Adverse outcomes associated with recorded victimization in mental health electronic records during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown

Purpose

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic policies on vulnerable groups such as people with mental health problems who experience violence remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of victimization recorded in mental healthcare records during the first UK lockdown, and associations with subsequent adverse outcomes.

Methods

Using a large mental healthcare database, we identified all adult patients receiving services between 16.12.2019 and 15.06.2020 and extracted records of victimisation between 16.03.2020 and 15.06.2020 (first UK COVID-19 lockdown). We investigated adverse outcomes including acute care, emergency department referrals and all-cause mortality in the year following the lockdown (16.06.2020- 01.11.2021). Multivariable Cox regressions models were constructed, adjusting for socio-demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and service use factors.

Results

Of 21,037 adults receiving mental healthcare over the observation period, 3,610 (17.2%) had victimisation mentioned between 16.03.2020 and 15.06.2020 (first UK COVID-19 lockdown). Service users with mentions of victimisation in their records had an elevated risk for all outcomes: acute care (adjusted HR: 2.1; 95%CI 1.9–2.3, p < 0.001), emergency department referrals (aHR: 2.0; 95%CI 1.8–2.2; p < 0.001), and all-cause mortality (aHR: 1.5; 95%CI 1.1–1.9; p = 0.003), when compared to service users with no recorded victimisation. We did not observe a statistically significant interaction with gender; however, after adjusting for possible confounders, men had slightly higher hazard ratios for all-cause mortality and emergency department referrals than women.

Conclusion

Patients with documented victimisation during the first UK lockdown were at increased risk for acute care, emergency department referrals and all-cause mortality. Further research is needed into mediating mechanisms.

     

Parkinson's disease may worsen outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in hospitalized patients: A systematic review,meta-analysis,and meta-regression

BackgroundParkinson's Disease (PD) is among one of the common comorbidities in older patients. People with PD may be more vulnerable to severe pneumonia, due to the impairment of pulmonary function. Currently, the association between PD and COVID-19 is not yet established. This study aims to analyze the relationship between PD and in-hospital outcomes of COVID-19.Materials and methodsWe systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until December 25th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and Parkinson's Disease were retrieved. The quality of the study was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool for observational studies and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools for cross-sectional studies. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software.ResultsA total of 12 studies with 103,874 COVID-19 patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that Parkinson's Disease was associated with poor in-hospital outcomes [[OR 2.64 (95% CI 1.75–3.99), p < 0.00001, I² = 81%] and its subgroup which comprised of severe COVID-19 [OR 2.61 (95% CI 1.98–3.43), p < 0.00001, I² = 0%] and mortality from COVID-19 [RR 2.63 (95% CI 1.50–4.60), p = 0.0007, I² = 91%]. Meta-regression showed that the association was influenced by age (p = 0.05), but not by gender (p = 0.46) and dementia (p = 0.23).ConclusionsExtra care and close monitoring should be provided to Parkinson's Disease patients to minimize the risk of infections, preventing the development of severe and mortality outcomes.     

Increased in-hospital mortality from COVID-19 in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundThere is limited information describing the presenting characteristics and outcomes of patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) requiring hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).AimsWe aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 SCZ patients with those of non-SCZ patients.MethodThis was a case-control study of COVID-19 patients admitted to 4 AP–HM/AMU acute care hospitals in Marseille, southern France. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by a positive result on polymerase chain reaction testing of a nasopharyngeal sample and/or on chest computed scan among patients requiring hospital admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) admission.ResultsA total of 1092 patients were included. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 9.0%. The SCZ patients had an increased mortality compared to the non-SCZ patients (26.7% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.039), which was confirmed by the multivariable analysis after adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, obesity and comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio 4.36 [95% CI: 1.09–17.44]; P = 0.038). In contrast, the SCZ patients were not more frequently admitted to the ICU than the non-SCZ patients. Importantly, the SCZ patients were mostly institutionalized (63.6%, 100% of those who died), and they were more likely to have cancers and respiratory comorbidities.ConclusionsThis study suggests that SCZ is not overrepresented among COVID-19 hospitalized patients, but SCZ is associated with excess COVID-19 mortality, confirming the existence of health disparities described in other somatic diseases.     

