20 results on '"Azza Sarfraz"'
Search Results
2. The Incidence of Alcohol Use Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Azza, Sarfraz, Zouina, Sarfraz, Muzna, Sarfraz, Sindhu, Thevuthasan, Taleah, Khan, Inoshia, Inam, Krunal, Pandav, Faraeha, Fatima, Gaurav, Patel, Diana, Baralt, Gerardo F, Ferrer, Erik, Cabrera, George, Michel, and Marcos A, Sanchez-Gonzalez
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Male ,Adult ,Young Adult ,Alcoholism ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Incidence ,Humans ,COVID-19 ,Female ,Middle Aged ,Pandemics ,United States ,Aged - Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a myriad of challenges to healthcare systems and public health policies across the globe. Individuals with alcohol use disorders are at peaked risk due to mental, socio-demographic, and economic factors leading to hindered mental health service access, misinformation and adherence.Keywords including "alcohol use", "death", "hand sanitizer", "overdose" and "COVID-19" were used to obtain 8 media reports for case analysis. A review of 34 manually extracted records were also conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Embase database with no time and language restrictions.A total of 2,517 individuals with alcohol overdose across the United States, India, Canada, and Iran were presented. The majority of cases were male, ages 21-65. Common contributors were linked to socio-economic changes, disruption to mental health services, and physical isolation.While original studies are essential to evaluate the etiologies of alcohol use and misuse during pandemics, the dissemination of misinformation must be curbed by directing vulnerable individuals towards accurate information and access to mental health services.
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- 2022
3. COVID-19 age-dependent immunology and clinical outcomes: implications for vaccines
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Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Zouina Sarfraz, Zahra Hasan, Azza Sarfraz, Syed Asad Ali, Saman Hasan Siddiqui, and Junaid Iqbal
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0301 basic medicine ,2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,Innate immune system ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,SARS-CoV-2 ,business.industry ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,COVID-19 ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Age dependent ,Acquired immune system ,medicine.disease_cause ,Immunity, Innate ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,0302 clinical medicine ,Immunology ,Humans ,Medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Child ,business ,Coronavirus - Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Understanding the evolution of the virus, and immune-pathogenic processes are critical for designing future therapeutic interventions. In this review, we collate information on the structure, genome, viral life cycle, and adult and pediatric host immune responses in response to SARS-CoV-2. The immunological responses are a prototype of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis to explain the socio-geographic differences impacting the severity and mortality rates in SARS-CoV-2 infections. The DOHaD hypothesis identifies the relevance of trained innate immunity, age groups, and geography for effective vaccinations. As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out, it may be pertinent to assess population-based immunological responses to understand the effectiveness and safety across different populations and age groups.
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- 2021
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4. Tocilizumab and COVID-19: a meta-analysis of 2120 patients with severe disease and implications for clinical trial methodologies
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Zainab Pervaiz, Azza Sarfraz, Hinna Aftab, Zouina Sarfraz, and Muzna Sarfraz
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,medicine.medical_treatment ,coronavirus ,Severe disease ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ,Article ,actemra ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Tocilizumab ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Pandemics ,Mechanical ventilation ,0303 health sciences ,SARS-CoV-2 ,030306 microbiology ,business.industry ,cytokine storm syndrome ,COVID-19 ,Outbreak ,clinical trial ,General Medicine ,COVID-19 Drug Treatment ,Clinical trial ,Treatment Outcome ,chemistry ,Meta-analysis ,business ,Lower mortality - Abstract
Background/aim Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, numerous therapies to counteract this severe disease have emerged. The benefits of Tocilizumab for severely infected COVID-19 patients and the methodologies of ongoing clinical trials are explored. Materials and methods A systematic search adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central, medRxiv, and bioRxiv using the following keywords: “Tocilizumab,” “Actemra,” “COVID-19.” An additional subsearch was conducted on Clinicaltrials.gov to locate ongoing tocilizumab trials. Results A total of 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis comprising 2120 patients. The treatment group had lower mortality compared to the control group (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.69, P = 0.0005, I2 = 55%). A descriptive analysis of 50 registered trials was conducted. Conclusion This review meta-analyzed the therapeutic benefits of tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients with severe disease for mortality, mechanical ventilation, and the characteristics of COVID-19 registered trials.
