1.Cutaneous manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection: A review of clinical, histopathologic features, and management
Terese Monette O. Aquino ; Fendi EJ R. Bautista ; Patricia Angelica Pastrana-Mabanta
Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2021;30(1):3-11
Background:
Numerous studies have demonstrated various information about COVID-19 infection. With this, the authors intend
to abridge, present, and synthesize current available information, focusing on the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19
infection, to help guide dermatologists in understanding the dermatologic aspect of this disease.
Objective:
This study aims to review the different cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 by morphology and to evaluate the
lesions seen in the different age groups. Furthermore, this study aims to discuss cutaneous findings together with histologic
evidence and hypothesized pathophysiology, and to review the management used in treating COVID-19-related cutaneous
manifestations.
Methods:
OVID® and PubMed databases were used to search in detail for COVID-19-induced skin lesions across all ages and their
management.
Discussion:
COVID-19 affects the skin, hair and nails of patients. These may be attributed to the different virologic phases as
well as the immune response of the body. Histopathologic findings of these lesions vary depending on the clinical presentation.
Use of corticosteroid therapy and antihistamines as treatment for some cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 showed good
response.
Conclusion
COVID-19 infection-associated cutaneous manifestations present with different morphologies. It is important for
dermatologists to gain better understanding of this disease in order to promptly identify and suspect the possibility of this illness,
as well as provide appropriate actions.
COVID-19
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Coronavirus
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Skin
2.A study on the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Banias and Alkadmos areas of Syria during 2021
Kanaan Al-Tameemi ; Rana Nassour ; Renad Ali Sleman ; Maya Sami Daoud ; Lara Samer Murad
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2022;18(6):683-688
Aims:
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic. In Syria, the first case was reported in March 2020. This study was aimed to investigate the incidences of COVID-19 in the Banias and Alkadmos areas in Tartus, Syria, in 2021.
Methodology and results:
Our data were obtained from the records of Banias and Alkadmos hospitals. The results were inferred by analysing data for 1026 COVID-19 patients. About 58.4% of total cases were among males and 41.6% were among females. Most patients were living in rural areas; 73% compared to 27% in urban ones. The severity of the disease varied between patients. About 67.4% of cases needed to be hospitalized for treatment, most of which were from the elderly. The same was noticed with the mortality rate, with 14.5% of total cases and 66.4% of them were older than 65.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study
Our study indicated that age and gender are risk factors for contracting COVID-19.
COVID-19
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Syria
3.Maternal and Neonatal Clinico-Demographic profile and outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center
Maria Ronallaine D.L. Bello ; Shirley Kwong-Buizon
Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines Journal 2021;22(2):46-54
Background:
COVID-19 is an ongoing health concern that hospitals have struggled to keep up with, given its increasing burden with the passage of time. Considerations for the management of COVID-19 should be made especially for pregnant patients and their neonates.
Objectives:
To determine COVID-19 prevalence and the clinical profile of mothers admitted for childbirth at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center from May 2020 to July 2020. The profile and outcomes of neonates born to these mothers were likewise studied.
Materials and Method:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was done that included mothers admitted for childbirth who had SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR swab test and their neonates. A total of 408 medical records of mother and neonate dyads were reviewed. Relevant variables such as the patients’ demographic profile, clinical characteristics, co-morbidities and the maternal and neonatal outcomes were obtained. Frequency distributions were made to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among the patients, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Results:
Twenty-two (5.39%) mothers tested positive for COVID-19, while all neonates (n = 22) that underwent RT-PCR swab at the 24th hour of life had negative results. Of the 22 COVID-19 positive mothers, 2 (9.09%) were symptomatic upon admission while 20 (90.09%) were asymptomatic. The following were the key trends among those mothers who tested positive for COVID-19: (1) 81.82% were from ages 20-39 years old, (2) 72.73% were multigravida mothers, (3) 54.55% had normal spontaneous delivery, (4) diabetes mellitus was the only noted comorbidity. Key findings on the neonatal outcomes observed in the study population of both COVID-19 positive and negative cases, include: (1) majority of neonates had an APGAR score of greater than 7 at 1st and 5th minute of life; (2) higher frequency of neonates with Ballard’s score of more than 37 weeks AOG; (3) more male neonates as compared to female neonates; (4) a normal birth weight for majority of cases; (5) 45.45% of neonates born to COVID positive mothers had a length of stay of <48 hours as compared to 72.8% of neonates born to COVID negative mothers; and (6) neonatal pneumonia as the most common comorbid condition in both cases.
Conclusion
This study noted a prevalence of 5.39% COVID-19 positive mothers. SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detected in all of the neonates born to COVID-19 affected mothers. Neonates delivered to COVID-19 positive mothers had similar trends in the neonatal outcomes when compared to neonates delivered to mother who were COVID-19 negative.