Stroke as a Neurological Complication of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence,Outcomes and Predictors

IntroductionCOVID-19 is a multi-system infection which predominantly affects the respiratory system, but also causes systemic inflammation, endothelialitis and thrombosis. The consequences of this include renal dysfunction, hepatitis and stroke. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical course, and outcomes of patients who suffer from stroke as a complication of COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of all studies published between November 1, 2019 and July 8, 2020 which reported on patients who suffered from stroke as a complication of COVID-19.Results326 studies were screened, and 30 studies reporting findings from 55,176 patients including 899 with stroke were included. The average age of patients who suffered from stroke as a complication of COVID-19 was 65.5 (Range: 40.4–76.4 years). The average incidence of stroke as a complication of COVID-19 was 1.74% (95% CI: 1.09% to 2.51%). The average mortality of stroke in COVID-19 patients was 31.76% (95% CI: 17.77% to 47.31%). These patients also had deranged clinical parameters including deranged coagulation profiles, liver function tests, and full blood counts.ConclusionAlthough stroke is an uncommon complication of COVID-19, when present, it often results in significant morbidity and mortality. In COVID-19 patients, stroke was associated with older age, comorbidities, and severe illness.     

Outcomes of COVID-19 Complications and their Possibilities as Potential Triggers of Stroke

IntroductionThere is limited literature on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) complications such as thromboembolism, cardiac complications etc. as possible trigger for stroke. Hence, we aim to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 related cardiovascular complications and secondary infection and their possibility as potential triggers for the stroke.MethodsData from observational studies describing the complications [acute cardiac injury (ACI), cardiac arrhythmias (CA), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), septic shock, secondary infection] and outcomes of COVID‐19 hospitalized patients from December 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, were extracted following PRISMA guidelines. Adverse outcomes defined as intensive care units, oxygen saturation less than 90%, invasive mechanical ventilation, severe disease, and in‐hospital mortality. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were obtained, and forest plots were created using random‐effects models. A short review of these complications as triggers of stroke was conducted.Results16 studies with 3480 confirmed COVID-19 patients, prevalence of ACI [38%vs5.9%], CA [26%vs5.3%], DIC [4%vs0.74%], septic shock [18%vs0.36%], and infection [30%vs12.5%] was higher among patients with poor outcomes. In meta-analysis, ACI [aOR:9.93(95%CI:3.95–25.00], CA [7.52(3.29–17.18)], DIC [7.36(1.24–43.73)], septic shock [30.12(7.56–120.10)], and infection [10.41(4.47–24.27)] had higher odds of adverse outcomes. Patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, had complications like pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, DIC, etc. and had poor outcomesConclusionThe complications like acute cardiac injury, cardiac arrhythmias, DIC, septic shock, and secondary infection had poor outcomes. Patients with stroke were having history of these complications. Long term monitoring is required in such patients to prevent stroke and mitigate adverse outcomes.     

The Association of Cerebrovascular Disease with Adverse Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis Based on Adjusted Effect Estimates

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to address the association between cerebrovascular disease and adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients by using a quantitative meta-analysis based on adjusted effect estimates.MethodA systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE up to August 10th, 2020. The adjusted effect estimates were extracted and pooled to evaluate the risk of the unfavorable outcomes in COVID-19 patients with cerebrovascular disease. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were also carried out.ResultsThere were 12 studies with 10,304 patients included in our meta-analysis. A significant trend was observed when evaluating the association between cerebrovascular disease and adverse outcomes (pooled effect = 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–3.16). In addition, the pooled effects showed that patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease had more likelihood to progress fatal outcomes than patients without a history of cerebrovascular disease (pooled effect = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.04–3.07).ConclusionThis study for the first time indicated that cerebrovascular disease was an independent risk factor for predicting the adverse outcomes, particularly fatal outcomes, in COVID-19 patients on the basis of adjusted effect estimates. Well-designed studies with larger sample size are needed for further verification.     