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- 2021
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5. Anakinra treatment efficacy in reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐analysis
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Zunaira Naveed, Musharraf Sarwar, Zahid Ali, Danish Saeed, Khadija Choudhry, Azza Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, Miguel Felix, and Ivan Cherrez‐Ojeda
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Male ,Microbiology (medical) ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Biochemistry (medical) ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Hematology ,COVID-19 Drug Treatment ,Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein ,Medical Laboratory Technology ,C-Reactive Protein ,Treatment Outcome ,Ferritins ,Humans ,Immunology and Allergy ,Female ,Biomarkers - Abstract
Anakinra is being empirically considered for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The aim is to assess the efficacy of anakinra treatment on inflammatory marker reduction, including c-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, serum ferritin, and serum d-dimer levels.Adhering to PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the following databases from December 2019 until January 10, 2022: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. The following keywords were employed: Anakinra, COVID*, SARS-CoV-2, inflammatory, CRP, D-dimer, Ferritin, hematological, laboratory, clinical, trials. The findings were collated and presented in a tabulated manner, and statistically analyzed using Review Manger 5.4 (Cochrane).In total, 2032 patients were included (881 in the anakinra and 1151 in the control/standard care group); 69.1% of them were males. Overall, the mean difference from admission until last follow-up in CRP values was -9.66, where notable reductions were seen in the anakinra group (SMD = -0.46, p 0.00001, N = 655). Serum ferritin mean values were reduced by 1467.16 in the anakinra group (SMD = -0.31, p = 0.004, N = 537). D-dimer mean values were largely reduced by 4.04 in the anakinra group (SMD = -0.38, p = 0.0004, N = 375).This study finds that anakinra is potentially a strong candidate as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients, specifically in patients with elevated inflammatory biomarkers.
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- 2022
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6. Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review
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Vikash Jaiswal, Gaurav Nepal, Patricia Dijamco, Angela Ishak, Mehak Dagar, Zouina Sarfraz, Nishat Shama, Azza Sarfraz, Kriti Lnu, Saloni Mitra, Preeti Agarwala, Sidra Naz, David Song, and Akash Jaiswal
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Community and Home Care ,Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,SARS-CoV-2 ,ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,Vaccination ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,R858-859.7 ,COVID-19 ,Humans ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 vaccines became available after being carefully monitored in clinical trials with safety and efficacy on the human body. However, a few recipients developed unusual side effects, including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). We aim to systematically review the baseline features, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in patients developing CVST post-COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) 2020 guideline. Investigators independently searched PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for English language articles published from inception up until September 10, 2021, reporting the incidence of CVST post-COVID-19 vaccines. We analyzed CVST patients’ baseline data, type of vaccines, clinical findings, treatment, and outcomes. Our systematic review process yielded patient-level data. Result: The final analysis included 25 studies that identified 80 patients who developed CVST after the COVID-19 vaccination. Of the 80 CVST cases, 31 (39.24%) patients died. There was no significant relationship between mortality and age ( P = .733), sex ( P = .095), vaccine type ( P = .798), platelet count ( P = .93), and comorbidities such as hypertension ( P = .734) and diabetes mellitus ( P = .758). However, mortality was associated with the duration of onset of CVST symptoms after vaccination ( P = .022). Patients with CVST post-COVID-19 vaccination were more likely to survive if treated with an anticoagulant ( P = .039). Patients who developed intracranial hemorrhage ( P = .012) or thrombosis in the cortical vein ( P = .021) were more likely to die. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine-associated CVST is associated with high mortality rate. Timely diagnosis and management can be lifesaving for patients.
