1.
Thermal inactivation of SARS COVID-2 virus: Are steam inhalations a potential treatment?
la Marca, G, Barp, J, Frenos, S, Mugelli, A, Galli, L, Calistri, E, Biasucci, G, De Masi, S, Guerrini, R
Life sciences. 2021;:118801
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has upset health systems around the world and caused immeasurable losses and costs. Until a vaccine will become available, the recommended prevention measures remain physical distancing and enhanced hygiene. METHODS AND FINDINGS The proteic structure external to the virus is the main target that may eventually lead to reduce or block its replication in the upper airways. We developed a protocol based of repeated steam inhalation cycles aimed at reducing the risk of progression to full blown infection if performed soon after contagion. The protocol has been used in a single-center open label trial on ten infected asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS The promising results we obtained with this easily accessible, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure should prompt controlled trials.
2.
New-onset Nephrotic Syndrome after Janssen COVID-19 Vaccination: a Case Report and Literature Review.
Lim, JH, Han, MH, Kim, YJ, Kim, MS, Jung, HY, Choi, JY, Cho, JH, Kim, CD, Kim, YL, Park, SH
Journal of Korean medical science. 2021;(30):e218
Abstract
Various coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are being developed, which show practical preventive effects. Here, we report a 51-year-old healthy man with nephrotic syndrome secondary to minimal change disease (MCD) after Ad26.COV.2 (Janssen) vaccination. He had no comorbid disease and received Ad26.COV.2 on April 13, 2021. Seven days after vaccination, he developed edema and foamy urine. Edema rapidly aggravated with decreased urine volume. He was admitted to the hospital 28 days after vaccination, and his body weight increased by 21 kg after vaccination. His serum creatinine level was 1.54 mg/dL, and 24-h urinary protein excretion was 8.6 g/day. Kidney biopsy revealed no abnormality in the glomeruli and interstitium of the cortex and medulla under the light microscope. Electron microscopy revealed diffuse effacement of the podocyte foot processes, thus, he was diagnosed with MCD. High-dose steroid therapy was applied, and his kidney function improved three days after steroid therapy. Three weeks after steroid use, his serum creatinine decreased to 0.95 mg/dL, and spot urine protein-to-creatine decreased to 0.2 g/g. This case highlights the risk of new-onset nephrotic syndrome secondary to MCD after vectored COVID-19 vaccination. Although the pathogenesis is uncertain, clinicians need to be careful about adverse renal effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
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New-onset restless leg syndrome in a COVID-19 patient: a case report with literature review.
Mohiuddin, O, Khan, AA, Shah, SMI, Malick, MDZ, Memon, SF, Jalees, S, Yasmin, F
The Pan African medical journal. 2021;:318
Abstract
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by the sudden urge to move the lower limbs during periods of rest accompanied by an unpleasant sensation like tingling or burning in the legs. Often, this urge is partially relieved by the movement of legs. However, it causes disturbance of sleep leading to daytime fatigue. Herein, we present an unusual case of new-onset of restless leg syndrome in a COVID-19 infected patient who presented three weeks after an uncomplicated delivery via caesarean section. The patient was managed with sleep hygiene measures, oral iron and vitamin C tablets apart from general COVID-19 management medications, subsequently leading to significant improvements. Here we have discussed possible associated factors, pathophysiological mechanisms and management of RLS in the case of COVID infected individuals.
4.
An Uninfected Preterm Newborn Inadvertently Fed SARS-CoV-2-Positive Breast Milk.
Lugli, L, Bedetti, L, Lucaccioni, L, Gennari, W, Leone, C, Ancora, G, Berardi, A
Pediatrics. 2020;(6)
Abstract
There are increasing concerns regarding coronavirus disease, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Approaches to breastfeeding and the management of neonates born to pauci-symptomatic mothers with coronavirus disease vary worldwide, although some scientific societies across Europe and the United States have emphasized the benefits of breastfeeding, even with expressed breast milk. Because SARS-CoV-2 has been, thus far, only exceptionally detected in breast milk, the risk of disease transmission has remained hypothetical.We herein report the case of a healthy preterm newborn who was inadvertently fed SARS-CoV-2-positive breast milk. Two different samples, collected with and without strict hygiene precautions, were both confirmed to be SARS-CoV-2 positive. However, the newborn was not infected, supporting the protective role of breast milk. Furthermore, in this report, we highlight the difficulties in the practical management of a neonate whose breastfeeding mother was confirmed as positive for SARS-CoV-2 after delivery.