Diabetes mellitus as a comorbidity in COVID-19 infection in the United Arab Emirates

Objectives:To compare risk factors and clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients with or without diabetes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods:Data of 350 COVID-19 positive patients, admitted to Al Kuwait Hospital in Dubai, UAE, from February to May 2020 was collected retrospectively, including demographic data, clinical symptoms, blood tests, as well as radiographical assessments, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. The design of the study is a retrospective cohort study.Results:COVID-19 patients with diabetes belong to an older age group, had a higher percentage of male patients, exhibited more lymphopenia and neutrophilia, and higher ferritin levels. Additionally, patients with diabetes presented fever and shortness of breath (SOB), displayed more bilateral airspace consolidation and opacities in their chest x-ray and CT scans, compared to non-diabetics. A higher percentage of critical, ICU-admitted, and death of COVID-19 cases in the diabetic group was also reported. This was along with a concomitant increase in C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels.Conclusions:Diabetes is considered a comorbidity as diabetic patients showed more severe COVID-19 symptoms that led to critical clinical outcomes such as ICU admission and death.     

D-dimer as a predictive and prognostic marker among COVID-19 patients

Objectives:To examine D-dimer, coagulation profile, and platelet count among patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and compare them to findings from non-COVID-19 subjects.Methods:The participants in this retrospective hospital-based observational study design included 112 confirmed diagnosed with COVID-19 who were admitted to King Khaled Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia, and another 112 non-COVID-19 subjects as a comparative group. Laboratory investigations, demographic and clinical records were obtained from participants’ electronic indexed medical records. Coronavirus disease-19 diagnosis was confirmed according to positive real time polymerase chain reaction assay carried out at the hospital’s central laboratory, where samples were extracted from a nasopharyngeal swab. Pneumonia related to COVID-19 is classified as critical, severe, moderate, mild, and asymptomatic whereas thrombocytopenia was marked when the platelet count was <150.00×10⁹/L. Suitable statistical analysis was applied to determine possible differences between the findings from the 2 groups.Results:The D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin clotting time mean values were significantly elevated (p<0.001). The international normalized ratio and platelet count mean values confirmed a significant decrease (p<0.001). Thrombocytopenia was found 9 times in COVID-19 higher than in the non-COVID-19. D-dimer and prothrombin time mean values increased significantly among the COVID-19 patients with all patterns of symptoms on admission (p<0.001).Conclusion:D-dimer mean values increased significantly in deceased COVID-19 and in hospitalized intensive care unit (ICU) wards patients (p<0.001), indicating a potential predictive and prognostic severity marker, particularly among COVID-19 patients in the ICU.     

The use of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a marker for COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia: A case-control retrospective multicenter study

Objectives:To assess the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) diagnostic and prognostic value in the context of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection in Saudi Arabia.Methods:A case-control study in which 701 confirmed COVID-19 patients (of which 41 were intensive care unit [ICU]-admitted) and 250 control subjects were enrolled. The study was conducted retrospectively in October on patients admitted to 3 separate hospitals in Saudi Arabia namely: King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital (Riyadh), Ohud Hospital (Madinah), and Nojood Medical Center (Madinah) between May and September 2020. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated based on absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte count. Institutional ethical approval was obtained prior to the study.Results:Patients (median age 35 years), of which 54.8% were females, were younger than the control cohort (median age 48 years). Patients had significantly higher NLR compared to the control group. Intensive care unit admitted patients had significantly higher platelet, WBC and neutrophil counts. The ICU patients’ NLR was almost twice as of the non-intensive patients. The NLR value of 5.5 was found to be of high specificity (96.4%) and positive predictive value (91.4%) in diagnosing COVID-19. Furthermore, it had a very good sensitivity (86.4%) in predicting severe forms of disease, such as, ICU admission.Conclusion:Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an important tool in determining the COVID-19 clinical status. This study further confirms the prognostic value of NLR in detecting severe infection, and those patients with high NLR should be closely monitored and managed.     

