Journal of medical virology
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Multicenter Study
Efficacy of corticosteroid in patients with COVID-19: A multi-center retrospective study and meta-analysis.
To evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroids on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with different levels of disease severity. In our multicenter study, 543 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were classified as non-severe group and severe group, and then were compared respectively for all-cause mortality and length of hospital stay between those who received corticosteroids and not. By searching in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI, we identified 13 retrospective studies and 6 random control trials eligible for criteria of inclusion, and conducted comprehensive meta-analyses assessing the impacts of corticosteroids on mortality, length of stay, duration of RNA clearance and duration of fever. ⋯ Corticosteroids should be considered based on patient's condition. For patients with non-severe COVID-19, corticosteroid was not recommended as a routine therapeutic initiative as that presented prolonged duration of hospitalization and delayed viral clearing, as well as no positive impact on prognosis. While low-dose corticosteroids may benefit patients with severe COVID-19 for it can manifestly lower risk of death and improve the clinical status to some extent.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
The role of teicoplanin in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A retrospective study in critically ill COVID-19 patients (Tei-COVID study).
Teicoplanin has a potential antiviral activity expressed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was suggested as a complementary option to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In this multicentric, retrospective, observational research the aim was to evaluate the impact of teicoplanin on the course of COVID-19 in critically ill patients. Fifty-five patients with severe COVID-19, hospitalized in the intensive care units (ICUs) and treated with best available therapy were retrospectively analysed. ⋯ No side effects related to teicoplanin use were observed. Despite several limitations require further research, in this study the use of teicoplanin is not associated with a significant improvement in outcomes analysed. The antiviral activity of teicoplanin against SARS-CoV-2, previously documented, is probably more effective at early clinical stages.
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To assess the practicability (usability and satisfaction) and analytical performances of the VitaPCR™ SARS-CoV-2 Assay (Credo Diagnostics Biomedical Pte. Ltd.), a rapid point-of-care nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), by reference to real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) for respiratory viruses. The practicability of the VitaPCR™ Assay and Instrument was assessed from usability evaluation and a satisfaction questionnaire. ⋯ A total of 140 and 99 samples were positive and negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by rRT-PCR, respectively. In the event of significant viral load (i.e., N gene Ct values 33), the platform's analytical performances dropped significantly, with lower sensitivity, concordance, and accuracy, while its specificity remained high. The VitaPCR™ SARS-CoV-2 Assay is an accurate rapid point-of-care NAAT, suitable for clinical practice for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in patients with COVID-19-suspected symptoms.
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Vaccine hesitancy poses serious challenges for achieving coverage for population immunity. It is necessary to achieve high COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rates and medical students' coverage as future health care providers. The study aimed to explore the level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and determine the factors and barriers that may affect vaccination decision-making. ⋯ The government, health authority decision-makers, medical experts, and universities in Egypt need to work together and make efforts to reduce hesitancy and raise awareness about vaccinations, consequently improving the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.
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The hologic panther fusion (PF) platform provides fully automated CE marked diagnostics for respiratory viruses, including the recently discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by a transcription mediated amplification (TMA) assay, but not for the endemic human coronaviruses (hCoV). Therefore, a laboratory developed test (LDT) comprising a multiplexed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol that detects and differentiates the four hCoV NL63, 229E, HKU1, and OC43 was adapted on the PF. The novel CE marked Aptima SARS-CoV-2 TMA and the LDT for hCoV were validated with 321 diagnostic specimens from the upper and lower respiratory tract in comparison to two SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCRs (PF E-gene RT-PCR and genesig RT-PCR, 157 specimens) or the R-GENE hCoV/hParaFlu RT-PCR (164 specimens), respectively. ⋯ The Aptima SARS-CoV-2 TMA gave 99.4% concordant results compared to the consensus results with a single specimen discordantly positive. Moreover, 36 samples from proficiency testing panels were detected and typed correctly by both novel methods. In conclusion, the SARS-CoV-2 TMA and the LDT for hCoV enhanced the diagnostic spectrum of the PF for all coronaviruses circulating globally for a multitude of diagnostic materials from the upper and lower respiratory tract.