The Role of Cytokines and T Cells as Mediators of Inflammatory Pathology in Type 1 Diabetes and COVID-19.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reports of individuals experiencing new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) began to appear in the literature. This spurred subsequent epidemiological studies that demonstrated an increase in new diagnosis of T1D compared to prepandemic. Development of T1D is characterized by the development of an inappropriate T cell response directed against pancreatic beta-cells, leading to eventual loss of insulin secretion. This T cell response occurs in genetically susceptible individuals and may be triggered by viral illnesses. Abnormal cytokine production is another element of the pathogenesis of T1D. Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus 2 induces a profound increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines and causes significant T-cell dysregulation. These disruptions of the immune system may be linked to the development of T1D following COVID-19. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(7):e264-e268.].

Retrospective Analysis of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated COVID-19 Patients Treated with Monoclonal Antibodies (mAb) and Their Emergent Needs (RAVEN).

Strategies to combat COVID-19 include vaccines and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. While vaccines aim to prevent development of symptoms, Monoclonal Antibody Therapy aims to prevent the progression of mild to severe disease. An increasing number of COVID-19 infections in vaccinated patients raised the question of whether vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 positive patients respond differently to Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. The answer can help prioritize patients if resources are scarce. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate and compare the outcomes and risks for disease progression between vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients treated with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy by measuring the number of Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations within 14 days as well as the progression to severe disease, defined through the Intensive Care Unit admissions within 14 days, and death within 28 days from the Monoclonal Antibody infusion. From 3898 included patients, 2009 (51.5%) were unvaccinated at the time of Monoclonal Antibody infusion. Unvaccinated patients had more Emergency Department visits (217 vs. 79, p < 0.0001), hospitalizations (116 vs. 38, p < 0.0001), and progression to severe disease (25 vs. 19, p = 0.016) following treatment with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. After adjustment for demographics and comorbidities, unvaccinated patients were 2.45 times more likely to seek help in the Emergency Department and 2.70 times more likely to be hospitalized. Our data suggest the added benefit between the COVID-19 vaccine and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy.

Impact of an inclusive COVID-19 visitation policy on patient satisfaction and visitor safety.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique and unprecedented challenges due to limited knowledge regarding the virus's transmissibility. With guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), healthcare systems instituted widespread visitor restrictions. Hospitalization is a stressful time for patients. Visitor support can help minimize this during and after discharge. METHODS: A telephone interview was conducted among hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients discharged between March 1st and August 31st, 2021 to explore the patients and visitors' experiences and the impact of the visitor policy during their hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients were interviewed. For patients with visitors, 98% felt that the presence of visitors improved their overall wellbeing and satisfaction. Additionally, 86% reported that visitors were involved in helping with their care upon discharge. For patients with no visitors, 59% felt that having a visitor would have improved their hospital stay. Nearly 50% reported that the absence of visitors made it difficult for family members to remain updated and informed of their hospital care. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that visitation for COVID-19 patients can be done safely and that there is a positive impact on patient wellbeing with increased visitor access. As we move towards COVID-19 endemicity, implementing evidence-based visitation policies that maximize patient wellbeing will be essential.

A matched cohort study of laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and sleeve gastrectomy performed by one surgeon.

SETTING: Spectrum Blodgett and Mercy Health St. Mary's hospitals in Grand Rapids, Michigan OBJECTIVE: To compare the 30-day outcomes of laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic BPD/DS has been shown to be superior to SG in terms of excess weight loss. Despite this superiority, BPD/DS accounts for a small percentage of all metabolic surgeries due partly to the perception that BPD/DS has a higher complication rate than SG. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent BPD/DS or SG from January 2008 to August 2014 by 1 surgeon was completed. These patients were used to construct cohorts matched via propensity score matching and compared by surgical type. Data collected included patient demographic characteristics; hospital length of stay (LOS); and 30-day rates of leak, bleed, reoperation, readmission, and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 741 patients who underwent BPD/DS or SG, 2 cohorts of 167 patients each were matched for age, sex, and BMI. LOS was longer in the BPD/DS cohort (2.5±.9 days versus 2.1±.7 days, P<.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in relation to 30-day postoperative rates of leak (.3% versus .6%, P>.99), bleed (0% versus .3%, P>.99), reoperation (1.2% versus .6%, P>.99), or readmission (3% versus 1.2%, P = .45). There were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: After matching for age, sex, and BMI, BPD/DS found no significant differences from SG with regard to 30-day postoperative rates of leak, bleed, reoperation, readmission, or mortality.