Smoking and obesity found to increase risk of severeCOVID-19 by 65% to 81% hkuniversity
, but suggests that any increased risk with current smoking is likely to be small and will need to be clarified as the epidemic progresses and more data accumulate.
We similarly investigated the change in the hypertension hazard ratio adjusted for age and sex, to 0.89 with all covariates included), and found that diabetes and obesity were principally responsible for this reduction adjusted for age, sex, diabetes and obesity).
Our analyses provide a preliminary picture of how key demographic characteristics and a range of comorbidities—which were a priori selected as being of interest in COVID-19—are jointly associated with poor outcomes. These initial results may be used to inform the development of prognostic models. We caution against interpreting our estimates as causal effects.
The study also has some important limitations. In our outcome definition, we included clinically suspected cases of COVID-19, because testing has not always been carried out, especially in older patients in care homes. However, this may have resulted in some patients being incorrectly identified as having COVID-19.
Our large population may not be fully representative. We include only 17% of general practices in London—where many of the earlier cases of COVID-19 occurred—owing to the substantial geographical variation in the choice of electronic health record system. The user interface of electronic health records can affect prescribing of certain medicines
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What is the prevalence of COVID-19 detection by PCR among deceased individuals in Lusaka, Zambia? A postmortem surveillance studyObjectives To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 postmortem setting in Lusaka, Zambia. Design A systematic, postmortem prevalence study. Setting A busy, inner-city morgue in Lusaka. Participants We sampled a random subset of all decedents who transited the University Teaching Hospital morgue. We sampled the posterior nasopharynx of decedents using quantitative PCR. Prevalence was weighted to account for age-specific enrolment strategies. Interventions Not applicable—this was an observational study. Primary outcomes Prevalence of COVID-19 detections by PCR. Results were stratified by setting (facility vs community deaths), age, demographics and geography and time. Secondary outcomes Shifts in viral variants; causal inferences based on cycle threshold values and other features; antemortem testing rates. Results From 1118 decedents enrolled between January and June 2021, COVID-19 was detected among 32.0% (358/1116). Roughly four COVID-19+ community deaths occurred for every facility death. Antemortem testing occurred for 52.6% (302/574) of facility deaths but only 1.8% (10/544) of community deaths and overall, only ~10% of COVID-19+ deaths were identified in life. During peak transmission periods, COVID-19 was detected in ~90% of all deaths. We observed three waves of transmission that peaked in July 2020, January 2021 and ~June 2021: the AE.1 lineage and the Beta and Delta variants, respectively. PCR signals were strongest among those whose deaths were deemed ‘probably due to COVID-19’, and weakest among children, with an age-dependent increase in PCR signal intensity. Conclusions COVID-19 was common among deceased individuals in Lusaka. Antemortem testing was rarely done, and almost never for community deaths. Suspicion that COVID-19 was the cause of deaths was highest for those with a respiratory syndrome and lowest for individuals |19 years. Data are available upon reasonable request.
Read more »
The Case for Cautious COVID Optimism This WinterSeveral key factors mean that we're unlikely to face a major COVID-19 surge this winter, argue Dr. Michael Daignault (MichaelDaignau3) and Dr. Monica Gandhi (MonicaGandhi9)
Read more »
Brain fog of post-COVID-19 condition and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, same medical disorder? - Journal of Translational MedicineBackground Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by persistent physical and mental fatigue. The post-COVID-19 condition patients refer physical fatigue and cognitive impairment sequelae. Given the similarity between both conditions, could it be the same pathology with a different precipitating factor? Objective To describe the cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and general symptomatology in both groups, to find out if it is the same pathology. As well as verify if the affectation of smell is related to cognitive deterioration in patients with post-COVID-19 condition. Methods The sample included 42 ME/CFS and 73 post-COVID-19 condition patients. Fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms, the frequency and severity of different symptoms, olfactory function and a wide range of cognitive domains were evaluated. Results Both syndromes are characterized by excessive physical fatigue, sleep problems and myalgia. Sustained attention and processing speed were impaired in 83.3% and 52.4% of ME/CFS patients while in post-COVID-19 condition were impaired in 56.2% and 41.4% of patients, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in sustained attention and visuospatial ability, being the ME/CFS group who presented the worst performance. Physical problems and mood issues were the main variables correlating with cognitive performance in post-COVID-19 patients, while in ME/CFS it was anxiety symptoms and physical fatigue. Conclusions The symptomatology and cognitive patterns were similar in both groups, with greater impairment in ME/CFS. This disease is characterized by greater physical and neuropsychiatric problems compared to post-COVID-19 condition. Likewise, we also propose the relevance of prolonged hyposmia as a possible marker of cognitive deterioration in patients with post-COVID-19.
Read more »
Cancer drug trial using COVID vaccine mRNA technology shows 'highly encouraging' resultsScientists are optimistic that mRNA vaccines will improve survival rates in many cancers that are currently hard to beat.
Read more »
Notts firm enters administration with nearly 30 jobs lostThe company has been affected by the Covid pandemic and Ukraine war
Read more »
Scientists’ understanding of long covid is improvingOur podcast on science and technology. This week, we examine the latest research into what may be causing long covid, and ask whether the hunt for answers could shed light on other chronic conditions
Read more »