COVID-19
4.Determinants of COVID-19 infection prevention practices among employees of a medical center in NCR, Philippines
Cindy P. Mamangun ; Kathryn Ellyse C. Burgonio ; Isabel Anastasia G. Esguerra ; Asheley Bernice M. Naval ; Ryanne Therese G. Caynap ; Anna Katrina Ysabel Y. Bergonio ; Ma. Rosario Bernardo-Lazaro
The Filipino Family Physician 2023;61(2):165-172
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic became a severe public health threat to the Philippines, overwhelming the health system and its healthcare workers. As infections spread globally, it became imperative to understand the infection prevention practices (e.g., face mask-wearing, handwashing, social distancing) to better understand the pandemic and its effects on the healthcare workforce.
Objective:
The study aims to describe the sociodemographic and medical profile and the COVID-19 infection prevention practices, and the correlation between both among employees of a medical center in the National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines,
Methods:
The analytic cross-sectional study utilized an online survey administered to employees of a medical center in NCR, Philippines. A total of 112 responses were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze respondents’ sociodemographic and medical characteristics and summarize their COVID-19 infection prevention practices. Spearman’s rank correlation and Pearson’s chi-square tests were performed to determine the association of the respondents’ sociodemographic and medical profiles with their corresponding infection prevention practices.
Results:
Majority of respondents were between ages 30-50 (52.68%), female (71.43%), with college (83.93%) as their highest educational attainment, single (70.54%), and without comorbidities (66.07%). 76.5% (72/94) of respondents living in multi-person households lived with familial ties, and 59.6% (56/94) of respondents living in a multi-person household lived with at least one member considered a high-risk individual (i.e., a senior citizen with comorbidities). The respondents practiced face mask-wearing (4.92) and respiratory etiquette (4.90) the most, whereas reduction of unnecessary outings (3.81), not drinking alcohol (3.81), and sleeping at least 7 hours per day (3.42) were least practiced. Results showed that only age and having chronic kidney disease correlated with infection prevention practices with a p-value of <0.05, showing that people with chronic kidney disease and those aged 30-50 were more likely to engage in infection prevention practices.
Conclusion
The study findings provide insight into sociodemographic and medical factors that may contribute to adherence to infection prevention practices among the hospital-based workforce. Recommendations for further research were discussed.
COVID-19
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Hospitals
5.Symmetrical Flexural and Intertriginous Exanthema: A Rare Manifestation Associated with COVID-19 Infection
Jin Yi Goh ; Huang Hin Chin ; Pek Woon Chin ; Masliza Zaid
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2021;46(June 2021):55-57
Summary
Cutaneous manifestations of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are variable. We present a case of non-drug related symmetrical flexural and intertriginous exanthema in a patient with COVID-19 infection. A 58-year-old Chinese male who was diagnosed to have COVID-19 infection, developed maculopapular erythematous rashes at bilateral axillary and inguinal folds on the fourth day of illness. He was treated symptomatically with anti-histamine and topical corticosteroid. The skin condition improved and he was discharged well on tenth day of illness. Although symmetrical flexural intertriginous exanthema isclassically caused by drug reaction, this case demonstrated the possibility of the rash being directly associated with COVID-19 infection. More cohorts should be evaluated to fully describe the full spectrum of dermatological manifestation in COVID-19.
Exanthema
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COVID-19
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Skin Manifestations
6.Use of Convalescent Plasma Therapy among Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients: A Single-Center Experience
Flordeluna Z. Mesina ; Claudette G. Mangahas ; Ellen M. Gatchalian ; Mary Sheila Ariola-Ramos ; Rosalio P. Torres
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2020;59(2):107-112
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 disease has strained our healthcare system. Convalescent plasma is an adjunct treatment used in emerging infectious diseases in past epidemics.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the outcome and clinical course of COVID-19 patients who received convalescent plasma (CP) transfusion at Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort analytical study of 75 patients who received convalescent plasma.
RESULTS: Median time from admission to CP transfusion was 3 days. Majority of patients received additional therapies including dexamethasone (100%), antibiotics (100%), remdesivir (95%), hemoperfusion (88%), tocilizumab (65%), or combinations of these. Among the survivors, the median length of stay (LOS) was 15 days while non-survivors had a median LOS of 6 days. One patient (1.33%) had a mild transfusion reaction. Four patients (5.33%) developed deep vein thrombosis despite anticoagulation. There was improvement in the inflammatory markers (LDH p value 0.04, CRP p value 0.00, Ferritin p value 0.0001). There was improvement in the pulmonary parameters - increase in mean PaO2, mean SaO2, and mean PFR; and decrease in mean FiO2 and mean RR post-treatment. Median LOS is 14 days for the CP group vs 11 days for the non- CP group. Mortality rate among the CP group was 25.33% while the non-CP group was 26.67%. LOS and mortality rate did not reach statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in mortality and length of hospital stay in patients given CP vs controls. CP when combined with other treatment modalities might have a role in the improvement of inflammatory markers and pulmonary status.
