A Case of COVID-19 Pneumonia Leading to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Multi-organ Failure Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Six Months and an Associated Critical Limb Ischemia

This article presents the case of a 57-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis who developed severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia that progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-system organ failure. Despite initial slow progression and multiple hospital readmissions, her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to full respiratory failure requiring intubation and ventilation. She was transferred to a specialized center where she underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and hemodialysis for acute renal failure. Unfortunately, she remained dependent on ECMO for an extended period of six months. Although she made a gradual recovery, the prolonged critical care treatment resulted in critical ischemia of multiple extremities, necessitating a below-knee amputation (BKA) of her left lower extremity and transmetatarsal amputations of her right hand. This case reports one of the longest ECMO treatments for COVID-19 and associated comorbidities in the literature. Clinicians could include a longer duration of treatment and potential associated disabilities in the informed consent.

A Meta-Analysis To Ascertain the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 Infection in North America

The challenges in controlling the pandemic have been exacerbated by the disease's morbidity and the emergence of additional COVID-19 variants. The use of emergency vaccines to circumvent these challenges has sparked mixed opinions on their effectiveness. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines on clinical outcomes such as incidence, hospitalization, and ventilation rates in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials were searched on April 21, 2022, to extract published articles comparing vaccinated COVID-19 patients versus unvaccinated COVID-19 patients and their clinical outcomes. The clinical outcomes studied were incidence rate, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and hospitalization rates. The analysis was performed with Review Manager (RevMan) software. Random-effect models were used to calculate pooled odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). In our meta-analysis, we have identified a total of 250 published findings, encompassing 15 studies that involved a cumulative count of 24,164,227 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Being unvaccinated had a significant association with severe clinical outcomes in patients infected with COVID-19. Unvaccinated individuals were 2.36 times more likely to be infected, with a 95% CI ranging from 1.13 to 4.94 (p = 0.02). Unvaccinated subjects with COVID-19 infection were 6.93 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU than their vaccinated counterparts, with a 95% CI ranging from 3.57 to 13.46 (p < 0.0001). The hospitalization rate was 3.37 higher among the unvaccinated compared to those vaccinated, with a 95% CI ranging from 1.92 to 5.93 (p < 0.0001). In addition, patients with COVID-19 infection who are unvaccinated were 6.44 times more likely to be mechanically ventilated than those vaccinated, with a 95% CI ranging from 3.13 to 13.23 (p < 0.0001). Overall, our study revealed that vaccination against COVID-19 disease is beneficial and effective in mitigating the spread of the infection and associated clinical outcomes. However, more awareness and proper education must be made to increase vaccine acceptance. We, therefore, recommend and urge all stakeholders involved in COVID-19 prevention, management, and control to strengthen awareness and educate the people on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination.

Survey of Advance Care Planning Practices in Elderly COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Questionnaire Survey

Objective Advance care planning (ACP) is a process in which the patient and family discuss end-of-life care in advance with healthcare providers in case decisional ability declines. Due to the rapid deterioration of symptoms and isolation for treatment, it is not easy for COVID-19 patients to discuss their end-of-life care with families and medical staff. We conducted a questionnaire survey to assess the current situation of ACP practices in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods Multicenter questionnaire surveys of hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged ≥60 years between January 2021 and August 2022 were conducted in two hospitals. The questionnaires assessed whether patients had discussed end-of-life medical treatment with their families and family physicians at the time of admission and their preferences for end-of-life medical treatments. Results A total of 109 patients aged 60-99 years (median 75.0 years) were enrolled. Only eight patients (7.3%) had practiced ACP at the time of admission. Age was a significant factor related to ACP practices (p=0.035). Although there was no significant difference between the ACP and non-ACP practiced groups for each end-of-life care, all eight patients in the ACP-practiced group were able to make decisions for all the end-of-life medical treatment, while 40 patients (33.0%) in the non-ACP-practiced group did not, showing a significant difference (p=0.026). Conclusion In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the rate of ACP practice was as low as 7.3%. Awareness of ACP practice is necessary, especially for elderly patients with underlying diseases.

