Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 reveals multiple lineages and early spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Lombardy, Italy

From February to April 2020, Lombardy (Italy) reported the highest numbers of SARS-CoV-2 cases worldwide. By analyzing 346 whole SARS-CoV-2 genomes, we demonstrate the presence of seven viral lineages in Lombardy, frequently sustained by local transmission chains and at least two likely to have originated in Italy. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (five of them non-synonymous) characterized the SARS-CoV-2 sequences, none of them affecting N-glycosylation sites. The seven lineages, and the presence of local transmission clusters within three of them, revealed that sustained community transmission was underway before the first COVID-19 case had been detected in Lombardy.

The Lombardy region of Italy was heavily affected early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Here, the authors use whole genome sequencing and show that there were multiple introductions into the region, with transmission occurring before the first case was detected.

Detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 by droplet digital PCR in real-time PCR negative nasopharyngeal swabs from suspected COVID-19 patients

Since SARS-CoV-2-based disease (COVID-19) spreads as a pandemic, the necessity of a highly sensitive molecular diagnosis that can drastically reduce false negatives reverse transcription PCR (rtPCR) results, raises as a major clinical need. Here we evaluated the performance of a ddPCR-based assay to quantify SARS-CoV-2 titer in 55 suspected COVID-19 cases with negative rtPCR results thanks to in-house ddPCR assay (targeting RdRp and host RNaseP). Samples were collected at ASST-GOM Niguarda between February and May 2020 at hospital admission. Clinical and imaging data were obtained for clinical staging and definition of disease severity. Patients were mainly female (45.5%) with a median age of 73 (57–84) years. ddPCR-based assay detected SARS-CoV-2 genome in nasopharyngeal samples of 19 (34.5%) patients (median viral-load: 128 copies/mL, IQR: 72–345). In 15 of them (78.9%), chest CT showed a classical COVID-19 bilateral interstitial pneumonia; 14 patients (73.7%) showed severe COVID-19 manifestations. ddPCR did not identify any trace of SARS-CoV-2 genome in the respiratory samples of the remaining 36 patients. The serological assay performed in a subgroup of 34 patients at the later stage of illness (from 3 days to 90 days after) confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in all patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in ddPCR (100%). Contrariwise, negative tests were observed in 95.0% ddPCR negative patients (P<0.001). Thanks to a ddPCR-based assay, we achieved a rapid and accurate SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in rtPCR-negative respiratory samples of individuals with COVID-19 suspect, allowing the rapid taking care and correct management of these patients.

Safety and efficacy of anti-il6-receptor tocilizumab use in severe and critical patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019: A comparative analysis

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Cytokine release syndrome seems to play a pivotal role in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

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Tocilizumab is one of the most promising drugs for COVID-19.

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Tocilizumab halved the mortality in critical patients compared to standard of care.

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A transient respiratory function worsening is observed soon after administration.

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Severe infective complications are more common than in rheumatologic setting.

Background

As the novel SARS-CoV-2 pandemic occurred, no specific treatment was yet available. Inflammatory response secondary to viral infection might be the driver of severe diseases. We report the safety and efficacy (in terms of overall survival and hospital discharge) of the anti-IL6 tocilizumab (TCZ) in subjects with COVID-19.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center analysis included all the patients consecutively admitted to our Hospital with severe or critical COVID-19 who started TCZ treatment from March 13th to April 03rd, 2020. A 1:2 matching to patients not treated with TCZ was performed according to age, sex, severity of disease, P/F, Charlson Comorbidity Index and length of time between symptoms onset and hospital admittance. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests to compare the groups were applied. Kaplan Meier probability curves and Cox regression models for survival, hospital discharge and orotracheal intubation were used.

Results

Seventy-four patients treated with TCZ were matched with 148 matched controls. They were mainly males (81.5%), Caucasian (82.0%) and with a median age of 59 years. The majority (69.8%) showed critical stage COVID-19 disease. TCZ use was associated with a better overall survival (HR 0.499 [95% CI 0.262–0.952], p = 0.035) compared to controls but with a longer hospital stay (HR 1.658 [95% CI 1.088–2.524], p = 0.019) mainly due to biochemical, respiratory and infectious adverse events.

