warsaw, Chocimska St. 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Aksak-Wąs BJ, Chober D, Serwin K, Scheibe K, Niścigorska-Olsen J, Niedźwiedź A, Dobrowolska M, Żybul K, Kubacka M, Zimoń A, Hołda E, Mieżyńska-Kurtycz J, Gryczman M, Jamro G, Szakoła P, Parczewski M. Remdesivir Reduces Mortality in Hemato-Oncology Patients with COVID-19. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:4907-4920. [PMID: 36046662 PMCID: PMC9423106 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s378347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Remdesivir is the first agent with proven clinical efficacy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, its benefit is associated with early use, and its efficacy has been poorly studied in patients with hemato-oncological diseases, who have an increased risk of a severe course of infection. This study aimed to assess the effects of remdesivir on mortality, mechanical ventilation, and the duration of hospitalization in both the general population and in patients with hemato-oncological diseases. Materials and Methods Longitudinal data for 4287 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were analyzed, including a subset of 200 individuals with hemato-oncological diseases. In total, 1285 (30.0%) patients received remdesivir, while the remaining patients were treated with other methods. Survival statistics for the 14- and 30-day observation time points were calculated using non-parametric and multivariate Cox models. Results Mortality for the 14- and 30-day observation time points was notably lower among patients receiving remdesivir (7.2% vs 11.6%, p < 0.001 and 12.7% vs 16.0, p = 0.005, respectively); however, in multivariate models adjusted for age, sex, lung involvement, and lactate dehydrogenase and interleukin-6 levels, the administration of remdesivir did not reduce patient mortality at either the 14-day or 30-day time points. Among patients with haemato-oncological disease, significant survival benefit was observed at 14 and 30 days for patients treated with remdesivir (11.3% vs.16.7% and 24.2% vs 26.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). A favorable effect of remdesivir was also noted for the 14-day time point in multivariate survival analysis (HR:4.03 [95% confidence interval:1.37-11.88]; p = 0.01). Conclusion Remdesivir significantly reduced the early mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with comorbid hemato-oncological disease, which emphasizes the need to administer this agent to immunosuppressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogusz Jan Aksak-Wąs
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Daniel Chober
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Karol Serwin
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Kaja Scheibe
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Niścigorska-Olsen
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Niedźwiedź
- Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Monika Dobrowolska
- Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Żybul
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Kubacka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zimoń
- Department of Rheumatology, Department of Rehabilitation, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Hołda
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Marta Gryczman
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Dialysis Station, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Jamro
- Department of Otolaryngology with the Sub-Department of Otolaryngology for Children, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Paweł Szakoła
- Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Department of Vascular Surgery, Provincial Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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17
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Rzymski P, Poniedziałek B, Rosińska J, Rogalska M, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rorat M, Moniuszko-Malinowska A, Lorenc B, Kozielewicz D, Piekarska A, Sikorska K, Dworzańska A, Bolewska B, Angielski G, Kowalska J, Podlasin R, Oczko-Grzesik B, Mazur W, Szymczak A, Flisiak R. The association of airborne particulate matter and benzo[a]pyrene with the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized in Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119469. [PMID: 35580710 PMCID: PMC9106990 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution can adversely affect the immune response and increase the severity of the viral disease. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between symptomatology, clinical course, and inflammation markers of adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalized in Poland (n = 4432) and air pollution levels, i.e., mean 24 h and max 24 h level of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and particulate matter <10 μm (PM10) and <2.5 μm (PM2.5) during a week before their hospitalization. Exposures to PM2.5 and B(a)P exceeding the limits were associated with higher odds of early respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 and hyperinflammatory state: interleukin-6 > 100 pg/mL, procalcitonin >0.25 ng/mL, and white blood cells count >11 × 103/mL. Except for the mean 24 h PM10 level, the exceedance of other air pollution parameters was associated with increased odds for oxygen saturation <90%. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 and B(a)P levels increased the odds of oxygen therapy and death. This study evidences that worse air quality is related to increased severity of COVID-19 and worse outcome in hospitalized patients. Mitigating air pollution shall be an integral part of measures undertaken to decrease the disease burden during a pandemic of viral respiratory illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806, Poznań, Poland; Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Joanna Rosińska
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Rogalska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089, Białystok, Poland.
| | | | - Marta Rorat
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367, Wrocław, Poland; First Infectious Diseases Ward, Gromkowski Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, 51-149, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Beata Lorenc
- Pomeranian Center of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, 80-210, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Anna Piekarska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-549, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Anna Dworzańska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Beata Bolewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701, Poznań, Poland.
| | | | - Justyna Kowalska
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Regina Podlasin
- Regional Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Barbara Oczko-Grzesik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Włodzimierz Mazur
- Clinical Department of Infectious Diseases in Chorzów, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Szymczak
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089, Białystok, Poland.