Tracheostomy without mechanical ventilation in patients with traumatic brain injury at a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi: a cross sectional study

BackgroundTracheostomy alone, without mechanical ventilation, has been advocated to maintain a free airway in patients with traumatic brain injury in low-income settings with minimal critical care capacity. However, no reports exist on the outcomes of this strategy. We examine the results of this practice at a central hospital in Malawi.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of medical records and prospectively gathered trauma surveillance data of patients admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital, with traumatic brain injury from January 2010 to December 2015. In-hospital mortality rates were examined according to registered traumatic brain injury severity and airway management.ResultsIn our analysis, 1875 of 2051 registered traumatic brain injury patients were included; 83.3% were male, mean age 32.6 (SD 12.9) years. 14.2% (n=267) of the patients had invasive airway management (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy) with or without mechanical ventilation. Mortality in severe traumatic brain injury treated with tracheostomy without mechanical ventilation was 42% (10/24) compared to 21% (14/68) in patients treated without intubation or tracheostomy (p= 0.043). Tracheostomies had an overall complication rate of 11%.ConclusionTracheostomy without mechanical ventilation in severe traumatic brain injury did not improve survival outcomes in our setting. Tracheostomy for severe traumatic brain injury cannot be recommended when mechanical ventilation is not available unless there are sufficient specialized human resources for follow up in the ward. Efforts to improve critical care facilities and human resource capacity to allow proper use of mechanical ventilation in severe traumatic brain injury should be a high priority in low-income countries where the burden of trauma is high.     

Clinical characteristics and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 adult patients in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To provide a detailed study of demographic, baseline comorbidities, clinical features, and outcome for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.Methods:A record-based case-series study conducted from March 23 to June 15, 2020 in King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, complications, and in-hospital outcome of COVID-19 patients collected with analysis of the clinical characteristics for survivors and deceased.Results:A total of 768 patients were included. The mean age was 46.36±13.7 years and 76.7% were men. Approximately 96.3% reported more than one comorbidity; diabetes mellitus was the most frequent (46.4%). Fever (84.5%), cough (82.3%), and shortness of breath (79.8%) were the main presenting symptoms. During the follow-up, pneumonia reported in 68.6%, acute respiratory distress syndrome in 32.7%, septic shock in 20.7%, respiratory failure in 20.3%, and acute kidney injury in 19.3%. Approximately 45.8% of enrolled patients required intensive care unit admission. Lung disease (odd ratio [OR]=3.862 with 95% confident interval [CI] (2.455-6.074), obesity (OR=3.732, CI=2.511-5.546), smoking (OR=2.991, CI=2.072-4.317), chronic kidney disease (OR=2.296. CI=1.497-3.521), and diabetes mellitus (OR=2.291, CI=1.714-3.063) are predictors of ICU admission. Fatality ratio was 89/2084 (4.27%). Men were more prevalent in dead group.Conclusion:Coronavirus disease 2019 places a huge burden on healthcare facilities, particularly in patients with comorbidity. Coronavirus disease 2019 patients who are obese and smokers with history of diabetes mellitus have a high risk of death.     

Outcomes of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients in National Guard Health Affairs,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To evaluate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient tracheostomy outcomes.Methods:All COVID-19 patients at the National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were retrospectively recruited. Those who had tracheostomies between April and December 2020 were included.Results:The population was 45 patients, of which 30 (66.7%) were males, 15 (33.3%) were females and the mean age was 66.76±12.74 years. The tracheostomy indications were anticipated prolonged weaning in 40 (88.9%) and failed extubation in 5 (11.1%) of the patients. The mean intubation to tracheostomy duration was 20.62±7.21 days. Mortalities were high, with most attributed to COVID-19. Mortality and a pre-tracheostomy C-reactive protein (CRP) uptrend were significantly related (p=0.039). Mortality and intubation to tracheostomy duration were not significantly related. The mean post-tracheostomy time to death was 10.64±6.9 days. Among the survivors, 20 (44.4%) males and 11 (24.4%) females were weaned off mechanical ventilation; 9 (20%) remained on ventilation during the study. The mean ventilation weaning time was 27.92±20 days.Conclusion:The high mortality rate was attributed to COVID-19. Mortality and a pre-tracheostomy CRP uptrend were significantly related; uptrend patients experienced far more mortalities than downtrend patients. Unlike previous findings, mortality and intubation to tracheostomy duration were not significantly related.     