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- 2022
7. Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Manufacturing and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines
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Azza Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, Muzna Sarfraz, Aminah Abdul Razzack, Shehar Bano, Sarabjot Singh Makkar, Sindhu Thevuthasan, Trissa Paul, Muhammad Khawar Sana, Nishwa Azeem, Miguel Felix, and Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda
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Community and Home Care ,community health ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,global health ,vaccination ,populations ,Artificial Intelligence ,Commentaries ,Humans ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,Pandemics ,policy - Abstract
Background The evolutionary stages of manufacturing have led us to conceptualize the use of Industry 4.0 for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), powered by Industry 4.0 technologies. Using applications of integrated process optimizations reliant on digitized data, we propose novel intelligent networks along the vaccine value chain. Vaccine 4.0 may enable maintenance processes, streamline logistics, and enable optimal production of COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine 4.0 Framework The challenge in applying Vaccine 4.0 includes the requirement of large-scale technologies for digitally transforming manufacturing, producing, rolling-out, and distributing vaccines. With our framework, Vaccine 4.0 analytics will target process performance, process development, process stability, compliance, quality assessment, and optimized maintenance. The benefits of digitization during and post the COVID-19 pandemic include first, the continual assurance of process control, and second, the efficacy of big-data analytics in streamlining set parameter limits. Digitization including big data-analytics may potentially improve the quality of large-scale vaccine production, profitability, and manufacturing processes. The path to Vaccine 4.0 will enhance vaccine quality, improve efficacy, and compliance with data-regulated requirements. Discussion Fiscal and logistical barriers are prevalent across resource-limited countries worldwide. The Vaccine 4.0 framework accounts for expected barriers of manufacturing and equitably distributing COVID-19 vaccines. With amalgamating big data analytics and biometrics, we enable the identification of vulnerable populations who are at higher risk of disease transmission. Artificial intelligence powered sensors and robotics support thermostable vaccine distribution in limited capacity regions, globally. Biosensors isolate COVID-19 vaccinations with low or limited efficacy. Finally, Vaccine 4.0 blockchain systems address low- and middle-income countries with limited distribution capacities. Conclusion Vaccine 4.0 is a viable framework to optimize manufacturing of vaccines during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.
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- 2022
8. COVID-19 Infection and Myocarditis: A State-of-the-Art Systematic Review
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Nishwa Azeem, Vikash Jaiswal, Nitya Batra, Sadia Yaqoob, Preeti Agarwala, Sidra Naz, Gaurav Chaudhary, Muzna Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Dattatreya Mukherjee, Gazala Hitawala, Abhinav Patel, Shehar Bano, Prachi Sharma, Zouina Sarfraz, Ruchika, and Akash Jaiswal
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medicine.medical_specialty ,ARDS ,Myocarditis ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 ,Contrast Media ,Gadolinium ,Chest pain ,law.invention ,systematic review ,law ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,COVID–19 ,ST segment ,Humans ,Adverse effect ,Community and Home Care ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Cardiogenic shock ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,biomarkers ,COVID-19 ,medicine.disease ,Intensive care unit ,adverse events ,symptomatology ,cytokine storm ,Original Article ,medicine.symptom ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,business ,Complication - Abstract
Background: COVID-19 was initially considered to be a respiratory illness, but current findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly expressed in cardiac myocytes as well. COVID-19 may lead to cardiovascular injuries, resulting in myocarditis, with inflammation of the heart muscle. Objective: This systematic review collates current evidence about demographics, symptomatology, diagnostic, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infected patients with myocarditis. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and Google Scholar until August, 2021. A combination of the following keywords was used: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, myocarditis. Cohorts and case reports that comprised of patients with confirmed myocarditis due to COVID-19 infection, aged >18 years were included. The findings were tabulated and subsequently synthesized. Results: In total, 54 case reports and 5 cohorts were identified comprising 215 patients. Hypertension (51.7%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (46.4%), cardiac comorbidities (14.6%) were the 3 most reported comorbidities. Majority of the patients presented with cough (61.9%), fever (60.4%), shortness of breath (53.2%), and chest pain (43.9%). Inflammatory markers were raised in 97.8% patients, whereas cardiac markers were elevated in 94.8% of the included patients. On noting radiographic findings, cardiomegaly (32.5%) was the most common finding. Electrocardiography testing obtained ST segment elevation among 44.8% patients and T wave inversion in 7.3% of the sample. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging yielded 83.3% patients with myocardial edema, with late gadolinium enhancement in 63.9% patients. In hospital management consisted of azithromycin (25.5%), methylprednisolone/steroids (8.5%), and other standard care treatments for COVID-19. The most common in-hospital complication included acute respiratory distress syndrome (66.4%) and cardiogenic shock (14%). On last follow up, 64.7% of the patients survived, whereas 31.8% patients did not survive, and 3.5% were in the critical care unit. Conclusion: It is essential to demarcate COVID-19 infection and myocarditis presentations due to the heightened risk of death among patients contracting both myocardial inflammation and ARDS. With a multitude of diagnostic and treatment options available for COVID-19 and myocarditis, patients that are under high risk of suspicion for COVID-19 induced myocarditis must be appropriately diagnosed and treated to curb co-infections.