Treatment of Long-Haul COVID Patients With Off-Label Acyclovir

The SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) became a global pandemic in March 2020. This novel, highly infectious virus caused millions of infections and deaths around the world. Currently, there are few medications that are available for the treatment of COVID-19. Those affected are most commonly given supportive care, with some experiencing symptoms for months. We report a series of four cases depicting the successful use of acyclovir in the treatment of the virus SARS-CoV-2 in patients with long-haul symptoms, especially those in the realm of encephalopathy and neurological problems. Treatment with acyclovir in these patients resolved their symptoms and lowered their IgG and IgM titers, supporting the use of acyclovir as a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 neurologic symptoms. We suggest the use of the antiviral medication, acyclovir, as a treatment for patients with long-term symptoms and unusual presentations of the virus, such as encephalopathy or coagulopathy.

A Case Report and Literature Review of Thyroid Storm Precipitated by COVID-19 Infection: A Crucial Pointer for Early Suspicion

Thyroid storm is a rare life-threatening condition characterized by severe and exaggerated clinical manifestations of thyrotoxicosis. It can be precipitated by a myriad of acute events and stressors including but not limited to surgery, trauma, or infections. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily associated with respiratory symptoms, has been reported to be a likely precipitating cause of thyroid storm in a few cases. COVID-19 has been associated with both new-onset thyrotoxicosis and as a flare-up of the disease in remission. Even though the Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale (BWPS) scoring system has been used for years to help diagnose thyroid storms, the relatively low specificity of the score, especially in the setting of viral or bacterial infections, has been challenging for clinicians. Having a low threshold to consider the diagnosis of this life-threatening condition while at the same time meticulously ruling out other potential differential diagnoses is critical for saving lives. In this report, we discuss a case that highlights the importance that clinicians should accord to thyroid storm as one of the differential diagnoses in patients with a history of hyperthyroidism, with a positive test for COVID-19 infection on admission, and presenting with deranged vital signs and change in mentation from baseline.

Rapidly Progressive Emphysematous Pancreatitis With Massive Hemorrhage and Multi-Organ Failure: A Severe Sequela of COVID-19

The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to wreak havoc on a number of affected patients and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system. Even though it has been over two years since the pandemic emerged, clinical presentations in affected patients continue to appall clinicians. Emphysematous pancreatitis is a rare, fatal complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis presenting with a high mortality rate. This rare entity stems from superinfection of acute necrotizing pancreatitis with gram-negative bacteria, most commonly from Escherichia coli (E. coli), among others. Herein, we present a rare case of acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by emphysematous necrosis with hemorrhagic conversion and E. coli septicemia in a 60-year-old morbidly obese male patient without any underlying risk factors. He presented with respiratory failure in the setting of COVID-19 and was subsequently diagnosed with acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by emphysematous necrosis. To our knowledge, emphysematous pancreatitis in the setting of COVID-19 with no other attributable causes for pancreatitis was not previously reported in the literature. This article aims to report an unusual association between COVID-19 infection and acute emphysematous pancreatitis with evidence of hemorrhagic conversion. Furthermore, given the neoteric nature of this viral infection, we hope to promote sensitivity toward capturing additional clinical features associated with active COVID-19 infection, with the goal to keep clinicians abreast with its many possible sequelae.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy as a Cardiovascular Manifestation of COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a wide range of clinical manifestations, affecting multiple organ systems. Cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 that have been reported include arrhythmias, myocarditis, and an increased predisposition to acute myocardial infarction. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), which is characterized by apical ballooning of the heart leading to acute left ventricular dysfunction, is scarcely seen in COVID-19 patients. We present a case of COVID-19-associated TCM in a 68-year-old man.  A 68-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented with sudden-onset midsternal pressure-like chest pain at rest, associated with diaphoresis and shortness of breath. This occurred ten days after diagnosis of COVID-19 with mild symptoms, with no other recent physical or emotional stressors. At presentation, he was afebrile (98.5 °F), hypertensive (177/108 mmHg), tachycardic (HR 118 bpm), and saturating 100% on room air. Labs were significant for leukocytosis with 15.1 × 103 WBCs/mcL, elevated creatinine (1.46 g/dL), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 156, troponin of 4 ng/mL that peaked at 16.28 ng/mL. The rapid COVID-19 test was positive. EKG showed anterolateral ST elevation and QTc interval of 446 ms. Echo showed severe hypokinesis of mid and apical segments and severely decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)of <30%. Emergent left heart catheterization showed 75% mid left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis and moderate right coronary artery (RCA) disease, while the ventriculogram showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% with anteroapical and inferoapical akinesia suggestive of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The patient was placed on aspirin, ticagrelor, and atorvastatin, carvedilol, and lisinopril. EKG the next day showed a prolonged QTc of 526 ms with T-wave inversion and no ST elevations. The patient had no findings consistent with myocarditis or pheochromocytoma. He was discharged two days later. Within the next few weeks, his symptoms improved, and a follow-up echo confirmed normalization of left ventricular function.  There has been an increased incidence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. There is only a slight female preponderance in COVID-19-induced TCM, possibly because males are predominantly affected by COVID-19. Our patient satisfied all four Mayo Clinic criteria required for the diagnosis of TCM. Pathophysiology of TCM in COVID-19 is linked with cytokine storm and consequent catecholamine surge. Most patients improve within succeeding weeks or months. Nonetheless, the case fatality rate is high 36.5%, which is significantly higher compared to TCM patients without COVID-19. COVID-19 has a multisystem involvement with various clinical presentations. New cardiomyopathy in COVID-19 patients should raise suspicion among clinicians regarding stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Clinical and Laboratory Factors in Predicting Mortality Among COVID-19 RT-PCR Positive Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study From a Tertiary Care Center