湖北省洪湖市ICU成年COVID-19患者的临床特征和结局分析

目的 描述成年重症COVID-19 患者的临床特征及结局病探讨其院内死亡的危险因素。方法 本研究纳入了来自湖北省荆州市洪湖市人民医院重症监护病房的确诊为COVID-19的20名成人患者，根据最后的结局分为生存组和死亡组，10人/组。 从电子病历中获取人口学、临床表现及体征、实验室指标、治疗措施和临床结局等数据，总结ICU成年COVID-19患者的临床特征和结局分析。通过使用单因素Logistic分析两组与院内死亡相关的危险因素。结果 COVID-19确诊患者的平均年龄为70 ±12岁，其中40%为男性，起病11±9 d后入住ICU。入院时最常见的症状分别是咳嗽（19例，95%）、乏力或肌痛（18例，90%）、发热（17例，85%）和呼吸困难（16例，80%）。11名（55%）患者有基础疾病，其中高血压最常见（11例，55%），其次是心血管疾病（4例，20%）和糖尿病（3例，15%）。6人（30%）接受了有创机械通气和持续肾脏替代治疗，并最终死亡。急性心脏损伤是最常见的并发症（19例，95%）。50%的患者（10人）在入住ICU后第2~19天之间死亡，相较于死亡患者，生存患者的平均体质量更低（61.70± 2.36 vs 68.60±7.15，P=0.01），格拉斯哥昏迷评分更高（14.69±0.70 vs 12.70±2.45，P=0.03），更少并发休克（2 vs 10，P=0.001）和急性呼吸窘迫综合征（2 vs 10，P=0.001）。结论 患有 COVID-19 的危重患者年龄较高，体质量较重、淋巴细胞计数减少可能是ICU中COVID-19患者死亡的潜在危险因素。     

氧合指数及弥散指数对新型冠状病毒肺炎合并急性呼吸窘迫综合征的机械通气患者预后的评估研究

背景　《新型冠状病毒肺炎诊疗方案（试行第七版）》指出若重症、危重症患者的治疗中使用高流量鼻导管氧疗或无创通气后短时间（ 1~2 h） 内病情无改善甚至恶化,应当及时进行气管插管和有创机械通气,但其并未给出客观参考指标,而通常使用的氧合指数在该类患者临床应用中存在不足,故而探寻更有参考价值的预后评估指标显得尤为重要。目的　分析新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）患者出现急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）进行机械通气治疗时氧合指数和弥散指数对患者预后评估的差异。方法　选取2020-01-25至03-14在武汉科技大学天佑医院ICU收治的行机械通气的COVID-19并发ARDS患者39例,其中2例因24 h内死亡脱失,以患者28 d的预后结果分为生存组（n=11）和死亡组（n=26）,记录呼吸机参数设置与对应的血气数值,分析氧合指数、弥散指数与患者28 d预后的相关性。结果　生存组最差氧合指数、入ICU时弥散指数、最差弥散指数高于死亡组（P<0.05）。入ICU时氧合指数预测死亡的灵敏度为100.0%,特异度为46.2%,ROC曲线下面积（AUC）为0.654,AUC与参考值比较,差异无统计学意义（P=0.144）;最差氧合指数预测死亡的灵敏度为3.8%,特异度为100.0%,AUC为0.862,AUC与参考值比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;入ICU时弥散指数预测死亡的灵敏度为7.7%,特异度为100.0%,AUC为0.734,AUC与参考值比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;最差弥散指数预测死亡的灵敏度为100.0%,特异度为80.8%,AUC为0.902,AUC与参考值比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论　对于COVID-19患者发生ARDS时,弥散指数是比氧合指数灵敏度高且可信度高的预后评估指标。     