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Updates in Management of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154472. [PMID: 35956088 PMCID: PMC9369547 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
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19
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Rzymski P, Poniedziałek B, Rosińska J, Ciechanowski P, Peregrym M, Pokorska-Śpiewak M, Talarek E, Zaleska I, Frańczak-Chmura P, Pilarczyk M, Figlerowicz M, Kucharek I, Flisiak R. Air pollution might affect the clinical course of COVID-19 in pediatric patients. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 239:113651. [PMID: 35594828 PMCID: PMC9110326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution, to which children are more susceptible than adults, can promote airway inflammation, potentially exaggerating the effects of respiratory viral infection. This study examined the association between the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 in unvaccinated pediatric patients hospitalized in Poland (n = 766) and levels of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) within a week before hospitalization. Children aged ≤ 12 years exposed to mean and max 24 h B(a)P levels > 1 ng/m3 revealed higher odds of cough, dyspnea, fever, and increased concentrations of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, white blood cell count). In older patients (13-17 years), elevated mean 24 h B(a)P levels increased odds of dyspnea, fever, and diarrhea, and higher concentrations of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Exposure to max 24 h PM2.5 levels > 20 µg/m3 was associated with higher odds of cough, increased concentrations of C-reactive protein (group ≤12 years), and increased procalcitonin concentration (groups ≤12 years and 13-17 years). In both age groups, length of stay was extended in patients exposed to elevated levels of max 24 h PM2.5, mean and max 24 h B(a)P. This study suggests that worse air quality, particularly reflected in increased B(a)P levels, might affect the clinical course of COVID-19 in pediatric patients and adds to the disease burden during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland; Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Joanna Rosińska
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Ciechanowski
- Department of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Szczecin, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Michał Peregrym
- Department of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Szczecin, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak
- Department of Children's Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Regional Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ewa Talarek
- Department of Children's Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Regional Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zaleska
- Department of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Paulina Frańczak-Chmura
- Department of Children's Infectious Diseases, Provincial Jan Boży Hospital in Lublin, 20-089 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Pilarczyk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-030 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Figlerowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Izabela Kucharek
- 2nd Department of Paediatrics, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology with Allergology Center, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland.
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20
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Rzymski P, Pazgan-Simon M, Kamerys J, Moniuszko-Malinowska A, Sikorska K, Wernik J, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Supronowicz Ł, Sobala-Szczygieł B, Skrzat-Klapaczyńska A, Simon K, Piekarska A, Czupryna P, Pawłowska M, Brzdęk M, Jaroszewicz J, Kowalska J, Renke M, Flisiak R. Severe Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases during Six Months of Delta Variant (B.1.617.2) Domination in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:557. [PMID: 35455306 PMCID: PMC9025315 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a highly transmissible and a more pathogenic B.1.617.2 (delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2 has brought concern over COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and the increased risk of severe breakthrough infections. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and the clinical characteristics of severe breakthrough COVID-19 cases recorded in 10 Polish healthcare units between 1 June and 31 December 2021, a period during which a rapid surge in the share of B.1.617.2 infections was seen, while a significant number of populations were already fully vaccinated. Overall, 723 individuals who completed the initial vaccination regime (fully vaccinated group) and an additional 18 who received a booster dose were identified—together, they represented 20.8% of all the COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the same period in the same healthcare institutions (0.5% in the case of a group that received a booster dose). Although laboratory and clinical parameters did not differ between both groups, patients who received a booster tended to have lower CRP, IL-6, PCT, and d-dimer levels and they required oxygen therapy less frequently. The most common early COVID-19 symptoms in the studied group were fatigue, cough, fever (>38 °C), and dyspnea. Individuals with no detectable anti-spike IgG antibodies constituted 13%; the odds of being a humoral non-responder to the vaccine were increased in patients aged >70 years. Fully vaccinated patients hospitalized after more than 180 days from the last vaccine dose were significantly older and they were predominantly represented by individuals over 70 years and with comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease. Contrary to