BACKGROUND

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, risk stratification based on clinical presentation, co-morbid illness, and combined laboratory parameters is essential to provide an adequate, timely intervention based on an individual's conditions to prevent mortality among cases.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was carried out from June to October 2020, including all reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 non-survivors and control group survivors randomly selected after age and sex matching. Clinical and demographic information was collected from the medical records. Categorical variables were expressed by frequency and percentage. To explore the risk factors associated with mortality, univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

All non-survivors (n = 100) and 100 survivors (out of 1,018) were analyzed. Male gender (67.4%) was the independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection. Advanced age group, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, and hypertensive co-morbidities were statistically associated with mortality. Cardiac arrest and acute kidney injury (AKI) were the most common complications. Mortality is significantly associated with lymphopenia and raised lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as shown by higher odds. In addition, raised neutrophils, monocytes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum creatinine, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are also significantly associated with mortality. The most common causes of death were respiratory failure (84%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (77%). Of the non-survivors, 92% received corticosteroids, 63% were on high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, 29% were mechanically ventilated, and 29% received tocilizumab.

CONCLUSION

Serial monitoring of neutrophils, lymphocytes, D-dimer, procalcitonin, AST, LDH, CRP, IL-6, serum creatinine, and albumin might provide a reliable and convenient method for classifying and predicting the severity and outcomes of patients with COVID-19.

The Role of Steroids in the Management of COVID-19 Infection

Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that have been utilized in a wide range of clinical illnesses, including rheumatologic, autoimmune, inflammatory, and numerous lung diseases. Because of the inhibition of the inflammatory cascade, corticosteroids are beneficial in many pulmonary disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), laryngotracheobronchitis, interstitial lung diseases, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We will report a case of a COVID-19 patient treated with remdesivir, antibiotics, and steroids. We will also discuss the role of steroids in the management of COVID-19 patients.

Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Globally, the prevalence of chronic, non-communicable diseases is increasing at an alarming rate. Amongst it, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming more prevalent among young individuals due to obesity and sedentary habits. With the advent of COVID-19, there has been an increasing trend for diabetes and its complications. Here we describe a 13-year-old female girl with polyuria, polydipsia for two months with further assessment leading to a diagnosis of Type 2 DM who is now closely monitored by a pediatric endocrinologist. She remains euglycemic with insulin and lifestyle changes. Early-onset DM is complex and requires multidisciplinary care for preventing complications and comorbidities. Hence, early recognition and management are crucial.