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder which could impair someone's quality of life and is also associated with poor outcomes from many diseases. Currently, the evidence regarding the link between OSA and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still conflicting. This study aims to analyze the relationship between OSA and poor outcomes of COVID-19.Materials and methodsWe systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until December 10th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and OSA were retrieved. The quality of the study was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool for observational studies. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software.ResultsA total of 21 studies with 54,276 COVID-19 patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that OSA was associated with composite poor outcome [OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.55–1.91), p < 0.00001, I² = 36%, random-effect modeling] and its subgroup which comprised of severe COVID-19 [OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.18–2.45), p = 0.005], ICU admissions [OR 1.76 (95% CI 1.51–2.05), p < 0.00001], the need for mechanical ventilation [OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.48–1.88), p < 0.00001], and mortality [OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.39–2.19), p < 0.00001].ConclusionsExtra care and close monitoring should be provided to patients with OSA to minimize the risk of infections. Simple questionnaires such as STOP-Bang questionnaire can be used for screening patients who may be at risk for severe adverse outcomes.     

Impact of Dementia on Mortality Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019: Propensity-Score-Matching Study

Background and PurposePatients with dementia are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because they tend to be older and often have concomitant diseases. Previous studies have investigated the impact of dementia on COVID-19 outcomes, but the evidence is not robust for Asian populations. We aimed to determine the relationship between dementia and COVID-19 outcomes using data from a large-scale nationwide public database.MethodsData on patients with COVID-19 who were released from quarantine between January 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, published by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, were divided into two groups based on the dementia status. Propensity-score matching was used to adjust for multiple confounders between the dementia and no-dementia groups. Binary, ordinal logistic regression and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models were used to compare mortality, quarantine duration, and clinical deterioration according to the dementia status in the two groups.ResultsMales and older individuals (age ≥60 years) constituted 41.5% and 32.9%, respectively, of the 5,299 patients. The prevalence of dementia was 4.2%, and 4.5% of the participants died during hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, dementia was significantly associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR]=2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.60–4.60), longer duration of quarantine (hazard ratio=1.69, 95% CI=1.16–2.45), and larger shift to a worse clinical severity (common OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.18–2.61).ConclusionsAfter adjusting for important clinical predictors, dementia was associated with increased in-hospital mortality, duration of quarantine, and clinical deterioration during hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.     

Predictors of Hospital Outcomes Among Patients with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

ObjectivesWe aimed to identify independent predictors of the clinical outcomes of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in the Thai-Asian population.Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study recruited PRES patients admitted in the hospital between 2006 and 2019. The baseline characteristics, clinical presentations, precipitating factors, neuroimaging characteristics, hospital complications, and hospital outcomes were compared between the groups with favourable (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score, 0–2) and unfavourable (mRS score, 3–6) clinical outcomes. Factors presenting with p-values < 0.5 in univariate analysis were analysed in the multiple logistic regression model to determine independent predictors of outcome.ResultsAmong 136 PRES patients, 22.80% experienced unfavourable outcomes (mRS score, 3–6), and the mortality rate was 7.35%. The common presenting symptoms in the unfavourable clinical outcome group were impairment of consciousness (90.32%) and seizures (67.74%). Sepsis as a hospital complication (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 32.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.44–244.22, p = 0.001), acute kidney injury as a hospital complication (aOR, 9.94; 95% CI, 1.71–57.66; p = 0.010), and impairment of consciousness (aOR, 10.85; 95% CI, 1.72–68.53, p = 0.011) were independent predictors of unfavourable outcomes. On the other hand, headache was an independent protective factor (aOR, 0.164; 95% CI, 0.03–0.91; p = 0.039).ConclusionsImpairment of consciousness, sepsis as a hospital complication, and acute kidney injury were independent predictors of unfavourable clinical outcomes, whereas headache showed a preventive effect.     