米力农联合机械通气治疗老年急性心力衰竭的临床效果分析

目的 探讨米力农联合机械通气治疗老年急性心力衰竭患者的临床效果,及其对血清半胱氨酸蛋白酶抑制剂C(CysC)和脑钠肽(BNP)的影响.方法 选取2015年9月—2019年9月永康市第一人民医院收治的老年急性心力衰竭患者62例,采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组31例.对照组采用机械通气治疗,观察组在机械通气治疗基...     

Imaging trend and disease course in admitted COVID-19 patients

Objectives:To describe radiographic imaging findings and disease course in admitted Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.Methods:This retrospective study was carried in the Radiology Department, King Fahad Military Medical Complex, Dhahran between March to August 2020 (6 months). All laboratory confirmed COVID-19 admitted cases were evaluated for their symptoms, duration of hospital stays (in a ward or intensive care unit [ICU]), and imaging findings (ground-glass opacity [GGO], air-space shadowing/consolidation, and others such as atelectasis, reticulation, peribronchovascular thickening, lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion) on chest radiograph (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) studies. Cavitation, nodularity, bronchiectasis, and embolism detected on CT scans were considered as complications. Disease course in terms of recovery (radiographic regression or resolution of findings), worsening (shifting from ward to ICU), and unfavorable outcome (persistent ICU stay or death) were recorded. Imaging findings were interpreted by 2 experienced radiologists and consensus reporting was made. Chi-square test was used to determine association.Results:Out of 106 patients, majority were males (n=82, 77.4%). Forty-six patients (43.3%) had abnormal imaging with mostly peripheral GGO (56.5%), followed by consolidations (34.7%), and others (26%). Complications were detected in 6 ICU patients. All patients with unfavorable outcomes were above 60 years having comorbidities or complications (p<0.0005). Fatality rate was calculated as 2.8.Conclusion:Coronavirus disease 2019 is seen mostly affecting males, with peripheral opacities as common imaging findings. Elderly patients with co-morbidities may show unfavorable outcomes.     

Development and validation of prediction models for mechanical ventilation,renal replacement therapy,and readmission in COVID-19 patients

ObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are at risk for resource-intensive outcomes including mechanical ventilation (MV), renal replacement therapy (RRT), and readmission. Accurate outcome prognostication could facilitate hospital resource allocation. We develop and validate predictive models for each outcome using retrospective electronic health record data for COVID-19 patients treated between March 2 and May 6, 2020.Materials and MethodsFor each outcome, we trained 3 classes of prediction models using clinical data for a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2)–positive patients (n = 2256). Cross-validation was used to select the best-performing models per the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic and precision-recall curves. Models were validated using a held-out cohort (n = 855). We measured each model’s calibration and evaluated feature importances to interpret model output.ResultsThe predictive performance for our selected models on the held-out cohort was as follows: area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve—MV 0.743 (95% CI, 0.682-0.812), RRT 0.847 (95% CI, 0.772-0.936), readmission 0.871 (95% CI, 0.830-0.917); area under the precision-recall curve—MV 0.137 (95% CI, 0.047-0.175), RRT 0.325 (95% CI, 0.117-0.497), readmission 0.504 (95% CI, 0.388-0.604). Predictions were well calibrated, and the most important features within each model were consistent with clinical intuition.DiscussionOur models produce performant, well-calibrated, and interpretable predictions for COVID-19 patients at risk for the target outcomes. They demonstrate the potential to accurately estimate outcome prognosis in resource-constrained care sites managing COVID-19 patients.ConclusionsWe develop and validate prognostic models targeting MV, RRT, and readmission for hospitalized COVID-19 patients which produce accurate, interpretable predictions. Additional external validation studies are needed to further verify the generalizability of our results.     