Discussion

TCZ use resulted potentially effective on COVID-19 in terms of overall survival. Caution is warranted given the potential occurrence of adverse events.

Financial support

Some of the tocilizumab doses used in the subjects included in this analysis were provided by the “Multicenter study on the efficacy and tolerability of tocilizumab in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia” (EudraCT Number: 2020-001110-38) supported by the Italian National Agency for Drugs (AIFA). No specific funding support was planned for study design, data collection and analysis and manuscript writing of this paper.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor or Tocilizumab Therapy as First Biologic Agent in a Global Comparative Observational Study

Objective

To compare clinical effectiveness between tocilizumab and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs initiating biologic therapy.

Methods

Patients prescribed tocilizumab (intravenous) or TNFi were prospectively observed in routine clinical practice for 52 weeks across 158 sites in 26 countries. The primary observation was the change from baseline in Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) at week 24 using analysis of covariance for between‐groups comparison. Secondary end points included Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and patient‐reported outcomes at weeks 24 and 52.

Results

Of 1,216 patients, 35% initiated tocilizumab and 65% initiated TNFi. RA duration was shorter, and disease activity and corticosteroid use were higher in tocilizumab patients. Tocilizumab‐treated patients had greater improvement in DAS28‐ESR at weeks 24 and 52 (week 24 difference [95% confidence interval] in adjusted means: −0.831 [−1.086, −0.576]; P < 0.001). Change from baseline in CDAI was also greater with tocilizumab (adjusted means difference: week 24, −3.48; week 52, −4.60; both P < 0.001). Tocilizumab‐treated patients had more improvement in the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index than TNFi‐treated patients (P < 0.05). The cumulative probability of drug discontinuation at week 52 was lower with tocilizumab (15%) than TNFi (27%; P < 0.001, unadjusted analysis). Unadjusted frequencies (events per 100 patient‐years) for tocilizumab and TNFi were 6.44 and 11.99 for serious adverse events, 1.98 and 5.03 for serious infections, and 0.74 and 0.77 for deaths, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients initiating tocilizumab experienced greater effectiveness and drug survival than those initiating TNFi in an observational setting.

Use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with inflammatory arthritis: a retrospective study on feasibility and impact on patient-reported outcomes in a real-life setting

Close follow-up is mandatory in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rheumatological care was rapidly reorganized during the first peak from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020, and all patients with RA, PsA, and AS being treated with a subcutaneous biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug or oral targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug were followed remotely. A retrospective database analysis of these 431 patients before and after this period is presented herein. A rheumatologist directly contacted all patients by telephone. Patients could also enter data on patient-reported outcomes remotely using the digital platform iAR Plus. General health (GH) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain were the main outcomes along with FACIT and disease-specific questionnaires (RADAI, ROAD, PROCLARA for RA, and BASDAI, BASGI, BASFI for AS). In all, 449 visits were postponed (69.9% of all scheduled visits); telephone evaluation was deemed inadequate in 193 instances, and patients underwent a standard outpatient visit. Comparing patients on telemedicine to those who underwent hospital visits, we found no statistically significant differences in GH (35.3 vs 39.3; p = 0.24), VAS (33.3 vs 37.1; p = 0.29), or other specific outcome measures in patients with RA, PsA, or AS. These results show that telemedicine has undoubted benefits, and in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that many patients with these diseases may prefer it.

