Worldwide epidemiology studies have found higher number of cases of SARS-CoV-2 in men. Moreover, male gender carries a worse prognosis, especially in younger adults. Two opposing theories about androgens have been proposed to explain the gender gap. Testosterone as a promoter of COVID-19 infection: Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a cellular co-receptor required for […]
96,2% of clinically stable COVID-19 patients in early recovery phase reported significant post-traumatic stress symptoms. Only half of the patients hold positive attitudes towards crisis mental health services, which were mostly delivered online. This data comes from an online survey conducted in five quarantine facilities in China. 714 patients were included in the study. […]
A survey done on the general population during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in China showed 53,8% moderate-to-severe impact on mental health, and 28,8% moderate-to-severe anxiety among respondents. A higher psychological impact, and higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression were found among females, students, respondents with physical symptoms and people with poor self-rated health status. […]
CVD (cardiovascular disease): Pre-existing cardiovascular and metabolic disease are common in COVID-19 patients and they increase the risk of morbidity and mortality1. These comorbidities (hypertension, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease and diabetes) are associated with a greater risk of ICU hospitalisation2. Patients with CVD appear more susceptible to COVID-19–induced cardiac injury3. Acute cardiovascular complications: Acute cardiac injury is […]
In 33 neonates at risk or with COVID-19, four of them presented with shortness of breath, thus being the most common symptom; Two positive neonates experienced lethargy and fever and one had vomiting; All of the three positive patients developed pneumonia as shown on their chest x-ray; One patient who needed 11 days of NICU […]
There could be a potential increase in the risk of infection in patients with blood type A and, on the other hand, blood type O was associated with a potential lower susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 ; The same patterns were identified in the dead patients, suggesting a higher mortality rate in type A and a decreased […]
Children represent 1-5% of confirmed COVID-19 cases. In general, they present milder symptoms than adult patients, possibly accounted for by the fact that they have less comorbidities and a less mature angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). They have a lower mortality rate. Pediatric patients could be discharged from hospital when body temperature is normal for […]
Diabetes is an important risk factor for poorer outcomes in COVID-19. Mechanistic hypotheses include the effect of acute and chronic hyperglycemia on angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 receptor, impaired immune response and confounding population characteristics such as age and cardiovascular comorbidities. Prevention: Patients at risk of metabolic disease who have contracted the infection should be monitored to prevent new […]
Despite some evidence of up-regulation of ACE2 by RAAS inhibition, with its theoretically associated higher susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and increased viral load, there is currently no data suggesting a causal relationship between ACE2 activity and COVID-19 associated mortality; therefore, based on currently available data, the assumption of a causal relationship between ACE-I or ARB […]
SARS-CoV-2-related acute myocarditis may present as a reverse Tako-Tsubo syndrome. Endomyocardial biopsy revealed diffuse T-lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates with important interstitial oedema and limited foci of necrosis; no replacement fibrosis was detected, suggesting an acute inflammatory process. Molecular analysis showed absence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome within the myocardium. This case report highlights an atypical presentation […]
COVID-19 may potentially represent a novel etiology for ITP, although we cannot exclude other causes of thrombocytopenia in this case (e.g. thrombocytopenia related to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid exposure). A 65-year-old woman with hypertension and autoimmune hypothyroidism was admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia in Strasbourg, France. Laboratory tests performed at admission showed a normal full blood count […]
How long does the immunity last after infections with coronaviruses? Is it possible to get reinfected? As of now, one of the hospital discharge criterias for COVID-19 infection is that with at least a one-day interval, two repetitive RT-PCR tests done on throat swabs have turned up negative. This method of testing is currently questioned […]
Clinical manifestations : Clinical manifestations in pregnant women were comparable to those seen in infected non-pregnant adults. Initial normal body temperature was seen more commonly in pregnant women, thus rendering early detection of the virus more difficult in this population. It has not been shown that pregnancy is a risk factor for more severe infection. […]