COVID-19
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Plasma
7.Pattern of Oral and Maxillofacial New Referrals During COVID-19 Lockdown
Syed Nabil ; Muhammad Aiman Mohd Nizar ; Muhd Fazlynizam Rashdi ; Szu Ching Khoo ; Muhammad Kamil Hassan ; Firdaus Hariri
Archives of Orofacial Sciences 2021;16(2):199-208
ABSTRACT
The study aimed to quantify the impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on new case
referrals to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) service. The researchers retrospectively reviewed
all new referrals received during a government-imposed 47-day lockdown period and a similar period
pre-lockdown as a control group. The main outcome was the differences in the number of new case
referrals between the two periods. The contributing clinical and demographic factors were also explored.
Appropriate bivariate statistics were computed and the level of significance was set at 0.05 for all tests.
A total of 309 referrals were received during the study period. There was a reduction of new referrals
due to the lockdown from five to two cases per day. There was a statistically significant reduction of
cases referred from outpatient and emergency departments. There was also a statistically significant
difference with regard to home address distance to the centre. Medically compromised and orofacial
infection referrals were not affected by lockdown. The lockdown imposed due to the pandemic has
significantly impacted the pattern of new OMS referrals. Referrals for orofacial infections, the medically
compromised and inpatients were minimally affected by lockdown.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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Quarantine
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COVID-19
8.COVID-19 in Singapore - a case series from primary care.
Sai Zhen SIM ; Sok Huang TEO ; Jing Wen KONG ; Ziliang LIM ; Ming Yann Karen NG ; Wern Ee TANG
Singapore medical journal 2021;62(1):48-51
As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, early case detection is vital to limiting community spread. We describe our experiences with four COVID-19 cases at the polyclinics in January and February 2020. This retrospective case series highlights the challenges primary care clinicians face in the early identification of suspect cases based on clinical criteria only. To improve case detection, clinicians can sharpen their clinical acumen by keeping abreast with the latest COVID-19 developments and by maintaining a high state of vigilance.
Adult
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Aged
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COVID-19/epidemiology*
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Pandemics
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Primary Health Care
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Retrospective Studies
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SARS-CoV-2
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Singapore/epidemiology*
9.Longitudinal proteomic investigation of COVID-19 vaccination.
Yingrui WANG ; Qianru ZHU ; Rui SUN ; Xiao YI ; Lingling HUANG ; Yifan HU ; Weigang GE ; Huanhuan GAO ; Xinfu YE ; Yu SONG ; Li SHAO ; Yantao LI ; Jie LI ; Tiannan GUO ; Junping SHI
Protein & Cell 2023;14(9):668-682
Although the development of COVID-19 vaccines has been a remarkable success, the heterogeneous individual antibody generation and decline over time are unknown and still hard to predict. In this study, blood samples were collected from 163 participants who next received two doses of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac®) at a 28-day interval. Using TMT-based proteomics, we identified 1,715 serum and 7,342 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proteins. We proposed two sets of potential biomarkers (seven from serum, five from PBMCs) at baseline using machine learning, and predicted the individual seropositivity 57 days after vaccination (AUC = 0.87). Based on the four PBMC's potential biomarkers, we predicted the antibody persistence until 180 days after vaccination (AUC = 0.79). Our data highlighted characteristic hematological host responses, including altered lymphocyte migration regulation, neutrophil degranulation, and humoral immune response. This study proposed potential blood-derived protein biomarkers before vaccination for predicting heterogeneous antibody generation and decline after COVID-19 vaccination, shedding light on immunization mechanisms and individual booster shot planning.
Humans
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COVID-19 Vaccines
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Leukocytes, Mononuclear
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Proteomics
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COVID-19/prevention & control*
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Vaccination
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Antibodies
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Antibodies, Viral
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Antibodies, Neutralizing
10.Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 is Associated with Mortality: A Meta-Analysis
Ni Made Putri Lastiana ; Dian Daniella Marianto
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2020;59(1):14-21
BACKGROUND: By March 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic. Further investigations found that COVID-19 may lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Some studies have been done, but the incidence and outcome of AKI in COVID-19 are variable between studies. Moreover, given the high number of COVID-19 cases in our country, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the detailed outcome of AKI in COVID-19 patients as reported in the available literature.
METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search from several databases, such as Europe PMC, PubMed, ProQuest, Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ), and related references between December 1, 2019, and December 5, 2020. The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcomes were the need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care, severe and critical COVID-19 infection, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
RESULTS: There were a total of 25,990 patients from 21 studies. Acute kidney injury was associated with increased odds of mortality (OR 13.43 [8.35, 21.60], p < 0.00001; I2 : 82%, p < 0.00001), need for ICU care (OR 14.57 [8.51, 24.94], p < 0.00001; I2: 84%; p < 0.0001), critical COVID-19 (OR 10.41 [3.88, 27.90], p < 0.00001; I2: 67%; p = 0.02), and ARDS (OR 2.84 [1.30, 6.22], p = 0.009; I2: 91%; p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Acute kidney injury is associated with mortality, need for ICU care, critical COVID-19 patients, and ARDS.
Coronavirus
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COVID-19
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Coronavirus Infections
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Acute Kidney Injury