HELLP综合征临床多学科综合治疗分析

目的 探讨HELLP综合征多学科综合治疗的治疗方法和临床结局。方法 选择2011年1月至2015年12月安徽医科大学第一附属医院收治的26例HELLP综合征患者患者,回顾分析患者的临床资料和治疗情况。结果 26例HELLP综合征中,完全性HELLP 7例,部分性HELLP 19例;24例重度子痫前期,2例子痫;25例进行了急诊剖宫产手术。患者发生可逆性后部脑病综合征1例、急性肾损伤3例、急性呼吸窘迫综合征4例、胎盘早剥并发失血性休克2例、多脏器功能障碍综合征1例。2例患者进行了血液净化治疗,4例患者进行了机械通气治疗。25例救治成功,1例死亡。结论 HELLP综合征是妊娠期高血压疾病的严重并发症,及时终止妊娠是治疗的关键,机械通气和血液净化是重要的治疗手段。     

Outcomes of cirrhotic patients admitted to the intensive care unit after a successful cardiac arrest resuscitation

Objectives:To evaluate the outcomes of cirrhotic patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following cardiac arrest.Methods:This was a single centre retrospective study of all the cirrhotic patients, admitted to the ICU at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after a successful cardiac arrest resuscitation, from 1999 to 2017. The characteristics of the hospital survivors and non-survivors were compared.Results:A total of 76 patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period, with a median age of 64 years. In addition to cirrhosis, the patients had other chronic comorbidities, including chronic renal disease (32.9%) and diabetes (47%). Of this group, 67 (88.2%) died in the hospital, and 54 (71%) died while in ICU. Compared to the group who survived, all non-survivors required mechanical ventilation and had a higher median APACHE II score of 38 (p=0.006), a lower median Glasgow coma score (GCS) of 3 (p=0.0003), and a higher median lactic acid of 6.4 mmol/L (p=0.032). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the important predictors of hospital mortality were APACHE II score (p=0.006), bilirubin level (p=0.008) and GCS (p=0.005).Conclusion:Cirrhotic patients admitted to the ICU following cardiac arrest have high mortality. Patients with higher APACHE II scores, higher bilirubin and lower GCS have higher risk of in-hospital mortality.     

武汉市COVID-19住院患者急性肾损伤的发生：287例单中心回顾性分析

ObjectiveTo assess the predictors and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsThis retrospective observational study was conducted among patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to Hankou Hospital between January, 5 and March 8, 2020. We evaluated the association of AKI with the demographic and biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes of the patients using univariate regression analysis.ResultsAtotal of 287 COVID-19 patients, including 55 with AKI and 232 without AKI, were included in the analysis. Compared with the patients without AKI, the patients with AKI were older, predominantly male, and were more likely to have hypoxia and pre-existing hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases. The patients with AKI also had higher levels of white blood cells, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, a higher prevalence of hyperkalemia, lower lymphocyte counts, and higher chest computed tomographic scores. The incidence of stage 1 AKI was 14.3% and that of stage 2 or 3 AKI was 4.9%. The patients with AKI had much higher mortality rate than those without AKI.ConclusionsAKI is an important complication of COVID-19. An older age, a male gender, multiple pre- existing comorbidities, lymphopenia, increased infection indicators, elevated D-dimer, and impaired heart and liver functions are all potential risk factors ofAKI. COVID- 19 patients with AKI that progresses into stages 2 or 3 AKI have a high mortality rate. Prevention of AKI and monitoring kidney function is critical in the care of COVID-19 patients.     

