A Hypertonic Seawater Nasal Irrigation Solution Containing Algal and Herbal Natural Ingredients Reduces Viral Load and SARS-CoV-2 Detection Time in the Nasal Cavity.

Nasal irrigation is thought to decrease the viral load present in the nasal cavity. Our aim was to assess the effect of a hypertonic seawater solution [with algal and herbal natural ingredients (Sinomarin®)] on the viral load of nasopharynx in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial from June 2022 to December 2022. We allocated 56 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia into two groups (28 in each group)-the hypertonic seawater group [nasal irrigations with a hypertonic seawater solution (Sinomarin®) every 4 h for 16 h per day, for two consecutive days] and the control group (no nasal irrigations). A second nasopharyngeal swab was collected 48 h after the baseline nasopharyngeal swab (8 h after the last wash in the hypertonic seawater group) to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 viral load as determined by cycle threshold (Ct) values. In the hypertonic seawater group, the mean Ct values significantly increased two days after the initial measurement [ΔCt 48-0 h = 3.86 ± 3.03 cycles, p < 0.001 (95%CI: 2.69 to 5.04)]. No significant differences in the Ct values were observed in the control group [ΔCt 48-0 h = -0.14 ± 4.29, p = 0.866 (95%CI: -1.80 to -1.52)]. At follow-up, 17 patients from the hypertonic seawater group had negative test results compared to only 9 patients from the control group (p = 0.03). Nasal irrigations with a hypertonic seawater solution containing algal and herbal natural ingredients significantly decreased nasopharyngeal viral load and the detection time of SARS-CoV-2 in the nasal cavity.

Effect of PM2.5 Levels on ED Visits for Respiratory Causes in a Greek Semi-Urban Area.

Fine particulate matter that have a diameter of <2.5 µm (PM2.5) are an important factor of anthropogenic pollution since they are associated with the development of acute respiratory illnesses. The aim of this prospective study is to examine the correlation between PM2.5 levels in the semi-urban city of Volos and Emergency Department (ED) visits for respiratory causes. ED visits from patients with asthma, pneumonia and upper respiratory infection (URI) were recorded during a one-year period. The 24 h PM2.5 pollution data were collected in a prospective manner by using twelve fully automated air quality monitoring stations. PM2.5 levels exceeded the daily limit during 48.6% of the study period, with the mean PM2.5 concentration being 30.03 ± 17.47 µg/m3. PM2.5 levels were significantly higher during winter. When PM2.5 levels were beyond the daily limit, there was a statistically significant increase in respiratory-related ED visits (1.77 vs. 2.22 visits per day; p: 0.018). PM2.5 levels were also statistically significantly related to the number of URI-related ED visits (0.71 vs. 0.99 visits/day; p = 0.01). The temperature was negatively correlated with ED visits (r: −0.21; p < 0.001) and age was found to be positively correlated with ED visits (r: 0.69; p < 0.001), while no statistically significant correlation was found concerning humidity (r: 0.03; p = 0.58). In conclusion, PM2.5 levels had a significant effect on ED visits for respiratory causes in the city of Volos.

Remdesivir-induced Bradycardia is not Associated with Worse Outcome in Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, is primarily a respiratory illness but is known to cause extrapulmonary manifestations, especially on the cardiovascular system. Bradycardia is commonly reported in COVID-19 patients despite no prior history of occurrence, and many studies have shown an association with increased mortality. Multiple case reports have been published showcasing remdesivir potentially causing bradycardia. Our aim was to investigate the incidence of bradycardia in patients receiving remdesivir and examine the association with disease severity and survival outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed including 160 COVID-19 patients receiving remdesivir for 5 days. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, medication, vital signs, laboratory tests and outcome were recorded. Bradycardia was defined as a heart rate < 60 beats/min and severe bradycardia < 50 beats/min. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen (73.8%) patients experienced at least one episode of bradycardia during hospitalisation. Bradycardia was present in 12 (7.5%) patients before treatment with remdesivir. The rate of bradycardia increased up to the 6th day of hospitalisation (40.6%) and subsequently diminished and normalised within 5 days after the last remdesivir dose (5% at Day 10). Severe bradycardia was observed in 13 (7.5%) patients. No difference was observed in ICU admission between groups (bradycardia vs no bradycardia). When we stratified patients according to the outcome of hospitalisation, no significant difference was observed in the occurrence of bradycardia between groups (alive vs dead) [p = 0.853]. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with remdesivir may be associated with new-onset bradycardia in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. However, bradycardia is transient and is not associated with ICU admission and mortality.