Long COVID in Children, Adults, and Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Overview for an Integrated Approach.

Long COVID affects both children and adults, including subjects who experienced severe, mild, or even asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have provided a comprehensive overview of the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of persistent COVID-19 symptoms in both children and adults, encompassing vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and oncological patients. Our objective is to emphasize the critical significance of adopting an integrated approach for the early detection and appropriate management of long COVID. The incidence and severity of long COVID symptoms can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and the course of disease in the case of pre-existing pathologies. Particularly, in fragile and vulnerable patients, the presence of PASC is related to significantly worse survival, independent from pre-existing vulnerabilities and treatment. It is important try to achieve an early recognition and management. Various mechanisms are implicated, resulting in a wide range of clinical presentations. Understanding the specific mechanisms and risk factors involved in long COVID is crucial for tailoring effective interventions and support strategies. Management approaches involve comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and treatment of symptoms and comorbidities, such as autonomic dysfunction, as well as multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The overall course of long COVID is one of gradual improvement, with recovery observed in the majority, though not all, of patients. As the research on long-COVID continues to evolve, ongoing studies are likely to shed more light on the intricate relationship between chronic diseases, such as oncological status, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and the persistent effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information could guide healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers in developing targeted interventions.

Risk Analysis Stratification of CIN 2+ Development in a Cohort of Women Living with HIV with Negative Pap Smear and HR-HPV Test during a Long-Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus are at higher risk of cervical cancer and precancer compared to women without HIV infection. The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk factors for the development of CIN2+ in a cohort of WLWH with negative colposcopy and cytology during a long follow-up period. METHODS: We enrolled, in a multicentric retrospective cohort study, WLWH who attended the colposcopic services from 1999 to 2019. Patients with a normal Pap smear, a negative HR-HPV test, and at least one year of follow-up were considered for the anlysis. RESULTS: The five-year cumulative incidence of histologically confirmed HSIL was 8.3% (95% CI = 2.6-13.6) among subjects with a CD4+ cell count of <200 cells/µL at any visit and 2.1% (95% CI = 0.7-3.4, p = 0.001) in women with a CD4+ cell count of persistently >200 cells/µL. In women with persistent HR-HPV infection, the five-year cumulative incidence of CIN 2+ was 6% (95% CI = 1.6-10.2) versus 2% (95% CI = 0.4-3.6, p = 0.012) in women without HPV infection. An HIV viremia of >200 copies/mL, a CD4+ cell count of <200 cells/µL, persistent HR-HPV infection, and smoking ≥10 cigarettes/day were all independent and statistically significant risk factors associated with the development of CIN2+ during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: WLWH with good immune status and negative Pap smear and HR-HPV test have a low risk for CIN2+.

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission during pregnancy.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during gestation remains unclear. Here, we analyse the viral genome on maternal and newborns nasopharyngeal swabs, vaginal swabs, maternal and umbilical cord plasma, placenta and umbilical cord biopsies, amniotic fluids and milk from 31 mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we also test specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses in placentas, and in maternal and umbilical cord plasma. We detect SARS-CoV-2 genome in one umbilical cord blood and in two at-term placentas, in one vaginal mucosa and in one milk specimen. Furthermore, we report the presence of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in one umbilical cord blood and in one milk specimen. Finally, in the three documented cases of vertical transmission, SARS-CoV-2 infection was accompanied by a strong inflammatory response. Together, these data support the hypothesis that in utero SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission, while low, is possible. These results might help defining proper obstetric management of COVID-19 pregnant women, or putative indications for mode and timing of delivery.