慢性肾衰竭合并急性肾损伤相关影响因素分析

<正>慢性肾衰竭引起患者肾功能严重受损的诱发因素通常是可逆的,若采取及时、积极的治疗方法,则可改善患者肾功能,有效延缓疾病的发展,否则可能出现不可逆的损伤,容易并发急性肾损伤[1-4]。因此,本研究探讨慢性肾衰竭合并急性肾损伤相关影响因素,报道如下。1资料与方法1.1临床资料选择2016年1月—2018年9月期     

急性重症感染后炎症细胞因子风暴下心肌状态及超声心动图心脏检测的价值

目的 探讨急性重症感染后炎症细胞因子风暴下的心肌状态及超声心动图心脏检测的价值。方法 选取2020年1月—2023年2月在海南西部中心医院就诊的急性重症感染患者110例,其中,合并细胞因子风暴患者45例（观察组）,无细胞因子风暴患者65例（对照组）。比较两组患者的临床资料、心肌损伤标志物、心电图、超声心动图参数等差异。结果 观察组患者年龄高于对照组（P <0.05）;观察组乳酸脱氢酶、肌酸激酶、肌酸激酶同工酶、肌钙蛋白T、肌钙蛋白I和N-末端B型脑钠肽原高于对照组（P <0.05）;观察组白细胞计数和中性粒细胞计数高于对照组（P <0.05）,而血小板计数和红细胞计数低于对照组（P <0.05）;观察组心房颤动、室性期前收缩、房性期前收缩和异常Q波占比高于对照组（P <0.05）;观察组左心室舒张末期内径、左心室收缩末期内径、左心室舒张末期容积、左心室收缩末期容积、E峰、三尖瓣反流压差和肺动脉收缩压高于对照组（P <0.05）,而左室射血分数和A峰低于对照组（P <0.05）。结论 急性重症感染后炎症细胞因子风暴下患者心肌损伤明显,超声心动图可直观检测心脏情况。     

Effect of treatment regimens in severe COVID pneumonia at an Indian tertiary care hospital: An observational,real-world study

BackgroundCorticosteroids have attracted attention as a treatment option for severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, published data on steroid therapy is debatable, and real-world data is lacking. This study evaluated the effect of treatment regimens, especially Pulse steroid therapy (Injection Methyl Prednisolone 250 mg iv once a day for three days) in severe-COVID-19 pneumonia at an Indian tertiary care hospital.MethodsThis observational cross-sectional study included severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients aged >18 years, requiring assisted ventilation. As part of the hospital protocol, patients received either pulse steroid therapy, remdesivir or tocilizumab in addition to the recommended steroid doses i.e., injection of dexamethasone 6 mg iv once a day. The association of factors and treatment regimens to patient outcomes was evaluated.ResultsData of eighty-three patients were assessed, majority being above 60 years (n = 30, 36.14%) and males (n = 45/83, 54.21%). The commonest comorbidities were hypertension (n = 26), diabetes (n = 23) and obesity (n = 19), fifty-five patients (66.26%) reported at least one comorbidity. Sixty-one patients (73.49%) had received pulse steroid regimen, forty-eight patients (57.83%) were administered remdesivir-based regimen while twelve patients (14.46%) had received tocilizumab treatment. 54.1% patients managed with pulse steroid regimens were discharged after treatment, statistically similar to remdesivir-managed subgroup (62.5%, p > 0.05). On sub-group analysis, pulse steroids showed better outcomes in young males with no comorbidities. No comorbidity had significant relationship with patient outcomes (p > 0.05).ConclusionPulse steroid therapy is an effective therapy in management of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in a real-world setting, with better outcomes in young males without comorbidities. Pulse steroids can be considered a viable option for severe-COVID-19 pneumonia management.     

COVID-19 in patients with end stage kidney disease at a large community hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia. A prospective study

Objectives:To report the outcome of patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a large community hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia.Methods:A single center, prospective observational study at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Patients with ESKD who were maintained on dialysis and developed COVID-19 between June 15, 2020 and October 31, 2021 were enrolled.Results:In total, 30 patients with ESKD were diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Twenty two (73%) patients developed the disease prior to COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The median age of the cohort was 63 (55-75) years. Most patients were diabetic (73%), hypertensive (97%) and had a median body mass index of 28 kg/m ² . Twenty seven (90%) patients required admission, 16 (52%) patients developed pneumonia, and 5 (17%) patients required mechanical ventilation. Patients who developed pneumonia were older, and the majority had diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. Five patients died with a total mortality of 17%.Conclusion:Patients with ESKD who developed COVID-19 had a poor outcome with high mortality compared to the general population. Presence of diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and older age were associated with a higher risk of severe disease. There was a sharp decline in the number of positive cases following implementation of the vaccination program.     

