Infection
-
Multicenter Study
First results of the "Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients (LEOSS)".
Knowledge regarding patients' clinical condition at severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection is sparse. Data in the international, multicenter Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients (LEOSS) cohort study may enhance the understanding of COVID-19. ⋯ The LEOSS cohort identified age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and male sex as risk factors for complicated disease stages at SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, thus confirming previous data. Further data regarding outcomes of the natural course of COVID-19 and the influence of treatment are required.
-
Multicenter Study Observational Study
Gender differences and influenza-associated mortality in hospitalized influenza A patients during the 2018/19 season.
In this study we analyzed gender differences in the clinical presentation of patients with molecular confirmed influenza A. Additionally, we tried to identify predictors of influenza-associated mortality. ⋯ Gender is associated with differences in clinical presentation and complications of influenza A virus infection. Women with acute heart failure or aged > 75 years have an increased risk of influenza associated in-hospital mortality, while ICU admission and any malignancy are predictors for male patients. Mortality rates in patients > 75 years are 5-10 times higher compared to their non-hospitalized influenza-negative Austrian counterparts.
-
Microbial infection stimulates neutrophil/macrophage/monocyte extracellular trap formation, which leads to the release of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) catalyzed by peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) 2 and 4. Understanding these molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of septic shock will be an important next step for developing novel diagnostic and treatment modalities. We sought to determine the expression of CitH3 in patients with septic shock, and to correlate CitH3 levels with PAD2/PAD4 and clinically relevant outcomes. ⋯ CitH3 is increased in patients with septic shock. Its serum concentrations correlate with disease severity and prognosis, which may yield vital insights into the pathophysiology of sepsis.
-
According to the European Public Health Authority guidance for ending isolation in the context of COVID-19, a convalescent healthcare worker (HCW) can end their isolation at home and resume work upon clinical improvement and two negative RT-PCR tests from respiratory specimens obtained at 24-h intervals at least 8 days after the onset of symptoms. However, convalescent HCWs may shed SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA for prolonged periods. ⋯ We recommend lifting isolation if the RT-PCR Ct-value of a naso- or oropharyngeal swab sample is over 30. Positive results obtained from genes targeted with Ct-values > 30 correspond to non-viable/noninfectious particles that are still detected by RT-PCR. In case of Ct-values lower than 30, a blood sample from the patient should be tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies. If positive, non-infectiousness can also be assumed.
-
The aim of our study was to assess respiratory function at the time of clinical recovery and 6 weeks after discharge in patients surviving to COVID-19 pneumonia. ⋯ These findings suggest that COVID-19 pneumonia may result in clinically relevant alterations in pulmonary function tests, with a mainly restrictive pattern.