BMJ open
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This study aimed to capture key epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaraguan children (≤18 years) seeking medical care, between 6 October and 16 November 2020. ⋯ This is the first paediatric study to provide laboratory-confirmed data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaragua, crucial for paediatric health services planning and a successful COVID-19 response. The high prevalence of the virus suggests widespread and sustained community transmission, underscoring the urgent need for robust data on the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout Nicaragua.
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Develop simple and valid models for predicting mortality and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients who present at the emergency department (ED) with suspected COVID-19. ⋯ COPE is a simple tool that is well able to predict mortality and need for ICU admission in patients who present to the ED with suspected COVID-19 and may help patients and doctors in decision making.
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Clinical Trial
External validation of the 4C Mortality Score for patients with COVID-19 and pre-existing cardiovascular diseases/risk factors.
Predictive algorithms to inform risk management decisions are needed for patients with COVID-19, although the traditional risk scores have not been adequately assessed in Asian patients. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a COVID-19-specific prediction model, the 4C (Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium) Mortality Score, along with other conventional critical care risk models in Japanese nationwide registry data. ⋯ The 4C Mortality Score performed well in an independent external COVID-19 cohort and may enable appropriate disposition of patients and allocation of medical resources.Trial registration number UMIN000040598.
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This research aims to explore the impact of serum phosphate on the mortality of critically ill patients. ⋯ Patients with very-high-normal serum phosphate also had worse outcomes, it might be necessary to re-evaluate the definitions of the normal reference range for serum phosphate. Hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia are not the independent risk factors of 28-day or 90-day ICU mortality, which leads us to consider whether phosphate monitoring is not a necessary measure in critically ill patients. But hyperphosphataemia was associated with increased 28-day or 90-day mortality at the medical ICU, which emphasises the potential importance of early diagnosis and treatment of hyperphosphataemia for the patients who were admitted to the medical ICU.