Mental Health Multimorbidity among Caregivers of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Epidemic

ObjectiveTo investigate mental health status and associated factors among caregivers of older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic in China.MethodsFrom March 1 to 31, 2020, 916 caregivers of older adults participated in an online cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. The seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was administered to measure anxiety symptoms, the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and a self-developed questionnaire was used to assess sleep quality and duration. Six questions about COVID-19-related experiences were used to assess community-level infection contact and the level of exposure to media information. The prevalence rates of anxiety, depression and sleep problems were computed. The Wald χ² were applied to compare the differences between subgroups. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and multimorbidity.ResultsThe prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems were 46.8%, 29.8%, and 10.8%, respectively. Approximately 263 participants (28.7%) presented with two or more mental health problems. Being female (OR, 2.254; 95% CI, 1.510–3.363), having community-level COVID-19 contact (OR, 1.856; 95% CI, 1.189–2.898), and having a mental disorder (OR, 3.610; 95% CI, 1.644–7.930) were associated with increased risk of multimorbidity among caregivers. Caregivers who preferred positive information (OR, 0.652; 95% CI, 0.472–0.899) had reduced risk of multimorbidity.ConclusionAnxiety and depression were common among caregivers of older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic. Being female and having community-level COVID-19 contact were independent risk factors for experiencing multiple mental health problems. Preexisting mental disorders increased the risk of multimorbidity among caregivers, while enhanced access to positive media information decreased the risk of multimorbidity.     

Delays in thrombolysis during COVID-19 are associated with worse neurological outcomes: the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Multicenter Collaboration

Introduction

We have demonstrated in a multicenter cohort that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a delay in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) among stroke patients. Whether this delay contributes to meaningful short-term outcome differences in these patients warranted further exploration.

Methods

We conducted a nested observational cohort study of adult acute ischemic stroke patients receiving IVT from 9 comprehensive stroke centers across 7 U.S states. Patients admitted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (1/1/2019–02/29/2020) were compared to patients admitted during the early pandemic (3/1/2020–7/31/2020). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of IVT delay on discharge to hospice or death, with treatment delay on admission during COVID-19 included as an interaction term.

Results

Of the 676 thrombolysed patients, the median age was 70 (IQR 58–81) years, 313 were female (46.3%), and the median NIHSS was 8 (IQR 4–16). Longer treatment delays were observed during COVID-19 (median 46 vs 38 min, p = 0.01) and were associated with higher in-hospital death/hospice discharge irrespective of admission period (OR per hour 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.17, p = 0.03). This effect was strengthened after multivariable adjustment (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.24, p < 0.001). There was no interaction of treatment delay on admission during COVID-19 (p_interaction = 0.65). Every one-hour delay in IVT was also associated with 7% lower odds of being discharged to home or acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.97, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Treatment delays observed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater early mortality and hospice care, with a lower probability of discharge to home/rehabilitation facility. There was no effect modification of treatment delay on admission during the pandemic, indicating that treatment delay at any time contributes similarly to these short-term outcomes.

     

Mental health of clinical staff working in high-risk epidemic and pandemic health emergencies a rapid review of the evidence and living meta-analysis

Purpose

The SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the potential mental health impact on frontline clinical staff. However, given that poor mental health is common in acute medical staff, we aimed to estimate the additional burden of work involving high exposure to infected patients.