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- 2021
9. The efficacy of anakinra compared to standard care of treatment for COVID-19: a meta-analysis
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Hamna, Malık, Hira, Bınt Abdul Jabbar, Farah, Latıf, Azza, Sarfraz, Zouina, Sarfraz, and Muzna, Sarfraz
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Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein ,Respiratory Distress Syndrome ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Ferritins ,Humans ,COVID-19 Drug Treatment - Abstract
As SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread worldwide, this study brings to light the link that anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist, has in averting grave clinical outcomes. The objectives of this meta-analysis are to investigate the effects of anakinra in interventional groups compared to control/standard of care groups on mortality along with the provision of a prevalence estimate of the variables associated with death (C-reactive protein-CRP, ferritin, acute respiratory distress syndrome-ARDS).According to the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted from December 19, 2020, until December 10, 2021, with keywords including COVID-19, coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, anakinra, mortality, across the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane. A random-effects model was applied using RevMan 5.4 for all statistical analyses.The meta-analysis pooled in 1297 participants with 565 (43.6%) patients in the anakinra group. When comparing to the control/standard of care group, the anakinra group had a much lower risk of death (RR = 0.47. 95% CI = 0.37-0.59, Z = 6.44; P0.001). In addition to the risk of death being reduced by around 50% in the interventional group, prognostic indicators such as CRP and ferritin were improved with fewer occurrences of severe ARDS.Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia may be treated with anakinra as a safe and viable treatment modality to defer adverse outcomes such as a death in the 28-day period. Despite an auspicious premise, our findings must be used with caution as adequately powered randomized, placebo-controlled trials are required to corroborate these findings.
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- 2021
10. Fake COVID-19 vaccination in India: an emerging dilemma?
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Dattatreya Mukherjee, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Vikash Jaiswal, Angela Ishak, and Upasana Maskey
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Economic growth ,education.field_of_study ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Public health ,Population ,Vaccination ,COVID-19 ,India ,General Medicine ,Dilemma ,Vaccine administration ,medicine ,Humans ,China ,education ,business ,Third wave - Abstract
India, known to be the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of vaccines, started its free vaccine roll-outs against COVID-19 on 16 January 2021.1 To administer vaccines to its 1380 million population, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 was formed to overlook collaborations at national, state and district levels for effective vaccine dissemination and roll-out.1 Despite these efforts, as of 4 July 2021, 4.6% of the population are fully vaccinated and 16.05% are partially vaccinated.2 Among the eight vaccines that are currently under various clinical trials, initially only two were granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation: (1) COVISHIELD by the Serum Institute of India and (2) COVAXIN by Bharat Biotech.1 Sputnik V was later granted EUA in April 2021.3 In the rising fear of the third wave, the country is accelerating its vaccination efforts. Amidst these efforts, there are surmounting allegations of people receiving fake vaccination in various parts of the country. When the COVID-19 vaccine drive initially started, the INTERPOL had issued warning across its 194 member countries that this arena could be a prime target of criminal networks. Following this, in South Africa, 400 ampules, equivalent to 2400 doses, of fake COVID-19 vaccines were dismantled from a warehouse. A similar situation was seen in China when police seized more …
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- 2021
11. Survival of the wealthiest? Wait in line for COVID-19 vaccination
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Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, and Muzna Sarfraz
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2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Vaccination ,Distribution (economics) ,COVID-19 ,General Medicine ,Health equity ,Health safety ,Medicine ,Humans ,business ,Health policy ,Demography ,Healthcare system - Abstract
Health disparities across the globe have continually been demonstrated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.1 As of 5 August 2021, 29.1% of the world has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, although only 1.1% of persons in low-income countries received at least one dose.2 Distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is dependent on the existent infrastructure of health systems at state or territory level.3 COVAX was established to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, once available, regardless of the economic differences globally—a donor-based model of vaccine equity.4 …
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- 2021
12. Cardio-Pulmonary Sequelae in Recovered COVID-19 Patients: Considerations for Primary Care
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Krunal Pandav, Asimina Dominari, R. Garimella, Azza Sarfraz, Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda, Zouina Sarfraz, Alanna Barrios, Manish Kc, Varadha Retnakumar, and Juan C Pantoja
