Pentoxifylline decreases serum LDH levels and increases lymphocyte count in COVID-19 patients: Results from an external pilot study.

We have previously hypothesized that pentoxifylline could be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19 given its potential to restore the immune response equilibrium, reduce the impact of the disease on the endothelium and alveolar epithelial cells, and improve the circulatory function.Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lymphocyte count are accessible biomarkers that correlate with the severity of COVID-19, the need for hospitalization, and mortality, reflecting the host immune response's contribution to the seriousness of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We carried out this external pilot study on 38 patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 to test the effect pentoxifylline on parameters such as LDH, lymphocyte count, days of hospitalization, mortality, and proportion of patients requiring intubation.

[Hyperglycemia as a risk factor for mortality in critically ill neonates].

Background: The sick neonate is susceptible to uncontrolled hyperglycemia by several factors. Our objective was to determine the mortality-predictive role of hyperglycemia in critically ill neonates.

Methods: A cohort study was conducted in neonates admitted during the first hour of life in the intensive care unit.