Methods

We report a rapid review, meta-analysis, and living meta-analysis of studies using validated measures from outbreaks of COVID-19, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Results

A random effects meta-analysis found that high-exposure work is not associated with an increased prevalence of above cut-off scoring (anxiety: RR = 1.30, 95% CI 0.87–1.93, Total N = 12,473; PTSD symptoms: RR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.75–1.78, Total N = 6604; depression: RR = 1.50, 95% CI 0.57–3.95, Total N = 12,224). For continuous scoring, high-exposure work was associated with only a small additional burden of acute mental health problems compared to low-exposure work (anxiety: SMD = 0.16, 95% CI 0.02–0.31, Total N = 6493; PTSD symptoms: SMD = 0.20, 95% CI 0.01–0.40, Total N = 5122; depression: SMD = 0.13, 95% CI -0.04–0.31, Total N = 4022). There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

Although epidemic and pandemic response work may add only a small additional burden, improving mental health through service management and provision of mental health services should be a priority given that baseline rates of poor mental health are already very high. As new studies emerge, they are being added to a living meta-analysis where all analysis code and data have been made freely available: https://osf.io/zs7ne/.

     

Safety and Outcomes of Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy in Ischemic Stroke Patients with COVID-19: CASCADE Initiative

BackgroundThere is little information regarding the safety of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) in patients with stroke and COVID-19.MethodsThis multicenter study included consecutive stroke patients with and without COVID-19 treated with IV-tPA between February 18, 2019, to December 31, 2020, at 9 centers participating in the CASCADE initiative. Clinical outcomes included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge, in-hospital mortality, the rate of hemorrhagic transformation. Using Bayesian multiple regression and after adjusting for variables with significant value in univariable analysis, we reported the posterior adjusted odds ratio (OR, with 95% Credible Intervals [CrI]) of the main outcomes.ResultsA total of 545 stroke patients, including 101 patients with COVID-19 were evaluated. Patients with COVID-19 had a more severe stroke at admission. In the study cohort, 85 (15.9%) patients had a hemorrhagic transformation, and 72 (13.1%) died in the hospital. After adjustment for confounding variables, discharge mRS score ≥2 (OR: 0.73, 95% CrI: 0.16, 3.05), in-hospital mortality (OR: 2.06, 95% CrI: 0.76, 5.53), and hemorrhagic transformation (OR: 1.514, 95% CrI: 0.66, 3.31) were similar in COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients. High-sensitivity C reactive protein level was a predictor of hemorrhagic transformation in all cases (OR:1.01, 95%CI: 1.0026, 1.018), including those with COVID-19 (OR:1.024, 95%CI:1.002, 1.054).ConclusionIV-tPA treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke and COVID-19 was not associated with an increased risk of disability, mortality, and hemorrhagic transformation compared to those without COVID-19. IV-tPA should continue to be considered as the standard of care in patients with hyper acute stroke and COVID-19.     

COVID-19 and Stroke: Incidence and Etiological Description in a High-Volume Center

BackgroundAn increased rate of thrombotic events has been associated to Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) with a variable rate of acute stroke. Our aim is to uncover the rate of acute stroke in COVID-19 patients and identify those cases in which a possible causative relationship could exist.MethodsWe performed a single-center analysis of a prospective mandatory database. We studied all patients with confirmed COVID-19 and stroke diagnoses from March 2^nd to April 30^th. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were prospectively collected. Final diagnosis was determined after full diagnostic work-up unless impossible due to death.ResultsOf 2050 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 21 (1.02%) presented an acute ischemic stroke 21 and 4 (0.2%) suffered an intracranial hemorrhage. After the diagnostic work-up, in 60.0% ischemic and all hemorrhagic strokes patients an etiology non-related with COVID-19 was identified. Only in 6 patients the stroke cause was considered possibly related to COVID-19, all of them required mechanical ventilation before stroke onset. Ten patients underwent endovascular treatment; compared with patients who underwent EVT in the same period, COVID-19 was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (50% versus 15%; Odds Ratio, 6.67; 95% CI, 1.1-40.4; p 0.04).ConclusionsThe presence of acute stroke in patients with COVID-19 was below 2% and most of them previously presented established stroke risk factors. Without other potential cause, stroke was an uncommon complication and exclusive of patients with a severe pulmonary injury. The presence of COVID-19 in patients who underwent EVT was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality.     