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2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Cross-sectional study ,cardiac ,pulmonary ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 ,Primary health care ,Primary care ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,03 medical and health sciences ,primary care ,0302 clinical medicine ,Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ,Medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Intensive care medicine ,long COVID ,Original Research ,Community and Home Care ,Primary Health Care ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,Middle Aged ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Radiological weapon ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,business - Abstract
Background: Current literature lacks characterization of the post-recovery sequelae among COVID-19 patients. This review characterizes the course of clinical, laboratory, radiological findings during the primary infection period, and the complications post-recovery. Primary care findings are presented for long-COVID care. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 4 databases were searched (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Scopus) through December 5, 2020, using the keywords “COVID-19 and/or recovered and/or cardiovascular and/or long-term and/or sequelae and/or sub-acute and/or complication.” We included published peer-reviewed case reports, case series, and cross-sectional studies providing the clinical course of COVID-19 infection, and cardiopulmonary complications of patients who recovered from COVID-19, while making healthcare considerations for primary care workers. Results: We identified 29 studies across 9 countries including 37.9% Chinese and 24.1% U.S. studies, comprising 655 patients (Mean Age = 45) with various ethnical backgrounds including Asian and European. Based on the WHO COVID-19 severity classification scale, initial disease severity was mild for 377 patients and severe for 52 patients. Treatments during primary infection included corticosteroids, oxygen support, and antivirals. The mean value (in days) for complication onset after acute recovery was 28 days. Complete blood counts and RT-PCR tests were the most common laboratory results described. In 22 of the studies, patients showed signs of clinical improvement and were prescribed medications such as anticoagulants or corticosteroids. Conclusion: Post-recovery infectious complications are common in long-COVID-19 patients ranging from mild infections to life-threatening conditions. International thoracic and cardiovascular societies need to develop guidelines for patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia, while focused patient care by the primary care physician is crucial to curb preventable adverse events. Recommendations for real-time and lab-quality diagnostic tests are warranted to establish point-of-care testing, detect early complications, and provide timely treatment.
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- 2021
13. Unilateral Optic Neuritis Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Complication
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Azza Sarfraz, Abidemi Idowu, Dhiviyan Valentine, Kitson Deane, Zouina Sarfraz, and Vincent Sanchez
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Adult ,Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Optic Neuritis ,Multiple Sclerosis ,genetic structures ,Physical examination ,Disease ,Blindness ,Young Adult ,medicine ,Humans ,Optic neuritis ,Young adult ,Pandemics ,Past medical history ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,SARS-CoV-2 ,business.industry ,Multiple sclerosis ,COVID-19 ,Articles ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Optic nerve ,Female ,business ,Complication - Abstract
Patient: Female, 21-year-old Final Diagnosis: Optic neuritis Symptoms: Vision changes Medication:— Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Infectious Diseases • Neurology Objective: Rare co-existance of disease or pathology Background: Since the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, extensive research has been conducted on the pulmonary implications of this novel disease. However, there has been limited data on the extrapulmonary manifestations. There have been few documented causes of optic involvement and little is understood about the pathophysiology around its presentation and the possible treatments to prevent long-term complications. Here, we describe a case of optic neuritis in a female patient concurrently infected with SARS-CoV-2. Given the plethora of evidence supporting neurological manifestations of the virus, we hypothesize that there is an association between our patient’s optic neuritis and her infection with SARS-CoV-2. Case Report: A 21-year-old woman with no past medical history who presented with blurry vision in her left eye. Optic neuritis was suspected with physical examination and confirmed with imaging of the optic nerve. Further diagnostic evaluation was nonsuggestive of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases; however, the patient was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2. Steroids and remdesivir treatment were started, but without the presence of any respiratory symptoms. The patient’s symptoms completely resolved by day 5 of hospitalization and she was discharged home without any complications. Conclusions: Optic neuritis has remained an uncommon complication of SARS-CoV-2. This rather rare complication of SARS-CoV-2 is one that clinicians should be cognizant of due to the long-term implications of optic neuritis. Furthermore, it is pertinent to consider ophthalmic involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection to appropriately guide patient care during the pandemic, as prompt treatment can lead to improved outcomes.
