Publications by authors named "Polly Pang"
Background: We previously showed that higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load correlated with smaller thyroid volumes among COVID-19 survivors at 2 months after acute COVID-19. Our current follow-up study evaluated the evolution of thyroid volumes and thyroiditis features within the same group of patients 6 months later.
Methods: Adult COVID-19 survivors who underwent thyroid ultrasonography 2 months after infection (USG1) were recruited for follow-up USG 6 months later (USG2).
Purpose: We evaluated the evolution of thyroid function and autoimmunity among COVID-19 survivors over 6 months in relation to interferon beta-1b treatment and long COVID.
Methods: We included COVID-19 survivors managed in a major COVID-19 centre between July 2020 and May 2021 who were reassessed three and/or six months after acute COVID-19. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) and anti-thyroid antibody titres were measured at acute COVID-19, 3-month and 6-month.
Acquiring protective immunity through vaccination is essential, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes who are vulnerable for adverse clinical outcomes during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with immune dysfunction. Here, we evaluated the impact of T2D on the immunological responses induced by mRNA (BNT162b2) and inactivated (CoronaVac) vaccines, the two most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFContext: There are concerns for COVID-19 vaccination in triggering thyroid autoimmunity and causing thyroid dysfunction. Also, data on the effect of preexisting thyroid autoimmunity on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination are limited.
Objectives: We evaluated the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on thyroid function and antibodies, and the influence of preexisting thyroid autoimmunity on neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses.
Objective: To review prenatal diagnosis and outcome of alpha thalassaemia major through universal antenatal screening.
Method: This was a retrospective study on ultrasound features, antenatal diagnosis, in-utero intervention and long term outcome of pregnancies at risk of Haemoglobin Bart's hydrops foetalis syndrome attending prenatal diagnosis from 2000 to 2019 at Tsan Yuk Hospital in Hong Kong.
Results: Among 390 foetuses from 373 at-risk pregnancies, 122 (31%) prenatal invasive procedures were performed and 65 affected foetuses were diagnosed antenatally.
Aims: We carried out this prospective study of predominantly non-severe COVID-19 patients, to evaluate the influence of glycaemic status on clinical outcomes and neutralising antibody (Nab) responses, potentially relevant to the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Methods: We included consecutive adults admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for COVID-19 from July 2020-May 2021. Glycaemic status was defined by admission HbA1c.
Background: Both lymphopenia and thyroid dysfunction are commonly observed among COVID-19 patients. Whether thyroid function independently correlates with lymphocyte counts (LYM) remains to be elucidated.
Methods: We included consecutive adults without known thyroid disorder admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for COVID-19 from July 2020 to April 2021 who had thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and LYM measured on admission.
Background: Some studies have indicated that interferon (IFN) may be valuable in COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the impact of short-term IFN on incident thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity among COVID-19 survivors.
Methods: We included consecutive adults without known thyroid disorder admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for COVID-19 from July 2020 to January 2021 who had thyroid function tests (TFTs) and anti-thyroid antibodies measured both on admission and at three months.
Purpose: Thyroid dysfunction, including thyroiditis, is well recognized in COVID-19 patients. We evaluated thyroid ultrasonographic features among COVID-19 survivors, which are less well known.
Methods: Adult COVID-19 survivors without known thyroid disorders who attended dedicated COVID-19 clinic underwent thyroid ultrasonography and assessment of thyroid function and autoimmunity.
Objective: Post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or long COVID (LC) is an emerging global health issue. Fatigue is a common feature. Whether thyroid function and autoimmunity play a role is uncertain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: A high proportion of COVID-19 patients were reported to have cardiac involvements. Data pertaining to cardiac sequalae is of urgent importance to define subsequent cardiac surveillance.
Methods: We performed a systematic cardiac screening for 97 consecutive COVID-19 survivors including electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, serum troponin and NT-proBNP assay 1-4 weeks after hospital discharge.
Currently available COVID-19 antibody tests using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunochromatographic assay have variable sensitivity and specificity. Here, we developed and evaluated a novel microsphere-based antibody assay (MBA) for detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleoprotein (NP) and spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD). The seropositive cutoff value was set using a cohort of 294 anonymous serum specimens collected in 2018.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The appropriate use of generic preference-based measures determines the accuracy of disease assessment and further decision on healthcare policy using quality adjusted life years. The discriminative capacity of different instruments would differ across disease groups. Our study was to examine the difference in utility scores for COPD patients measured by EQ-5D and SF-6D and to assist the choice of a proper instrument in this disease group.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To examine the effect of an advocacy intervention on the use of safety-promoting behaviors in community-dwelling abused Chinese women as compared to a control condition of usual care.
Design: This efficacy trial used a randomized controlled, parallel group design.
Participants And Methods: A total of 200 Chinese women in a community setting who screened positive for intimate partner violence using the Chinese version of the Abuse Assessment Screen were randomized to receive either an advocacy intervention (intervention group, n=100) or usual community care (control group, n=100).
Context: Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women can have negative mental health consequences for survivors; however, the effect of interventions designed to improve survivors' depressive symptoms is unclear.
Objective: To determine whether an advocacy intervention would improve the depressive symptoms of Chinese women survivors of IPV.
Design, Setting, And Participants: Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial of 200 Chinese women 18 years or older with a history of IPV, conducted from February 2007 to June 2009 in a community center in Hong Kong, China.