Exploring depressive symptoms and its associates among Bangladeshi older adults amid COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a cross-sectional study

Purpose

Depression, one of the most common mental disorders, is up-surging worldwide amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, especially among the older population. This study aims to measure prevalent depressive symptoms and its associates among older adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out among 1032 older Bangladeshi adults, aged 60 years and above, through telephone interviews in October 2020. We used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on participants’ socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, pre-existing medical conditions, and COVID-19-related information. Meanwhile, depressive symptoms were measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). The binary logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms.

Results

Two-in-five participants showed depressive symptoms on the GDS-15 scale. Poor socioeconomic characteristic such as low family income, dependency on the family for living, recipient of financial support during the pandemic was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions had 91% higher odds of depressive symptoms. Social isolation, captured in terms of living alone (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.11–4.01), less frequent communication during pandemic (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.07–2.26), perceived loneliness (aOR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.47–3.45), and isolation from others (aOR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.62–3.70) were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Our study found a sizeable proportion of study participants with depressive symptoms amidst the ongoing pandemic. The findings of the present study call for the urgent need for mental health support package targeting this vulnerable group of population.

     

Mechanical Thrombectomy and Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

ObjectivesThe benefit and risk of administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) before endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (E-MT) in acute stroke has been actively debated. We therefore aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of three therapeutic strategies for acute stroke: direct E-MT, E-MT with pre-administration of tPA, and tPA alone with a network meta-analysis.Materials and methodsPUBMED and EMBASE were searched from September to November 2021 for randomized control trials that compared direct E-MT, E-MT with tPA, and tPA alone therapies in acute stroke. The primary outcome was functional independence, defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2, at 90 days. All-cause mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and successful revascularization were also evaluated.ResultsWe identified 11 randomized controlled trials with a total of 3,640 patients with acute stroke. Compared to E-MT with tPA, direct E-MT provided comparable outcomes regarding functional independence (relative risk (RR): 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88–1.19, I² = 36.6%) and all-cause mortality (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.85–1.31, I² = 0%). The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was not significantly different between direct E-MT and E-MT with tPA (RR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.57–1.20, I² = 0%). Direct E-MT had favorable functional independence (RR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.15-1.74, I² = 36.6%) and higher successful revascularization rate (RR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.33–1.93, I² = 61.2%) than tPA alone.ConclusionsDirect E-MT alone led to acceptable outcomes even in comparison to E-MT with tPA, whereas additional tPA did not cause higher risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.     

Imaging spectrum of acute invasive fungal rhino-orbital-cerebral sinusitis in COVID-19 patients: A case series and a review of literature

BackgroundThe incidence of devastating opportunistic coinfections in patients with COVID-19 infection, their imaging features and their morbidity and mortality consequences need to be unraveled.MethodsThis is a case series presenting the radiologic features and clinical presentation of acute invasive fungal rhino-orbital-cerebral sinusitis (AIFS) in eight hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection.ResultsOur patient cohort presented with symptoms of the invasive fungal disease within 12–35 days from their initial presentation with COVID-19 infection. The cross-sectional imaging features of AIFS associated with COVID-19 infection do not differ from those reported in the literature for AIFS associated with other risk factors, yet our patients had features of aggressive late-stage forms with high morbidity and mortality rate.ConclusionAIFS is a possible encounter in patients with COVID-19 patients and radiologists should be familiar with its imaging features.     