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- 2021
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14. An epidemiological, strategic and response analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia: a population-based observational study
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Hafiz Muhammad Salman, Javaria Syed, Atif Riaz, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Syed Hashim Abbas Ali Bokhari, and Ivan Cherrez Ojeda
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COVID-19 Vaccines ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,Humans ,India ,Pandemics - Abstract
Introduction South Asia has had a dynamic response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The overall burden and response have remained comparable across highly-burdened countries within the South Asian Region. Methodology Using a population-based observational design, all eight South Asian countries were analyzed using a step-wise approach. Data were obtained from government websites and publicly-available repositories for population dynamics and key variables. Results South Asian countries have a younger average age of their population. Inequitable distribution of resources centered in urban metropolitan cities within South Asia is present. Certain densely populated regions in these countries have better testing and healthcare facilities that correlate with lower COVID-19 incidence per million populations. Trends of urban-rural disparities are unclear given the lack of clear reporting of the gaps within these regions. COVID-19 vaccination lag has become apparent in South Asian countries, with the expected time to complete the campaign being unfeasible as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. Conclusion With a redesigning of governance policies on preventing the rise of COVID-19 promptly, the relief on the healthcare system and healthcare workers will allow for adequate time to roll out vaccination campaigns with equitable distribution. Capacity expansion of public health within the Region is required to ensure a robust healthcare response to the ongoing pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks.
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- 2021
15. Understanding and Promoting Racial Diversity in Healthcare Settings to Address Disparities in Pandemic Crisis Management
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Alanna Barrios, Manish Kc, Muzna Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Kuchalambal Agadi, Sindhu Thevuthasan, Pedram Rad, George Michel, Zouina Sarfraz, and Krunal Pandav
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Gerontology ,Minority group ,health inequity ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 ,Ethnic group ,PsycINFO ,CINAHL ,Health Services Accessibility ,Discrimination, Psychological ,Racism ,Health care ,Ethnicity ,Medicine ,Humans ,Minority Health ,Healthcare Disparities ,race ,Pandemics ,Original Research ,health disparities ,Community and Home Care ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Racial Groups ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,Health Status Disparities ,Mental health ,Health equity ,United States ,Community health ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,business ,Delivery of Health Care ,discrimination - Abstract
Background: Health disparities have become apparent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. When observing racial discrimination in healthcare, self-reported incidences, and perceptions among minority groups in the United States suggest that, the most socioeconomically underrepresented groups will suffer disproportionately in COVID-19 due to synergistic mechanisms. This study reports racially-stratified data regarding the experiences and impacts of different groups availing the healthcare system to identify disparities in outcomes of minority and majority groups in the United States. Methods: Studies were identified utilizing PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and PsycINFO search engines without date and language restrictions. The following keywords were used: Healthcare, raci*, ethnic*, discriminant, hosti*, harass*, insur*, education, income, psychiat*, COVID-19, incidence, mortality, mechanical ventilation. Statistical analysis was conducted in Review Manager (RevMan V.5.4). Unadjusted Odds Ratios, P-values, and 95% confidence intervals were presented. Results: Discrimination in the United States is evident among racial groups regarding medical care portraying mental risk behaviors as having serious outcomes in the health of minority groups. The perceived health inequity had a low association to the majority group as compared to the minority group (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.78; P = .007), and the association of mental health problems to the Caucasian-American majority group was low (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.58; P Conclusion: As the pandemic continues into its next stage, efforts should be taken to address the gaps in clinical training and education, and medical practice to avoid the recurring patterns of racial health disparities that become especially prominent in community health emergencies. A standardized tool to assess racial discrimination and inequity will potentially improve pandemic healthcare delivery.
