Departments of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bio-Informatics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Published: April 2021
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
The role of antihypertensives, especially Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System inhibitors, is still debatable in COVID-19-related severity and outcome. Therefore, we search for a more global analysis of antihypertensive medication in relation to SAS-CoV-2 severity using prescription data worldwide. The association between the percentage use of different types of antihypertensive medications and mortality rates due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first 3 weeks of the pandemic was analyzed using random effects linear regression models for 30 countries worldwide. Higher percentages of prescribed angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (β, 95% confidence interval [CI]; -0.02 [-0.04 to -0.0012]; p = .042) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (β, 95% CI; -0.023 [-0.05 to -0.0028]; p = .0304) were associated with a lower first 3-week SARS-CoV-2-related death rate, whereas a higher percentage of prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) (β, 95% CI; 0.03 [0.0061-0.05]; p = .0103) was associated with a higher first 3-week death rate, even when adjusted for age and metformin use. There was no association between the amount of prescribed beta-blockers (BBs) and diuretics (Diu) and the first 3-week death rate. When analyzing the combination of drugs that is used by at least 50% of antihypertensive users, within the different countries, countries with the lowest first 3-week death rates had at least an angiotensin receptor blocker as one of the most often prescribed antihypertensive medications (ARBs/CCBs: [β, 95% CI; -0.02 [-0.03 to -0.004]; p = .009], ARBs/BBs: [β, 95% CI; -0.03 [-0.05 to -0.006]; p = .01]). Finally, countries prescribing high-potency ARBs had lower first 3-week ARBs. In conclusion, ARBs and CCB seem to have a protective effect against death from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Introduction: This real-world study assessed the effectiveness of bebtelovimab (BEB) versus nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NR) among outpatients with COVID-19 during the Omicron variant era.
Methods: We conducted a cohort study evaluating patients treated with BEB or NR from February to August 2022 (study period). Follow-up began the day after treatment and continued for 30 days.
Ecosystem Change and Population Health Research Group, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
Background: Rapid human movement plays a crucial role in the spatial dissemination of the dengue virus. Nevertheless, robust quantification of this relationship using both spatial and temporal models remains necessary. This study aims to explore the spatial and temporal patterns of dengue transmission under various human movement contexts.
Background: Teledentistry integrates telecommunications with dental practice, facilitating the exchange of clinical information and images for remote dental consultation and treatment planning. This approach enables dental care access across long distances, addressing the need for flexible healthcare solutions.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teledentistry compared to clinical in-person dental diagnosis in pediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background/objectives: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with Malaysia reporting over 5 million cases as of May 2024. While symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness are commonly reported among COVID-19 patients, limited research exists on the vocal and pulmonary conditions of individuals with long COVID symptoms. This study aims to assess vocal impairments and pulmonary function differences between long COVID patients and healthy controls, addressing gaps in understanding how long COVID affects vocal and respiratory health.
