Characteristics of a Diverse Cohort of Stroke Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and Outcome by Sex.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with stroke. The role of sex on stroke outcome has not been investigated. To objective of this paper is to describe the characteristics of a diverse cohort of acute stroke patients with COVID-19 disease and determine the role of sex on outcome. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients with acute stroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted between March 15 to May 15, 2020 to one of the six participating comprehensive stroke centers. Baseline characteristics, stroke subtype, workup, treatment and outcome are presented as total number and percentage or median and interquartile range. Outcome at discharge was determined by the modified Rankin Scale Score (mRS). Variables and outcomes were compared for males and females using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The study included 83 patients, 47% of which were Black, 28% Hispanics/Latinos, and 16% whites. Median age was 64 years. Approximately 89% had at least one preexisting vascular risk factor (VRF). The most common complications were respiratory failure (59%) and septic shock (34%). Compared with females, a higher proportion of males experienced severe SARS-CoV-2 symptoms requiring ICU hospitalization (73% vs. 49%; p = 0.04). When divided by stroke subtype, there were 77% ischemic, 19% intracerebral hemorrhage and 3% subarachnoid hemorrhage. The most common ischemic stroke etiologies were cryptogenic (39%) and cardioembolic (27%). Compared with females, males had higher mortality (38% vs. 13%; p = 0.02) and were less likely to be discharged home (12% vs. 33%; p = 0.04). After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, and number of VRFs, mRS was higher in males than in females (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.03-2.09). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of SARS-CoV-2 stroke patients, most had clinical evidence of coronavirus infection on admission and preexisting VRFs. Severe in-hospital complications and worse outcomes after ischemic strokes were higher in males, than females.

[Epidemiological study of salmonelloses in the Moldavia area]. / Contributii la studiul epidemiologic al salmonelozelor pe teritoriul Moldovei.

A study was carried out on the epizooto-epidemiologic potential of certain domestic and wild animal species (cold-blooded), of the environment (residual waters) and food products, and their role in maintaining Salmonella endemics (others than the typhoid-parathyphoid group). Account was kept of the incidence of Salmonella and its circulation in subjects exposed to occupational risks and in the mass of the population, including those with clinically manifest salmonellosis and the clinically healthy carriers. The results showed the importance of domestic animals in maintaining the endemic (fowl 15%, swine 10%, bovine 5%). The isolated serotypes were identical to those found in residual eaters, in patients and in carriers. The sensitivity test to antibiotics revealed resistance to more than two antibiotics in 65%, except for the strains isolated from reptiles. Reorganization measures appear necessary in order to restrict the circulation of Salmonella in farm animals and to reduce the risks of infection in humans.