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- 2021
16. Venous Thromboembolism, Corticosteroids and COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Gaurav Patel, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Muzna Sarfraz, and Aminah Abdul Razzack
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medicine.medical_specialty ,lcsh:Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ,pulmonary embolism ,Critical Illness ,venous thromboembolism ,MEDLINE ,coronavirus ,Review ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Risk Assessment ,deep vein thrombosis ,Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pharmacotherapy ,Adrenal Cortex Hormones ,Risk Factors ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Pulmonary angiography ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,cardiovascular diseases ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Models, Cardiovascular ,COVID-19 ,Hematology ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,equipment and supplies ,mortality ,Confidence interval ,Pulmonary embolism ,COVID-19 Drug Treatment ,lcsh:RC666-701 ,Meta-analysis ,Observational study ,business ,Risk assessment - Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predisposes patients to venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to risk factors, severe infection, and severe inflammatory responses. The objective is to determine the risk of developing VTE after corticosteroid administration during COVID-19 treatment. Using PRISMA reporting guidelines, a review was conducted from inception until 20 September 2020 with MESH terms including “venous thromboembolism” and “covid-19,” using MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL Plus, and WHO Global Database. The inclusion criteria included studies with COVID-19 patients aged 18 years and older with VTE diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Exclusion criteria were studies with non COVID-19 patients and non-VTE patients aged less than 18 years. Quality appraisal was conducted of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effect model using 95% confidence intervals, and significance of findings was assessed using Review Manager V5.4.We included 12 observational studies with 2801 patients (VTE n = 434; non-VTE; n = 2367). Patients had a higher risk of presenting with VTE when being administered corticosteroids during treatment of COVID-19 (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.77, I2 = 0%). A positive effect size was found (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.32, I2 = 85%) for D-dimer laboratory values (µg/mL) in the VTE group. While critically ill COVID-19 patients are more likely to require corticosteroid treatment, it may be associated with increased risk of VTE, and poor clinical prognosis. Risk assessment is warranted to further evaluate patients as case-by-case in reducing VTE and worsening clinical outcomes.
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- 2021
17. Availability, Use, and Satisfaction of Personal Protective Equipment Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Low- and Middle-Income Countries
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Javaria Siddiq, Ammar Anwer, Muzna Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, and Azza Sarfraz
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Adult ,Male ,Multivariate analysis ,Adolescent ,Cross-sectional study ,Attitude of Health Personnel ,Health Personnel ,Pneumonia, Viral ,Developing country ,03 medical and health sciences ,Betacoronavirus ,Young Adult ,0302 clinical medicine ,Environmental health ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Health care ,Medicine ,Humans ,Pakistan ,Practice Patterns, Physicians' ,Personal protective equipment ,Developing Countries ,Pandemics ,Personal Protective Equipment ,Aged ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Afghanistan ,Questionnaire ,COVID-19 ,Middle Aged ,Private sector ,030210 environmental & occupational health ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Population study ,Female ,business ,Coronavirus Infections - Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the discrepancy among and within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) regarding PPE availability, use, and satisfaction. METHODS: The study population consisted of healthcare workers from LMICs who partook in the questionnaire survey from March 1, 2020, until April 15, 2020. RESULTS: In the bivariate analysis, gender (Pâ=â0.05), HCWs (Pâ
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- 2020
18. The Past, Present and Future of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis: A Rapid Review
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Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Vikash Jaiswal, Sujan Poudel, Shehar Bano, Muhammad Hanif, Prakriti Singh Shrestha, Muzna Sarfraz, George Michel, and Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda
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Community and Home Care ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Diabetes Mellitus ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,Humans ,India ,Mucormycosis - Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is known for the multiple mutations and forms that have rapidly spread across the world. With the imminent challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries in curbing the public health fallbacks due to limited resources, mucormycosis emerged as a fungal infection associated with high mortality. In this rapid review, we explored MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, WHO Global Database, and the search engine—Google Scholar for articles listed until July 2021 and presented a narrative synthesis of findings from 39 articles. The epidemiology, causative factors, incidence parameters, pharmacological treatment, and recommendations for low- and middle-income countries are enlisted. This study concludes that a majority of the globally reported COVID-19 associated mucormycosis cases stemmed from India. Individuals receiving systemic corticosteroids or who have a history of diabetes mellitus are more prone to contracting the disease. Public health authorities in LMIC are recommended to strengthen antifungal therapies for COVID-19 associated mucormycosis and to strategize reduction in diabetes mellitus prevalence.