Towards clinical data-driven eligibility criteria optimization for interventional COVID-19 clinical trials

ObjectiveThis research aims to evaluate the impact of eligibility criteria on recruitment and observable clinical outcomes of COVID-19 clinical trials using electronic health record (EHR) data.Materials and MethodsOn June 18, 2020, we identified frequently used eligibility criteria from all the interventional COVID-19 trials in ClinicalTrials.gov (n = 288), including age, pregnancy, oxygen saturation, alanine/aspartate aminotransferase, platelets, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. We applied the frequently used criteria to the EHR data of COVID-19 patients in Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) (March 2020–June 2020) and evaluated their impact on patient accrual and the occurrence of a composite endpoint of mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, and in-hospital death.ResultsThere were 3251 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from the CUIMC EHR included in the analysis. The median follow-up period was 10 days (interquartile range 4–28 days). The composite events occurred in 18.1% (n = 587) of the COVID-19 cohort during the follow-up. In a hypothetical trial with common eligibility criteria, 33.6% (690/2051) were eligible among patients with evaluable data and 22.2% (153/690) had the composite event.DiscussionBy adjusting the thresholds of common eligibility criteria based on the characteristics of COVID-19 patients, we could observe more composite events from fewer patients.ConclusionsThis research demonstrated the potential of using the EHR data of COVID-19 patients to inform the selection of eligibility criteria and their thresholds, supporting data-driven optimization of participant selection towards improved statistical power of COVID-19 trials.     

住院超高龄患者急性肾损伤发病后死亡相关因素分析

目的 分析住院超高龄患者急性肾损伤（AKI）发病后死亡相关因素。方法 回顾性分析2016年1月— 2018年1月三亚市人民医院收治的住院超高龄患者513例。其中200例患者住院期间发生AKI,出院12个月内死亡67例（死亡组）,存活133例（存活组）。分析患者死亡原因,单因素和Logistic多因素分析住院超高龄患者AKI发病后死亡的相关因素。结果 脓毒症、休克、心功能不全、肾毒性药物为患者死亡的主要原因。经单因素分析,死亡组和存活组患者的年龄、体重指数（BMI）、基础疾病、AKI病因、肾小球滤过率（GFR）、平均动脉压、机械通气、尿量<0.05?ml/（kg·h）、AKI发生时各指标、AKI类型和AKI分期的差异有统计学意义（P?<0.05）。死亡组患者较存活组年龄高、BMI低、高血压发生率低、低血压和高尿酸血症发生率高,感染所致AKI发生率高,肾毒性药物所致AKI发生率低,GFR水平高,AKI发生时平均动脉压低,机械通气和尿量<0.05?ml/（kg·h）发生率高,尿酸、Scr峰值、Scr、尿素氮、血钙、血磷水平较高,血清前白蛋白、血红蛋白、血镁水平较低,AKI多为持续型,多为Ⅲ期患者,住院时间较长。Logistic多因素分析结果显示,高龄、低血压、伴发感染、平均动脉压降低、尿量<0.05?ml/（kg·h）、尿素氮升高、血清前白蛋白降低、高AKI分期、住院时间长为住院超高龄患者AKI发病后死亡的危险因素（P?<0.05）。结论 高龄、低血压、伴发感染、平均动脉压降低、尿量<0.05?ml/（kg·h）、尿素氮升高、血清前白蛋白降低、高AKI分期、住院时间长为住院超高龄患者AKI发病后死亡的危险因素,临床中应加强对此类患者的监控,以提高患者生存率。