Prolonged Self-Resolving Neutropenia Following Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infection

Multiple hematologic complications have been reported as a result of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. These include leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia as well as increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Neutropenia is a relatively uncommon finding, especially in asymptomatic patients with no other evidence of systemic infection. A young, healthy male undergoing training for the Navy was admitted with rhabdomyolysis following intense physical activity. He was incidentally noted to have severe neutropenia with the white blood cell (WBC) count of 2.1 × 10⁹/L and an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 355 cells/μL one month following prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Further evaluation was negative for other infectious processes, nutritional deficiency, or underlying malignancy. Given young age without comorbidities and lack of febrile illness, watchful waiting was recommended in lieu of bone marrow biopsy which resulted in spontaneous resolution of neutropenia and normalization of WBC. The authors argue that although most hematologic complications of COVID-19 are reported in symptomatic patients, asymptomatic patients also appear to have a risk of developing hematologic complications including bone marrow suppression. Watchful waiting may be an appropriate diagnostic approach in such young, healthy individuals.

Understanding the influence of the perceived risk of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the post-traumatic stress disorder and revisit intention of hotel guests

This study examines consumers' perceived risks of COVID-19 to develop a solid theoretical framework that explains their behavioral intentions relating to COVID-19. It also explores the influence of four sub-factors of perceived risk relating to COVID-19 and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and revisit intention. This study finds that the perceived risk from COVID-19 and post-traumatic stress disorder have severely negative impacts on revisit intention for hotels, with emotion regulation ability found to play a moderating role in this process. Because hotels are used by a diverse group of people in terms of race, nationality, age, and culture, they can rapidly transit epidemics such as COVID-19. Therefore, hotel managers must identify the risks of COVID-19 as perceived by hotel guests, potential development of PTSD, and influence of such negative phenomena on guests’ behavioral intentions to formulate a variety of strategies.

Healthcare Access in Medically Underserved Areas During the COVID-19 Era: An International Medical Graduate Perspective From a Rural State

Background Physician shortage and healthcare access are serious issues in rural states like Kentucky and further worsened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) serve the underserved communities of Kentucky to fill in the physician gap. However, uncertainties surrounding immigration policies added significant challenges to physicians and the rural communities served by them during the pandemic. Methods A survey was created using the data collection platform "SurveyMonkey" and sent to IMG physicians practicing on a visa to understand their role and their immigration-related challenges. Only the physicians practicing in Kentucky were included in this study. Results It was found that 84% practice in primary care specialties like internal medicine, pediatrics, or family medicine, 92.9% practice in Medically Underserved Areas or Health Professional Shortage Areas, and 71.4% practice in rural settings. Also, 61.5% practice in a "frontline" COVID-19 specialty and 92.3% were involved in direct care of COVID-19 infected or suspected patients. Of the physicians, 88.5% were in an "immigration backlog"; 92.6% of them were the primary visa holders of their families and 88.9% expressed concern that their families face hardship if they have a disability during the pandemic. It was reported by 92.3% of them that visa-related restrictions limited them from providing additional coverage in these places. Conclusions Lack of physician access is a critical issue facing many rural states in America like Kentucky, and IMG physicians play a valuable role in taking care of this underserved population and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges surrounding the immigration backlog are contributing to significant hardships and remain a hurdle to expand healthcare access to the rural and medically underserved communities.

COVID-19 Modeling in Saudi Arabia Using the Modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) Model

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented healthcare emergencies across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed social distancing (SD) as a prudent measure to contain the pandemic and, hence, governments have been enacting lockdowns of varied nature. These lockdowns, causing economic and social strain, warrant the development of quantitative models to optimally manage the pandemic. Similarly, extensive testing aids in early detection and isolation, hence containing the spread of the pandemic. Compartment epidemiology models have been used extensively in modeling such infectious diseases. This paper attempts to utilize the modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model incorporating the SD, testing, and infectiousness of exposed and infectious compartments to study the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has put restrictions on the movement of people in different phases to ascertain SD. Time-dependent parameters based on the timeline of restrictions and testing in Saudi Arabia have been introduced to capture SD and testing. The arrived model has been validated through statistical tests. The \begin{document}R_{0}\end{document} (R naught), basic reproduction number, value has ranged between 0.6014 and 2.7860 with an average of 1.4904 and currently holds at 0.8952. In the absence of SD and testing measures, the model predicts the threshold herd immunity to be 69.31% and \begin{document}R_{0}\end{document} value as 3.26. Further, scenario analysis has been conducted for alleviating the SD measure. The results show that early lifting of all restrictions may undo all efforts in the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of results will help policymakers and medical practitioners prepare better to manage the pandemic and lockdown.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fulminant Myopericarditis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in a Middle-Aged Male Patient

