1.
Oral Sodium to Preserve Renal Efficiency in Acute Heart Failure: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study.
Montgomery, RA, Mauch, J, Sankar, P, Martyn, T, Engelman, T, Martens, P, Faulkenberg, K, Menon, V, Estep, JD, Tang, WHW
Journal of cardiac failure. 2023;(7):986-996
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for modulating the sodium chloride (NaCl) intake of patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF) is inconclusive. Salt restriction may not benefit; hypertonic saline may aid diuresis. OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and efficacy of oral NaCl during intravenous (IV) diuretic therapy in renal function and weight. METHODS Seventy hospitalized patients with AHF who were being treated with IV furosemide infusion consented to receive, randomly, 2 grams of oral NaCl or placebo 3 times a day in a double-blind manner during diuresis. Treatment efficacy (bivariate primary endpoints of change in serum creatinine levels and change in weight) was measured at 96 hours, and adverse safety events were tracked for 90 days. RESULTS Sixty-five patients (34 NaCl, 31 placebo) were included for analysis after 5 withdrew. A median of 13 grams of NaCl was given compared to placebo. At 96 hours, there was no significant difference between treatment groups with respect to the primary endpoint (P = 0.33); however, the trial was underpowered, and there was greater than expected standard deviation in weight change. The mean change in creatinine levels and weight was 0.15 ± 0.44 mg/dL and 4.6 ± 4.2 kg in the placebo group compared with 0.04 ± 0.40 mg/dL and 4.0 ± 4.3 kg in the NaCl group (P = 0.30 and 0.57, respectively). Across efficacy and safety endpoints, we observed no significant difference between the 2 groups other than changes in serum sodium levels (-2.6 ± 2.7 in the placebo group and -0.3 ± 3.3 mEq/L in the NaCl group; P < 0.001) and in serum blood urea nitrogen levels (11 ± 15 in the placebo group; 3.1 ± 13 mEq/L in the NaCl group; P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS In this single-center study, liberal vs restrictive oral sodium chloride intake strategies did not impact the safety and efficacy of intravenous diuretic therapy in patients with AHF. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04334668.).
2.
Effects of home confinement on mental health and lifestyle behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak: insights from the ECLB-COVID19 multicentre study.
Ammar, A, Trabelsi, K, Brach, M, Chtourou, H, Boukhris, O, Masmoudi, L, Bouaziz, B, Bentlage, E, How, D, Ahmed, M, et al
Biology of sport. 2021;38(1):9-21
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Plain language summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To curb the spread of the 2020 pandemic, social distancing, self-isolation and nationwide lockdown measures were put in place. These measures along with hygiene care are recognized as the most effective ways to curb the spread of disease. However; the weakening of social contacts can result in anxiety, frustration, panic attacks, loss or sudden increase of appetite, insomnia, depression, mood swings, delusions, fear, sleep disorders, and suicidal/domestic violence. The purpose of the study is to provide scientific data to help identify risk factors for the psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study is an international cross-disciplinary online survey and was circulated in April 2020. 1047 replies were analysed from this preliminary phase. The results show a significant difference in all tested parameters and therefore reveal a large burden for mental wellbeing combined with a tendency towards an unhealthy lifestyle during, compared to before, the confinement enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. These results highlight the importance for policy makers to consider strategies to promote wellbeing during future confinements.
Abstract
Although recognised as effective measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing and self-isolation have been suggested to generate a burden throughout the population. To provide scientific data to help identify risk factors for the psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 outbreak, an international cross-disciplinary online survey was circulated in April 2020. This report outlines the mental, emotional and behavioural consequences of COVID-19 home confinement. The ECLB-COVID19 electronic survey was designed by a steering group of multidisciplinary scientists, following a structured review of the literature. The survey was uploaded and shared on the Google online survey platform and was promoted by thirty-five research organizations from Europe, North Africa, Western Asia and the Americas. Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses "before" and "during" the confinement period. 1047 replies (54% women) from Western Asia (36%), North Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other continents (3%) were analysed. The COVID-19 home confinement evoked a negative effect on mental wellbeing and emotional status (P < 0.001; 0.43 ≤ d ≤ 0.65) with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing psychosocial and emotional disorders (+10% to +16.5%). These psychosocial tolls were associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing (i) physical (+15.2%) and social (+71.2%) inactivity, (ii) poor sleep quality (+12.8%), (iii) unhealthy diet behaviours (+10%), and (iv) unemployment (6%). Conversely, participants demonstrated a greater use (+15%) of technology during the confinement period. These findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 home confinement period and provide a clear remit for the urgent implementation of technology-based intervention to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle AHCL).