Inflammation as Prognostic Hallmark of Clinical Outcome in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is often characterized by a life-threatening interstitial pneumonia requiring hospitalization. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to identify hallmarks of in-hospital mortality in patients affected by Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). A total of 150 patients admitted for COVID-19 from March to June 2021 to “F. Perinei” Murgia Hospital in Altamura, Italy, were divided into survivors (n = 100) and non-survivors groups (n = 50). Blood counts, inflammation-related biomarkers and lymphocyte subsets were analyzed into two groups in the first 24 h after admission and compared by Student’s t-test. A multivariable logistic analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Total lymphocyte count and CD3+ and CD4+ CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets were significantly lower in non-survivors. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were significantly higher in non-survivors. Age > 65 years and presence of comorbidities were identified as independent risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality, while IL-6 and LDH showed a borderline significance. According to our results, markers of inflammation and lymphocytopenia predict in-hospital mortality in COVID-19.

Damage from Carbonated Soft Drinks on Enamel: A Systematic Review

“…Before swallowing, the maximal quantity of saliva in the oral cavity was 1.19 mL and 0.96 mL for males and females, respectively [ 53 ]. Under normal circumstances, human saliva forms a physical barrier, a film, and prevents direct contact between the tooth enamel surface and acidic beverages, thus protecting teeth from erosive attack by acids [ 45 , 84 , 85 , 86 ]. However, the erosion tests were carried out without saliva [ 56 ].…”

The interaction between gut microbiome and bone health

“…Germ-free mice, raised in sterile conditions without exposure to microorganisms, have been used as experimental models to study the impact of germ-free mice on bone density and structure. Microbiota transplantation studies have shown that introducing a diverse and healthy microbiota positively affects bone health in recipients, while transplanting from diseased or imbalanced donors may lead to compromised bone density and structure [20][21][22][23][24]. In human trials, probiotics have been found to modulate the GM, with certain strains associated with increased calcium absorption and improved bone density.…”

COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment

“…Five of the papers of the Special Issue focus on the general and specific conditions of COVID-19 pathology [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]: one paper explored the potential role of inflammation as a prognostic hallmark of clinical outcome in infected patients. The main objective of a second study was to describe the role of host genetic variability in modulating COVID-19 clinical outcomes.…”