Publications by authors named "Ramzi Kurd"

COVID-19 patients are oftentimes over- or under-treated due to a deficit in predictive management tools. This study reports derivation of an algorithm that integrates the host levels of TRAIL, IP-10, and CRP into a single numeric score that is an early indicator of severe outcome for COVID-19 patients and can identify patients at-risk to deteriorate. 394 COVID-19 patients were eligible; 29% meeting a severe outcome (intensive care unit admission/non-invasive or invasive ventilation/death).

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Background: COVID-19 severity and its late complications continue to be poorly understood. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) form in acute COVID-19, likely contributing to morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: This study evaluated immunothrombosis markers in a comprehensive cohort of acute and recovered COVID-19 patients, including the association of NETs with long COVID.

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Introduction: The acute disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS COV-2) is accompanied by a hypercoagulable state. Multiple publications have described the venous thromboembolic events associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but arterial thromboembolic events have yet to be described.

Cases Description: We describe five COVID-19 patients that developed severe morbidity as a result of occlusive arterial thromboembolic events occurring despite treatment with low molecular weight heparin.

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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) is a novel infectious disease, which has quickly developed into a pandemic. The spectrum of COVID-19 symptoms is broad, ranging from a mild, self-limiting respiratory tract illness to severe progressive pneumonia, multi-organ failure and possible death. Despite much effort and multiple clinical trials, there are, to date, no specific therapeutic agents to treat or cure the coronavirus infection.

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Introduction: Concomitant experimental/compassionate drug administration has been all-pervasive in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The objective of this study was to study the relationship between patient severity, the number of experimental/compassionate medications received (main outcome measure), and patient outcomes [survival to hospital discharge and length of hospital stay (LOS)].

Methods: Retrospective analysis of data collected in real time during the first pandemic wave in a tertiary care hospital.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study examines the incidence of arrhythmias in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, focusing on those admitted during Israel's initial outbreak between February and May 2020.
  • Out of 390 patients, 28 (7.2%) experienced arrhythmias, primarily atrial tachyarrhythmias, with a notable link between arrhythmia prevalence and disease severity.
  • The research highlights background heart failure and disease severity as key predictors of arrhythmias and introduces a decision tree model to help assess patients' risks for developing these heart issues.
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Background: The liberal administration of hydroxychloroquine-sulphate (HCQ) to COVID-19 patients has raised concern regarding the risk of QTc prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly when prescribed with azithromycin. We evaluated the incidence of QTc prolongation among moderately and severely ill COVID-19 patients treated with HCQ and of the existence of concomitant alternative causes.

Methods: All COVID-19 patients treated with HCQ (between Mar 1 and Apr 14, 2020) in a tertiary medical centre were included.

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Context: Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a rare condition with potentially life-threatening consequences such as acute adrenal insufficiency. Early adrenal axis testing, as well as directed imaging, is crucial for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with coagulopathy and thromboembolic events.

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