Neurological manifestations in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A retrospective analysis from a large cohort in Northern Italy

SARS‐CoV2 infection is a systemic disease that may involve multiple organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). Aims of our study are to describe prevalence and clinical features of neurological manifestations, mortality and hospital discharge in subjects hospitalized with COVID‐19. All individuals admitted for to our hospital COVID‐19 were retrospectively included. Patients were classified according to the symptoms at hospital entry in (1) isolated respiratory, (2) combined respiratory and neurologic, (3) isolated neurologic and (4) stroke manifestations. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests to compare the groups were calculated. Kaplan Meier probability curves and multivariable Cox regression models for survival and hospital discharge were applied. The analysis included 901 patients: 42.6% showed a severe or critical disease with an overall mortality of 21.2%. At least one neurological symptom or disease was observed in 30.2% of subjects ranging from dysgeusia/anosmia (9.1%) to postinfective diseases (0.8%). Patients with respiratory symptoms experienced a more severe disease and a higher in‐hospital mortality compared to those who showed only neurologic symptoms. Kaplan Meier estimates displayed a statistically significant different survival among groups (p = 0.003): subjects with stroke had the worst. After adjusting for risk factors such as age, sex and comorbidity, individuals with isolated neurologic manifestations exhibited a better survival (aHR 0.398, 95% CI [0.206, 0.769], p = 0.006). Neurologic manifestations in COVID‐19 are common but heterogeneous and mortality in subjects with isolated neurologic manifestations seems lower than in those with respiratory symptoms.

Prevalence of undiagnosed autoimmune rheumatic diseases in the first trimester of pregnancy. Results of a two-steps strategy using a self-administered questionnaire and autoantibody testing

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of undiagnosed rheumatic diseases in the first trimester of pregnancy.

DESIGN

We screened for rheumatic diseases in 1210 consecutive pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy using a 10-item questionnaire.

SETTING

A university hospital in northern Italy.

POPULATION

One hundred and thirty-seven (11.3%) women who answered positively to at least one question constituted the cases and were compared with 107 negative controls.

METHODS

Cases and controls were tested for rheumatic autoantibodies (antinuclear antibody, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-extractable nuclear antigen, anticardiolipin antibody, anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies and lupus anticoagulant) and were evaluated by a rheumatologist for a definite diagnosis of rheumatic disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of undiagnosed rheumatic disease in the first trimester of pregnancy.

RESULTS

The overall rate of positivity to the antibodies tested was 43.1% (59/137) among cases and 9.3% (10/107) in the controls (P < 0.001). A definitive diagnosis of rheumatic disease was made in 35 cases (25.5%) and in none of the controls (P <0.001). In stepwise logistic regression analysis, photosensitivity (adjusted OR 5.72; 95% CI 2.38-13.8), erythema or malar rash (adjusted OR 3.91; 95% CI 1.53-10) and history of two or more miscarriages (adjusted OR 5.6; 95% CI 1.55-20.6) were independent predictors of a definitive diagnosis of rheumatic disease (area under receiving operator curve = 0.814; 95% CI 0.76-0.86). Birthweight was lower (3180 g +/- 475 compared with 3340 g +/- 452, P= 0.008), and overall serious pregnancy complications (miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, delivery before 34 weeks of pregnancy and severe pre-eclampsia) were higher among cases (12/137) than controls (2/107) (adjusted OR 5.60; 95% CI 1.29-24.3; P= 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

A two-step screening process with a self-administered questionnaire proved to be a useful method to screen for undiagnosed rheumatic diseases during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Differential Diagnosis of Inflammatory Arthropathies by Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Differential diagnosis in early arthritis is challenging, especially early after symptom onset. Several studies applied musculoskeletal ultrasound in this setting, however, its role in helping diagnosis has yet to be clearly defined. The purpose of this work is to systematically assess the diagnostic applications of ultrasonography in early arthritis in order to summarize the available evidence and highlight possible gaps in knowledge. Methods: In December 2017, existing systematic literature reviews (SLR) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), and gout were retrieved. Studies on ultrasound to diagnose the target conditions and detecting elementary lesions (such as synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesitis, bone erosions, osteophytes) were extracted from the SLRs. The searches of the previous reviews were updated and data from new studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria extracted. Groups of reviewers worked separately for each disease, when possible diagnostic accuracy (sensitivities, specificities) was calculated from primary studies. When available, the reliability of ultrasound to detect elementary lesions was extracted. Results: For all the examined disease, recent SLRs were available. The new searches identified 27 eligible articles, with 87 articles included from the previous SLRs. The diagnostic performance of ultrasound in identifying diseases was addressed by 75 studies; in most of them, a single elementary lesion was used to define diagnosis, except for PMR. Only studies on RA included consecutive patients with new onset of arthritis, while studies on gout and CPPD often focused on subjects with mono-arthritis. Most of the remaining studies enrolled patients with a defined diagnosis. Synovitis was the most frequently detected lesion; clinical diagnosis was the most common reference standard. The diagnostic performance of ultrasound across different conditions was extremely variable. Ultrasound to identify elementary lesions was assessed in 38 studies in OA, gout and CPPD. Its performance in OA was very variable, with better results in CPPD and gout. The reliability of ultrasound was moderate to good for most lesions. Conclusions: Although a consistent amount of literature investigated the diagnostic application of ultrasound, in only a minority of cases its additional value over clinical diagnosis was tested. This SLR underlines the need for studies with a pragmatic design to identify the placement of ultrasound in the diagnostic pathway of new-onset arthritis.