Myopericarditis remains a prominent infectious inflammatory disorder throughout a patient's lifetime. Moreover, viral pathogens have been proven to be the leading contributors to myopericarditis in the pediatric and adult populations. Despite the current comprehensive knowledge of myocardial injury in viral and post-viral myopericarditis, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced myopericarditis are poorly understood. This report presents a case of coronavirus (COVID-19) fulminant myopericarditis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a middle-aged male patient: a 51-year-old man with a history of hypertension who arrived to the emergency department with a dry cough, fatigue, dyspnea, and a fever. A real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay confirmed a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, resulting in the patient's admission to the airborne isolation unit for clinical observation. When his condition began to deteriorate, the patient was transferred to the cardiac care unit after electrocardiography detected cardiac injury, demonstrating diffuse ST-segment elevation. Laboratory evaluations revealed elevated troponin T and BNP, with an echocardiogram indicating global left ventricular hypokinesia and a reduced ejection fraction. The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, dobutamine, remdesivir, and ventilatory support. This specific case highlights the severity and complications that may arise as a direct result of COVID-19 infection.

A Case Report of Rapidly Lethal Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Secondary to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Viral Pneumonia

As of April 2020, the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in more than 210,000 deaths globally. The most common cause of death from COVID-19 is acute respiratory failure. We report the case of a 78-year-old female with a history of hypertension, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and sarcoidosis, who presented to the emergency department with one day of dyspnea. The patient experienced a rapid decline in respiratory function and was intubated in the intensive care unit (ICU), meeting the Berlin criteria for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chest radiography revealed diffuse bilateral coalescent opacities, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA swab test was positive for COVID-19. The patient experienced acute kidney injury with uptrending creatinine levels and remained lethargic and unresponsive throughout her ICU stay, suggestive of potential hypoxic brain injury. In light of the patient’s poor clinical status, age, and significant comorbidities, prognosis was conveyed about medical futility and patient’s family agreed to terminal extubation and the patient expired peacefully, exactly one week from hospital admission. This case report highlights the speed at which severe ARDS can present and contribute to end-organ dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.

Multi-Organ Failure in a Patient With Diabetes due to COVID-19 With Clear Lungs

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 has emerged in late 2019 infecting millions of people worldwide. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with severe illness and mortality mainly due to acute respiratory distress syndrome. We report a case of a middle-aged man with DM and COVID-19 who developed seizure and altered mental status, found to have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), acute kidney injury, hypovolemic shock, and hyperammonemia all contributing to metabolic encephalopathy. He was admitted to the ICU and subsequently intubated for airway protection; with appropriate management his condition improved and was successfully extubated. The patient had no lung involvement throughout the illness. We report this case to highlight that COVID-19 can lead to multi-organ failure in patients with DM even in the absence of lung involvement which all physicians should be mindful of.

The Vacuum Assisted Negative Pressure Isolation Hood (VANISH) System: Novel Application of the Stryker Neptune™ Suction Machine to Create COVID-19 Negative Pressure Isolation Environments

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may remain viable in the air for up to three hours, placing health care workers in close proximity to aerosolizing procedures particularly at high risk for infection. This combined with the drastic shortage of negative pressure rooms hospitals worldwide has led to the rapid innovation of novel biohazard isolation hoods, which can be adapted to create negative pressure isolation environments around the patient's airway using the hospital wall suction, which carries many limitations, including weaker suction capabilities, single patient use, and immobility. Here, we report our Vacuum Assisted Negative Pressure Isolation Hood (VANISH) system that uses a mobile and readily available in most hospital operating rooms Stryker Neptune™ (Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, Michigan) high-powered suction system to more effectively create a negative pressure biohazard isolation environment. VANISH has been utilized regularly in an anesthesia practice of 30+ providers and, to date, there have been no documented COVID-19 infections.