mRNA vaccines, most patients vaccinated with adenoviral vector vaccines were infected within six months. A total of 102 fatal cases (14% of all deaths among vaccinated individuals; 0.7% in the case of a group that received a booster dose) were recorded, representing 17.6% of all the COVID-19 fatalities recorded in June−December 2021 in the considered healthcare units. The odds of death were significantly increased in men, individuals aged >70 years, patients with comorbidities, and those identified as humoral non-responders to vaccination; in fully vaccinated patients the odds were also increased when the second vaccine dose was given >180 days before the first COVID-19 symptoms. The mortality rate in immunocompromised subjects was 19%. The results indicate that compared to vaccinated individuals, severe COVID-19 and deaths in the unvaccinated group were significantly more prevalent during the B.1.617.2-dominated wave in Poland; and, it highlight the protective role of a booster dose, particularly for more vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Pazgan-Simon
- 1st Infectious Diseases Ward, Gromkowski Regional Specialist Hospital, 50-149 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wrocław Medical University, 51-149 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Juliusz Kamerys
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-549 Łódź, Poland; (J.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (P.C.)
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Joanna Wernik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (J.W.); (M.P.)
| | - Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland; (D.Z.-M.); (M.B.)
| | - Łukasz Supronowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (Ł.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Barbara Sobala-Szczygieł
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (B.S.-S.); (J.J.)
| | - Agata Skrzat-Klapaczyńska
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-K.); (J.K.)
| | - Krzysztof Simon
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wrocław Medical University, 51-149 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Anna Piekarska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-549 Łódź, Poland; (J.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (P.C.)
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (J.W.); (M.P.)
| | - Michał Brzdęk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland; (D.Z.-M.); (M.B.)
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (B.S.-S.); (J.J.)
| | - Justyna Kowalska
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-K.); (J.K.)
| | - Marcin Renke
- Division of Occupational, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland;
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (Ł.S.); (R.F.)
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21
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Rahmah L, Abarikwu SO, Arero AG, Essouma M, Jibril AT, Fal A, Flisiak R, Makuku R, Marquez L, Mohamed K, Ndow L, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rezaei N, Rzymski P. Oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19: opportunities and challenges. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:1255-1278. [PMID: 35871712 PMCID: PMC9309032 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of antiviral COVID-19 medications can successfully inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and prevent disease progression to a more severe form. However, the timing of antiviral treatment plays a crucial role in this regard. Oral antiviral drugs provide an opportunity to manage SARS-CoV-2 infection without a need for hospital admission, easing the general burden that COVID-19 can have on the healthcare system. This review paper (i) presents the potential pharmaceutical antiviral targets, including various host-based targets and viral-based targets, (ii) characterizes the first-generation anti-SARS-CoV-2 oral drugs (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir), (iii) summarizes the clinical progress of other oral antivirals for use in COVID-19, (iv) discusses ethical issues in such clinical trials and (v) presents challenges associated with the use of oral antivirals in clinical practice. Oral COVID-19 antivirals represent a part of the strategy to adapt to long-term co-existence with SARS-CoV-2 in a manner that prevents healthcare from being overwhelmed. It is pivotal to ensure equal and fair global access to the currently available oral antivirals and those authorized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Rahmah
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sunny O. Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Choba, Nigeria
| | - Amanuel Godana Arero
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mickael Essouma
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Aliyu Tijani Jibril
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Nutritional and Health Team (NHT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrzej Fal
- Department of Population Health, Division of Public Health, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland ,Collegium Medicum, Warsaw Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland ,Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Rangarirai Makuku
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Leander Marquez
- College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines ,Education and Research Network (USERN), Universal Scientific, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Kawthar Mohamed
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Manama, Bahrain
| | - Lamin Ndow
- National Health Laboratory Service, Kotu, Gambia ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Banjul, Gambia
| | | | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland ,Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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