Results of the RENAISSANCE Study: REsponse to BNT162b2 COVID-19 vacciNe-short- And long-term Immune reSponSe evAluatioN in health Care workErs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) anti-spike (S) IgG antibody production after vaccination with BNT162b2 and the protection from symptomatic breakthrough infections in health care workers.

METHODS

This prospective observational study (RENAISSANCE) had as a primary end point the evaluation of serologic response to BNT162b2 14 days after a second dose. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG antibodies were evaluated with LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay (DiaSorin S.p.A.), which is able to detect the presence of both binding and neutralizing antibodies for trimeric spike glycoprotein. Participants were recruited from February 1, 2021, to February 22, 2021. Occurrence of vaccine breakthrough infections was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on symptomatic and contact cases up to June 6, 2021.

RESULTS

Of 2569 staff evaluated, only 4 were nonresponders (0.16%; 95% CI, 0.04% to 0.41%). All 4 nonresponders were severely immunosuppressed and receiving treatment with mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid. At 14 days after the second dose, 67.5% (1733) of staff had anti-S IgG titers of 2000 BAU/mL or higher; 19.2% (494), between 1500 and 2000 BAU/mL; 9.8% (251), between 1000 and 1500 BAU/mL; and 3.4% (87), 1000 BAU/mL or lower. Women had a higher probability of having higher titers than men (64.5% [1044/1618] vs 58.3% [410/703]; P=.005). This was confirmed after adjustment for age group (odds ratio, 1.275; 95% CI, 1.062 to 1.531; P=.009). Four months after the end of the vaccination program, only 13 participants (0.26%) had experienced a breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection, including 1 nonresponder. This was the only participant requiring hospitalization for severe COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

The vaccination campaign among health care workers at the ASST GOM Niguarda has resulted in a marked serologic response and reduction of incident COVID-19 cases. Yet, the lack of protection should not be overlooked in immunocompromised individuals.

Pixel or Paper? Validation of a Mobile Technology for Collecting Patient-Reported Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACKGROUND

In the management of chronic disease, new models for telemonitoring of patients combined with the choice of electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) are being encouraged, with a clear improvement of both patients' and parents' quality of life. An Italian study demonstrated that ePRO were welcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with excellent matching data.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of agreement between electronic and paper-and-pencil questionnaire responses.

METHODS

This is an observational prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to first complete the questionnaire by paper and pencil and then by tablet or in the opposite order. The questionnaire consisted of 3 independent self-assessment visual rating scales (Visual Analog Scale, Global Health score, Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity) commonly used in different adult patients, including those with rheumatic diseases.

RESULTS

A total of 185 consecutive RA patients were admitted to hospital and were enrolled and completed the questionnaire both on paper and on electronic versions. For all the evaluated items, the intrarater degree of agreement between 2 approaches was found to be excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.75, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

An electronic questionnaire is uploaded in a dedicated Web-based tool that could implement a telemonitoring system aimed at improving the follow-up of RA patients. High intrarater reliability between paper and electronic methods of data collection encourage the use of a new digital app with consequent benefit for the overall health care system.

