European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2022
Review Meta AnalysisEstimate false-negative RT-PCR rates for SARS-CoV-2. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Molecular-based tests used to identify symptomatic or asymptomatic patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 are characterized by high specificity but scarce sensitivity, generating false-negative results. We aimed to estimate, through a systematic review of the literature, the rate of RT-PCR false negatives at initial testing for COVID-19. ⋯ This systematic review showed that up to 58% of COVID-19 patients may have initial false-negative RT-PCR results, suggesting the need to implement a correct diagnostic strategy to correctly identify suspected cases, thereby reducing false-negative results and decreasing the disease burden among the population.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2022
Review Meta AnalysisEstimate false-negative RT-PCR rates for SARS-CoV-2. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Molecular-based tests used to identify symptomatic or asymptomatic patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 are characterized by high specificity but scarce sensitivity, generating false-negative results. We aimed to estimate, through a systematic review of the literature, the rate of RT-PCR false negatives at initial testing for COVID-19. ⋯ This systematic review showed that up to 58% of COVID-19 patients may have initial false-negative RT-PCR results, suggesting the need to implement a correct diagnostic strategy to correctly identify suspected cases, thereby reducing false-negative results and decreasing the disease burden among the population.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2022
ReviewAnti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines as inducers of humoral response against apolipoprotein A-1?
COVID-19 and some anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines trigger a humoral autoimmune response against a broad range of endogenous components, which may affect recipients' prognosis in predisposed individuals. Autoantibodies directed against apolipoprotein A-1 (AAA1 IgG) the major protein fraction of High Density Lipoprotein have been shown to be raised in COVID-19 and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and other populations where they have been associated with poorer outcomes. We wanted to assess the impact of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccination on AAA1 autoimmune biomarkers in RA patients. ⋯ mRNA-based vaccination seems to induce a light AAA1 IgG response in immunocompetent individuals within 2 months after the last injection. Although we did not observe any warning signs, the formal demonstration of the harmlessness of such biological warrants further studies.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2022
ReviewThe role of metabolic syndrome in sudden cardiac death risk: recent evidence and future directions.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a frequent condition whose deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system are often underestimated. MetS is nowadays considered a real pandemic with an estimated prevalence of 25% in general population. Individuals with MetS are at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) as this condition accounts for 50% of all cardiac deaths in such a population. ⋯ MetS components trigger a systemic chronic low-grade pro-inflammatory state, associated with excess of sympathetic activity, cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmias and atherosclerosis. Thus, MetS has an important burden on the cardiovascular system as demonstrated by both preclinical and clinical evidence. The aim of this review is to summarize recent evidence concerning the association between MetS and SCD, showing possible common aetiological processes, and to indicate prospective for future studies and therapeutic targets.