Risk factors and laboratory test results associated with severe illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review.

BackgroundWe aimed to systematically review all relevant studies related to the risk factors and laboratory test results associated with severe illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients.MethodsWe utilised PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect and MedRxiv to search for studies, with additional hand-searched journals. We included systematic reviews/meta-analyses, cohort and case control studies of suspected and/or confirmed COVID-19 cases with severe illness and/or mortality as outcomes.

Oral prednisolone for acute otitis media in children: a pilot, pragmatic, randomised, open-label, controlled study (OPAL study).

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is associated with high antibiotic prescribing rates. Antibiotics are somewhat effective in improving pain and middle ear effusion (MEE); however, they have unfavourable effects. Alternative treatments, such as corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory agents, are needed.