Atrial Fibrillation and Clinical Outcomes in a Cohort of Hospitalized Patients with Sars-Cov-2 Infection and Chronic Kidney Disease

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on in-hospital mortality and on incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was also investigated. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the association between renal function groups (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, eGFR, >60 mL/min, 30-59 mL/min, <30 mL/min) and in-hospital all-cause mortality and incident AF and AKI. A cohort of 2816 patients admitted in one year for COVID-19 disease in two large hospitals was analyzed. The independent predictors of mortality were severe CKD [HR 1.732 (95%CI 1.264-2.373)], older age [HR 1.054 (95%CI 1.044-1.065)], cerebrovascular disease [HR 1.335 (95%CI (1.016-1.754)], lower platelet count [HR 0.997 (95%CI 0.996-0.999)], higher C-reactive protein [HR 1.047 (95%CI 1.035-1.058)], and higher plasma potassium value 1.374 (95%CI 1.139-1.658). When incident AKI was added to the final survival model, it was associated with higher mortality [HR 2.202 (1.728-2.807)]. Incident AF was more frequent in patients with CKD, but in the multivariable model only older age was significantly related with a higher incidence of AF [OR 1.036 (95%CI 1.022-1.050)]. Incident AF was strongly associated with the onset of AKI [HR 2.619 (95%CI 1.711-4.009)]. In this large population of COVID-19 patients, the presence of severe CKD was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. In addition, patients who underwent AKI during hospitalization had a doubled risk of death. Incident AF became more frequent as eGFR decreased and it was significantly associated with the onset of AKI.

Tight control applied to the biological therapy of rheumatoid arthritis

In the last decade, treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have included the early use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, since prompt suppression of disease activity is associated with a reduction in radiological damage. This strategy has now been incorporated into the broader concept of "tight control", defined as a treatment strategy tailored to each patient with RA, which aims to achieve a predefined level of low disease activity or remission within a certain period of time. To pursue this goal, tight control should include careful and continuous monitoring of disease activity, and early therapeutic adjustments or switches should be considered as necessary. It is noteworthy that the key role of tight control of RA has been stressed by the recent EULAR Guidelines. This review discusses the most recent evidence concerning the role of a tight control strategy in the treatment of RA, and on how this strategy should be pursued.

Effectiveness of infection-containment measures on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and circulation from May to July 2020, in Milan, Italy

OBJECTIVE

Through a hospital-based SARS-CoV-2 molecular and serological screening, we evaluated the effectiveness of two months of lockdown and two of surveillance, in Milan, Lombardy, the first to be overwhelmed by COVID-19 pandemics during March-April 2020.

METHODS

All subjects presenting at the major hospital of Milan from May-11 to July-5, 2020, underwent a serological screening by chemiluminescent assays. Those admitted were further tested by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The cumulative anti-N IgG seroprevalence in the 2753 subjects analyzed was of 5.1% (95%CI = 4.3%-6.0%), with a peak of 8.4% (6.1%-11.4%) 60-63 days since the peak of diagnoses (March-20). 31/106 (29.2%) anti-N reactive subjects had anti-S1/S2 titers >80 AU/mL. Being tested from May-18 to June-5, or residing in the provinces with higher SARS-CoV-2 circulation, were positively and independently associated with anti-N IgG reactivity (OR [95%CI]: 2.179[1.455-3.264] and 3.127[1.18-8.29], respectively). In the 18 RT-PCR positive, symptomatic subjects, anti-N seroprevalence was 33.3% (95% CI: 14.8%-56.3%).

CONCLUSION

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Milan is low, and in a downward trend after only 60-63 days since the peak of diagnoses. Italian confinement measures were effective, but the risk of contagion remains concrete. In hospital-settings, the performance of molecular and serological screenings upon admission remains highly advisable.

The UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index: Properties of a new composite disease activity index for rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess validity, responsiveness and interpretability of the UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In this longitudinal study were involved RA patients starting treatment with abatacept. Subjects were followed along three visits in the first 6 months of therapy and underwent a comprehensive clinimetric evaluation. Validity was explored correlating the baseline scores and the cumulative inflammatory burden of the US-CLARA with the other composite indices applied. Sensitivity to change was assessed after 6 months of treatment in terms of internal and external responsiveness. Interpretability was defined in terms of determination of cutoffs against external criteria for remission (REM), low disease activity (LDA), moderate disease activity (MDA), and high disease activity (HDA) of SDAI.

RESULTS

One-hundred and thirty patients completed the study.

VALIDITY

moderate correlations were observed between US-CLARA and both DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR. Higher correlations were also found between US-CLARA and both SDAI and CDAI scores. Responsiveness: internal responsiveness was wide, with SRM and ES ranging from 0.91 to 1.51. US-CLARA responsiveness was similar to that of DAS28, SDAI, or CDAI. Similarly, the area under ROC curve (AUC-ROC) of US-CLARA gives identical results. The AUC of cumulative inflammatory burden, calculated during the 6-months follow-up of all combinations were highly correlated (p < 0.0001). Interpretability: cutoff values for REM, US-CLARA <2.0; for LDA, 2.0 ≤US-CLARA <3; for MDA, 3 ≤US-CLARA ≤4.8; for HDA, US-CLARA >4.8.

CONCLUSION

The US-CLARA is valid and sensitive tool to assess disease activity in RA.

Role of the IL-23 pathway in the pathogenesis and treatment of enthesitis in psoriatic arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Enthesitis is a key feature of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Several studies have underlined the role of interleukin (IL)-23 in SpA development as a crucial cytokine in the pathogenesis of enthesitis.

AREA COVERED

This review summarizes recent evidence of the role of IL-23 in the pathogenesis of and as a target of the treatment of enthesitis. We review the definition, diagnosis and clinical impact of enthesitis and its connection with microbial infections, gut dysbiosis, and mechanical stress. We also review clinical trials and real-life studies of drugs targeting the p19 or p40 subunits of IL-23.

EXPERT OPINION

Novel therapies targeting the p19 or p40 subunit of IL-23 appear to be promising treatment options for patients with enthesitis. Although we are currently unable to identify the best therapeutic window to target IL-23 in SpA disease evolution, the promising ability of this therapy to control the gut-entheseal axis is increasing our knowledge of SpA pathogenesis.

Italian consensus recommendations for the management of hepatitis C infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: The recent introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) which can eliminate Hepatitis C virus (HCV) had revolutionized the treatment of HCV infections also in a complex clinical setting such as the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). HCV elimination is also opportune due to the availability of more efficient immunosuppressive drugs, whose effect on the course of HCV infection is largely unknown.Methods: Consensus process was endorsed by the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) and the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (SIMIT) to review the available evidence and produce practical, hospital-wide recommendations. The consensus panel consisted of 18 infectious diseases consultants, 20 rheumatologists and one clinical epidemiologist, who used the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine to assess the quality of the evidence and the strength of their recommendations.Results: A core-set of statements about management of patients with RA and infection by HCV have been developed to help clinicians in their clinical practice.Conclusions: A screening for HCV should be performed in all RA patients and it is mandatory before starting an immunosuppressive therapy. Finally, a DAA treatment should be considered in all HCV-infected patients.Significance and InnovationsHCV antibodies should be investigated at the time of diagnosis of RA and, in any case, before starting immunosuppressive therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).HCV eradication with DAA should be attempted as soon as possible, depending on patient conditions allowing a continuous oral treatment lasting 8-12 weeksConventional and biological DMARDs are allowed in patients with HCV infection, but they should be used cautiously in presence of advanced liver disease.