Nifedipine and Amlodipine Are Associated With Improved Mortality and Decreased Risk for Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation in Elderly Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCB) are typically used agents in the clinical management of hypertension. Yet, they have also been utilized in the treatment of various pulmonary disorders with vasoconstriction. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been implicated in the development of vasoconstrictive, proinflammatory, and pro-oxidative effects. A retrospective review was conducted on CCB use in hospitalized patients in search of any difference in outcomes related to specific endpoints: survival to discharge and progression of disease leading to intubation and mechanical ventilation. The electronic medical records for all patients that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 that were at or above the age of 65 and that expired or survived to discharge from a community hospital in Brooklyn, NY, between the start of the public health crisis due to the viral disease up until April 13, 2020, were included. Of the 77 patients that were identified, 18 survived until discharge and 59 expired. Seven patients from the expired group were excluded since they died within one day of presentation to the hospital. Five patients were excluded from the expired group since their age was above that of the eldest patient in the survival group (89 years old). With 65 patients left, 24 were found to have been administered either amlodipine or nifedipine (CCB group) and 41 were not (No-CCB group). Patients treated with a CCB were significantly more likely to survive than those not treated with a CCB: 12 (50%) survived and 12 expired in the CCB group vs. six (14.6%) that survived and 35 (85.4%) that expired in the No-CCB treatment group (P<.01; p=0.0036). CCB patients were also significantly less likely to undergo intubation and mechanical ventilation. Only one patient (4.2%) was intubated in the CCB group whereas 16 (39.0%) were intubated in the No-CCB treatment group (P<.01; p=0.0026). Nifedipine and amlodipine were found to be associated with significantly improved mortality and a decreased risk for intubation and mechanical ventilation in elderly patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Further clinical studies are warranted. Including either nifedipine or amlodipine in medication regimens for elderly patients with hypertension hospitalized for COVID-19 may be considered.

Cardiac Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Comprehensive Review

Since its origin in China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become a pandemic and spread to 209 countries. As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a very rapidly emerging disease, organ-specific studies related to it have been reported. Apart from respiratory findings, some studies have highlighted inflammatory consequences in the heart, kidney, and/or liver as well. Cardiac involvement in COVID-19 seems to be a result of an inflammatory storm in response to the infection. Moreover, direct viral invasion of cardiomyocytes, as well as a myocardial injury due to oxidative stress, may account for acute cardiac injury in COVID-19. Nevertheless, the mechanism of heart injury in COVID-19 is not clear yet. However, multiple studies that highlight the clinical features, laboratory findings, and prognosis of acute myocardial injury (AMI) in COVID-19-affected individuals have been published. In this review, we have summarized the findings of all those studies as well as the clinical features and management of cardiac injury discussed by some case reports.

A Comprehensive Review of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus strain that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It spread to several countries across continents and infected more than one million people within three months. While there is no consensus on the treatment of the disease yet, understanding the virus and its transmission is a cardinal priority. SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through bodily fluid. Upon inoculation, the surface enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) acts as a receptor protein for viral entry. The mean incubation period is 5.1 days, and infected individuals can exhibit a variety of symptoms from fever, cough, dyspnea, and respiratory failure to even multiorgan failure. Given the current situation, it is of paramount importance to understand the virus as thoroughly as possible. In this review, we discuss the background, epidemiology, possible pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic studies related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also elaborate on the current research and evidence on treatment options and vaccine development based on the literature.

Successful Conservative Management of Acute Appendicitis in a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patient

Appendectomy is the gold standard of treatment for acute appendicitis; however, recent evidence suggests conservative management with intravenous antibiotics may provide similar outcomes and can be used as an alternative in selected patients. Performing appendectomy in acute appendicitis patients with 2019 novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is challenging, as it involves considerable operative risks for the patients and risks for health care professionals (HCPs) exposed to COVID-19. Medical management eliminates the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery but involves significant risks of treatment failures that, in turn, may lead to perforation, peritonitis, and death. We are reporting a case of a middle-aged man with multiple co-morbidities, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 and acute appendicitis. Our patient received intravenous antibiotics for seven days with a significant improvement in symptoms. Our case report illustrates the implementation of successful conservative treatment for acute appendicitis in COVID-19 patients.