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- 2022
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19. Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review
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Sadia Usmani, Elona Greca, Sana Javed, Medha Sharath, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Syeda Wajiha Salari, Syed Sameer Hussaini, Asma Mohammadi, Nikitha Chellapuram, Erik Cabrera, and Gerardo Ferrer
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Community and Home Care ,SARS-CoV-2 ,postnatal depression ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,anxiety ,Depression, Postpartum ,postpartum depression ,Risk Factors ,Humans ,Female ,women ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,Pandemics ,mental health ,Original Research - Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating worldwide effect on mental health. Recent studies correlate the spreading of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with symptoms of depression, most prominent in postpartum women. Our systematic literature review scope is to identify the risk factors and predictors for postpartum depression (PPD) and describe the steps that should be taken to help postpartum women. This study will help clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to elucidate the predictors of PPD during this pandemic and prevent these adverse outcomes in future crises. Methods: We conducted a systematic search by employing databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase to identify articles published before March 2021. About 463 publications were generated during our search process and from those, 36 were reviewed, summarized, and synthesized. Studies qualified the criteria if they (1) utilized qualitative or quantitative design, (2) explored the risk factors for PPD, and (3) were written in English. Quality evaluation of each study was achieved by using criteria set by Lincoln and Guba. Results: Prevalence of depression symptoms ranged from 7% to 80.8% in postpartum women during the SARS-COV 2 pandemic. The risk factors for PPD were classified into 6 major categories: socio-demographic, psychological, pre-existing pathology, metabolic factors, previous events of miscarriage, and media misinformation. Conclusion: It is extremely vital to care for women’s mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth during these unprecedented times. This review urges the need to design adequate interventions for this vulnerable population to prevent negative consequences of PPD.
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- 2021
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20. The Influence of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) On Parkinson’s Disease: An Updated Systematic Review
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Prakriti Singh Shrestha, Wilson Cueva, Shavy Nagpal, Dattatreya Mukherjee, Prathima Guntipalli, Elmjedina Halilaj, A Bhatnagar, Diana Fiorela Sánchez Velazco, Samir Ruxmohan, Danah Alquraish, Saloni Savani, Azza Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, and Vikash Jaiswal
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medicine.medical_specialty ,2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,Parkinson's disease ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,Central nervous system ,Encephalopathy ,R858-859.7 ,ACE2 ,Disease ,Internal medicine ,Pandemic ,Dementia ,Humans ,Medicine ,Pandemics ,Original Research ,Community and Home Care ,neurological ,SARS-CoV-2 ,business.industry ,Mortality rate ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,Parkinson Disease ,medicine.disease ,Virology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Parkinson’s disease ,Delirium ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
BackgroundCOVID-19 has affected global communities with multiple neurological complications in addition to other critical medical issues. COVID-19 binds to the host’s angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) receptors, which are expressed in the neurons and glial cells, acting as an entry port to the central nervous system (CNS). ACE2 receptors are abundantly expressed on dopamine neurons, which may worsen the prognosis of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). SARS-CoV-2 may lead to an indirect response via immune-mediated cytokine storms and propagate through the CNS leading to damage. PD is also been associated with certain post-viral infections apart from COVID-19, such as HSV, Influenzavirus A, Measles virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Mumps.ObjectiveIn this systematic review, we aim to provide a thorough analysis of associations between COVID-19 and neurological outcomes for patients with PD.MethodsUsing PRISMA statement 2020, a systematic review was conducted to isolate confirmed COVID-19 patients and analyze the PD-associated neurological outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. The following keywords were used “COVID19, SARS-CoV-2, Parkinson’s disease, Pandemic, Mortality.” A modified Delphi process was employed to include the studies and ensure that the clinical outcome measures were addressed.ResultsOf the 355 records located during the initial round of screening, 16 were included in the final synthesis. Of PD patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, worsening motor symptoms and other viral-associated symptoms were reported. These symptoms included bradykinesia, tremors, gait disturbances, delirium and dementia, and severe spasms of arms and legs. Encephalopathy was presented in two of the included studies. Increased mortality rates were identified for hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 and PD as compared to other patient groups, albeit with limited generalizability due to high bias of included studies.ConclusionPatients with PD may experience substantial worsening of motor and non-motor symptoms due to COVID 19. Given the novelty of neurological-viral associations, clinical studies in the future ought to explore the disease severity and neurological outcomes in COVID-19 positive patients with PD as compared to non-PD patients, in addition to understanding the role of ACE2 in increased vulnerability to contracting the infection and as a treatment modality.
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- 2021
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