Trends in all-cause mortality of hospitalized patients due to SARS-CoV-2 infection from a monocentric cohort in Milan (Lombardy, Italy)

Background

Robust data on case fatality rate (CFR) among inpatients with COVID-19 are still lacking, and the role of patient characteristics in in-hospital deaths remains under-investigated. This study quantified the overall CFR and described its trend in a cohort of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 in Italy. Admission to ICU, death, or discharge were the secondary outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study is based on administrative health data and electronic case records of inpatients consecutively admitted to Niguarda Hospital between 21 February and 8 November 2020.

Results

An overall CFR of 18% was observed. CFR was significantly reduced during the second wave of contagion (1 June to 30 September, 16%) compared with the first wave (21 February to 31 May, 21% p = 0.015). Such reduction was mainly observed among male inpatients between 40 and 80 years with limited comorbidities. Admission to ICU was associated with a high risk of mortality in both waves. The incidence of severe disease and the need for ICU admission were lower in the second wave.

Conclusion

CFR in SARS-CoV-2 inpatients was demonstrated to decrease over time. This reduction may partly reflect the changes in hospital strategy and clinical practice. The reasons for this improvement should be further investigated to plan an exit strategy in case of future outbreaks.

Key messages

What is already known on this topic

Before the advent of anti-COVID-19 vaccines, a multi-wave pattern of contagion was observed, and this trend conditioned the inpatient case fatality rate (CFR), which varied over time accordingly to the waves of contagion.

Only preliminary results on the in-hospital mortality trend are available, along with a partial analysis of its determinants. Consequently, robust data on CFR among inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are still lacking, and the role of patient characteristics in in-hospital deaths remains under-investigated.

What this study adds

This study shows that the in-hospital mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection decreases over time.

Such reduction was mainly observed among male inpatients between 40 and 80 years with limited comorbidities. Admission to ICU was invariably associated with a high risk of mortality during the whole study period (21 February to 8 November 2020), but the incidence of severe disease and the need for ICU admission were lower in the second wave of contagions (1 October to 8 November 2020). This reduction may partly reflect the impact of changes in hospital strategy and clinical practice. The reasons for this improvement should be further investigated to inform the response to future outbreaks and to plan exit strategy by prioritizing high-risk populations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-021-01675-y.

Active vaccination campaign to increase seasonal influenza vaccination coverage: a monocenter experience in a cohort of Italian patients with systemic autoimmune diseases

Seasonal influenza is a frequent cause of hospitalization and mortality among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Despite this evidence, vaccination coverage is generally much lower than the minimum 75% target proposed by the WHO. Therefore, an active campaign was implemented in the years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 within the Rheumatology Department of the Niguarda Hospital (Milan, Italy) to improve the vaccination coverage in patients with inflammatory arthritis. This study aims to evaluate the vaccination coverage in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 (active campaigns) seasons and to compare these results with the 2018/2019 season. A monocenter observational study was conducted among adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, or psoriatic arthropathy, who were referred to the Rheumatology Department of the Niguarda Hospital. Patients were given a questionnaire to investigate previous years' vaccination coverage and to propose an influenza vaccine for the 2020/2021 season. Compared with 2018/2019, a trend for increase in vaccination coverage was reported in 2019/2020 season (+ 10.7%, p = 0.055; 45.5% of coverage) and a statistically significant increase was reported in 2020/2021 (+ 31.2%, p < 0.001; 65.9% of coverage). The increase was also significant when comparing the 2020/2021 and 2019/2020 seasons (+ 20.5%, p < 0.001). The greatest increase in vaccination coverage was observed among under-65-year-old patients. Obtained results support the implementation of active vaccination campaigns to increase vaccination coverage among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and highlight the importance of external factors (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) in directing the patient to adopt preventive measures to avoid infections and related complications.

Negative prognostic impact of electrolyte disorders in patients hospitalized for Covid-19 in a large multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The prognostic impact of electrolyte disorders in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is unclear.

METHODS

The study included all adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in four hospitals in Northern Italy between January 2020 and May 2021 with at least one serum potassium and sodium measurement performed within 3 days since admission. Primary outcome was in-hospital death; secondary outcome was Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. A cause-specific Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used for investigating the association between potassium and sodium (as either categorical or continuous variables) and mortality or admission to ICU.