Sleep disturbances among Chinese residents during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak and associated factors

ObjectivesSleep status can affect the body's immune status and mental health. This study aims to investigate the sleep status of Chinese residents during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to evaluate its related risk factors.MethodsThis research carried out a cross-sectional survey in February 2020 (during the COVID-19 outbreak) to investigate the sleep status of residents nationwide in the form of an online questionnaire. Of the 8151 respondents, 6437 were eventually included in the analysis. Logistic regression is applied to analyze the associated factors affecting residents' sleep quality.ResultsDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, the incidence of sleep disturbances in residents was 17.65%. Increased risk of sleep disturbances was found to be associated with older age, female gender, and poor self-reported health status. Moreover, the odds ratios (ORs) were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.1–2.64), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.16–1.59), 5.59 (95% CI: 4.32–7.23), respectively. Those residents who believed COVID-19 had caused a high number of deaths or who thought COVID-19 was not easy to cure were more likely to experience sleep disorders, and the ORs were 1.73 (95% CI: 1.43–2.09), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.29–1.91), respectively. Regular exercise was a protective factor for sleep disturbances, OR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63–0.93).ConclusionsDuring the outbreak of COVID-19, nearly one-fifth of participants had sleep disorders. It is necessary to pay more attention to people at high risk for sleep disturbances during the outbreak, adopt effective risk communication methods, enhance residents' rational understanding of COVID-19, and develop practical indoor exercise programs for general public to improve sleep quality.     

The significant impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on in-hospital mortality of elderly patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A retrospective observational study

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of death and disability among the elderly patient population. This study aimed to assess the predictors of in-hospital mortality of elderly patients with moderate to severe TBI who presented during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsIn this retrospective analytical study, all elderly patients with moderate to severe TBI who were referred to our center between March 2nd, 2020 to August 1st, 2020 were investigated and compared against the TBI patients receiving treatment during the same time period within the year 2019. Patients were followed until discharge from the hospital or death. The demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory test data were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS-21 software.FindingsIn this study, 359 elderly patients were evaluated (n = 162, Post-COVID-19). Fifty-four patients of the cohort had COVID-19 disease with a mortality rate was 33.3%. The patients with COVID-19 were 5.45 times more likely to expire before discharge (P < 0.001) than the TBI patients who were not COVID-19 positive. Other variables such as hypotension (OR, 4.57P < 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR, 2.39, P = 0.002), and use of anticoagulant drugs (OR, 2.41P = 0.001) were also associated with in-hospital death. According to the binary logistic regression analysis Age (OR, 1.72; 95% CI: 1.26–2.18; P = 0.033), Coronavirus infection (OR, 2.21; 95% CI: 1.83–2.92; P = 0.011) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (OR, 3.11; 95% CI: 2.12–4.53; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors correlated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality of elderly patients with moderate to severe TBI.ConclusionOur results showed that Coronavirus infection could increase the risk of in-hospital mortality of elderly patients with moderate to severe TBI significantly.     

COVID-19 Prevalence and Mortality Among Schizophrenia Patients: A Large-Scale Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveIndividuals with schizophrenia may be at an increased risk for COVID-19 morbidity due to the disease characteristics. In this study, we aimed to explore the odds of significant COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among schizophrenia patients while controlling for potential sociodemographic and medical confounders.MethodsSchizophrenia patients and age-and-sex matched controls (total n = 51 078) were assessed for frequency of COVID-19 positivity, hospitalizations, and mortality. The odds for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and mortality were calculated using logistic regression models, while controlling for age, sex, marital status, sector, socioeconomic status, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.ResultsIndividuals with schizophrenia were less likely to test positive for COVID-19; however, they were twice as likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 (OR 2.15 95% CI 1.63–2.82, P < .0001), even after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical risk factors (OR 1.88 95% CI 1.39–2.55, P < .0001). Furthermore, they were 3 times more likely to experience COVID-19 mortality (OR 3.27 95% CI 1.39–7.68, P < .0001), compared to controls.ConclusionsWe found evidence of associations between schizophrenia and increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality compared to controls regardless of sociodemographic and medical factors. As these patients present with a combination of potential risk factors for mortality, efforts should be made to minimize the effects of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.