RESULTS

Analyses included 3,418 adult hospitalized COVID-19 patients. At multivariable analysis, both hyperkalemia (Hazard Ratio, [HR] 1.833, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.371-2.450) and sK above the median (K 5.1 vs 4.1 mmol/L: HR 1.523, 95% CI 1.295-1.798), and hypernatremia (HR 2.313, 95%CI 1.772-3.018) and sNa above the median (Na 149 vs 139 mmol/L: HR 1.442, 95% CI 1.234-1.686), were associated with in-hospital death, whereas hypokalemia and hyponatremia were not. Hyponatremia was associated with increased hazard of ICU admission (HR 1.884, 95%CI 1.389-2.556).

CONCLUSIONS

Electrolyte disorders detected at hospital admission may allow early identification of COVID-19 patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes.

Sex differences in electrolyte imbalances caused by SARS-CoV-2: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Since SARS-CoV-2 spread, evidence regarding sex differences in progression and prognosis of COVID-19 have emerged. Besides this, studies on patients' clinical characteristics have described electrolyte imbalances as one of the recurrent features of COVID-19.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study on all patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) from 1 March to 31 May 2020 who had undergone a blood gas analysis and a nasopharyngeal swab test for SARS-CoV-2 by rtPCR. We defined positive patients as cases (n = 710) and negatives as controls (n = 619), for a total number of patients of 1.329. The study was approved by the local ethics committee Area 3 Milan. Data were automatically extracted from the hospital laboratory SQL-based repository in anonymised form. We considered as outcomes potassium (K⁺ ), sodium (Na⁺ ), chlorine (Cl^- ) and calcium (Ca⁺⁺ ) as continuous and as categorical variables, in their relation with age, sex and SARS-CoV-2 infection status.

RESULTS

We observed a higher prevalence of hypokalaemia among patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 (13.7% vs 6% of negative subjects). Positive patients had a higher probability to be admitted to the ED with hypokalaemia (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.8-4.1, P < .0001) and women were twice as likely to be affected than men (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.67-3.54, P < .001). Odds ratios for positive patients to manifest with an alteration in serum Na⁺ was (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.17-2.35, P < .001) and serum chlorine (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.03-2.69, P < .001). Notably, OR for positive patients to be hypocalcaemic was 7.2 (95% CI 4.8-10.6, P < .0001) with a low probability for women to be hypocalcaemic (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.4-0.8, P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a higher prevalence of hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypochloraemia and sodium alterations. Hypokalaemia is more frequent among women and hypocalcaemia among men.

Sick leave request following anti-COVID-19 vaccine administration is low among healthcare workers: results from a retrospective cross-sectional monocentric study

OBJECTIVE

Anti-COVID-19 vaccines were mainly associated with non-serious adverse events (AEs), whose prevalence was reported to be up to 70% in healthcare workers (HCWs). This may lead to sick leave requests, but this impact has never been quantified. This study aimed to investigate the absence from work among HCWs following anti-COVID-19 vaccination. Its association with age and previous COVID-19 infection was also assessed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational cross-sectional study on administrative data about sick leave requests after anti-COVID-19 vaccination. All the HCWs employed at the Niguarda Hospital (Milan, Italy) who received the vaccine from December 27, 2020 to February 28, 2021 were included.

RESULTS

In total, 4,088 HCWs received the first dose of the vaccine and 4,043 completed the vaccination cycle. After the first injection, 1.6% of HCWs requested sick leave, while after the second injection, the number of requests significantly increased (+6.1%, p<0.001). A significant increase in sick leave was detected for those who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection after the first injection (+2.3%, p<0.001). After the second dose, a significant increase in sick leave was observed in the 20-30-year-old group compared to >30 years (+3.6%, p=0.017), if HCWs without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were considered.

CONCLUSIONS

The requests for sick leave among HCWs following the anti-COVID-19 vaccine were limited and higher after the second injection. This may help the management of the human resources when the large-scale administration of the anti-COVID-19 vaccines will involve other categories of workers.