The role of cytokines and their antagonists in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has various presentations, of which immune dysregulation or the so-called cytokine storm syndrome (COVID-CSS) is prominent. Even though cytokines are vital regulators of body immunoinflammatory responses, their exaggerated release can be harmful. This hyperinflammatory response is more commonly observed during severe COVID-19 infections, caused by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interferon-gamma, making their blockers and antagonists of great interest as therapeutic options in this condition. Thus, the pathophysiology of excessive cytokine secretion is outlined, and their most important blockers and antagonists are discussed, mainly focussing on tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor blocker approved to treat severe COVID-19 infections.

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after vaccination against Covid-19: A clinical dilemma for clinicians and patients.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has had devastating effects on public health worldwide, but the deployment of vaccines for Covid-19 protection has helped control the spread of SARS Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection where they are available. The common side effects reported following Covid-19 vaccination were mostly self-restricted local reactions that resolved quickly. Nevertheless, rare vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) cases have been reported in some people being vaccinated against Covid-19. This review summarizes the thromboembolic events after Covid-19 vaccination and discusses its molecular mechanism, incidence rate, clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis. Then, a step-by-step algorithm for diagnosing such events, along with a management plan, are presented. In conclusion, considering the likeliness of acquiring severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and its subsequent morbidity and mortality, the benefits of vaccination outweigh its risks. Hence, if not already initiated, all governments should begin an effective and fast public vaccination plan to overcome this pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination recommendations in special populations and patients with existing comorbidities.

Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a crucial step in ending the current worldwide pandemic. However, several particularly vulnerable groups in the population were not included in sufficient numbers in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine trials. Therefore, as science advances, the advice for vaccinating these special populations against Covid-19 will continue to evolve. This focused review provides the latest recommendations and considerations for these special populations (i.e., patients with rheumatologic and autoimmune disorders, cancer, transplant recipients, chronic liver diseases, end-stage renal disease, neurologic disorders, psychiatric disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, human immunodeficiency virus, current smokers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, children, and patients with allergic reactions) using the currently available research evidence.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir versus the standard of care in adults hospitalized with COVID-19: a single-centre, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of patients experience asymptomatic to mild self-limited disease, but some cases progress to respiratory and multi-organ failure. However, so far, no approved antiviral therapy has been available for treatment of COVID-19. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) is an approved anti-HCV drug that is capable of suppressing other families of positive-sense RNA viruses with conserved polymerase and may be effective against SARS-CoV-2. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the SOF/VEL combination in addition to the national standard of care versus the national standard of care alone (hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir as well as supportive care) in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This single-centre, randomized, open-labelled, prospective clinical trial was done in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 admitted to Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah Province, Iran. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the SOF/VEL arm (SOF/VEL plus the national standard of care) or the control arm (the national standard of care alone). The main outcome of the study was the mortality on Day 28 after randomization. Secondary outcomes were time from the start of medication to clinical improvement, hospital length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation and conversion of RT-PCR results from positive to negative from the time of randomization to discharge. Adverse events were evaluated in all patients who started their assigned treatment. RESULTS: Between 11 April and 8 June 2020, 80 patients were recruited and randomly assigned into the SOF/VEL (n = 40) and control (n = 40) arms. The primary outcome was not significantly different between the two arms (P = 1.00). Secondary outcomes, including time to clinical improvement, hospital length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation and RT-PCR conversion, were not significantly different between arms either (P > 0.05). SOF/VEL treatment and the national standard of care were tolerated similarly. CONCLUSIONS: Although treatment with SOF/VEL was safe, adding SOF/VEL to the standard of care did not improve the clinical status or reduce mortality in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. However, larger randomized clinical trials including more parameters are needed for accurate estimation of the efficacy of SOF/VEL.

Dermatological manifestations associated with COVID-19: A comprehensive review of the current knowledge.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a significant health problem globally. The virus has spread widely and become a global pandemic. The pathophysiology for SARS-CoV-2 has not been explained clearly. It has been associated with several multiorgan symptoms, among which its dermatological manifestations are of great interest. Primarily, there has been no report of skin features among COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, recently there have been several reports regarding COVID-19 patients who presented with cutaneous manifestations. In the current review, we focus on the various cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 infection.

Clinical misdiagnosis of influenza infection with a confusing clinical course: A case report.

A 32-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and major depressive disorder was admitted with severe weakness and somnolence. She had tachycardia and hypotension, indicative of severe dehydration, and was treated with a vasopressor and sodium bicarbonate, but her clinical manifestations deteriorated. A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan showed a patchy ground glass appearance with interlobular septal thickening, suggesting pneumonia. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was requested for the influenza A virus (IAV), which was positive. The patient was treated with oseltamivir and discharged with improved clinical symptoms.

COVID outcome in pemphigus: Does rituximab make pemphigus patients susceptible to more severe COVID-19?

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised some concerns regarding the management of chronic skin diseases, especially in patients on immunosuppressive therapy including patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Literature review reveals conflicting results about the effect of monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab on clinical outcome of COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: To assess the reciprocal interaction of COVID-19 and pemphigus and the effect of rituximab on prognosis of COVID-19 in patients. METHODS: We set up a retrospective study on adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris and a history of COVID-19 with or without symptoms during 2020. RESULTS: Thirty-six adults with pemphigus vulgaris and SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed with positive RT-PCR test results in 31 cases (86.1%) and suspected in the 5 others (13.9%). Gender, total dose of rituximab, number of rituximab cycles, and involvement of head and neck were not associated to duration of COVID-19 symptoms (p values: 0.32, 0.23, 0.84, and 0.51, respectively), severity of disease (hospitalization) (p values: 0.46, 0.39, 0.23, and 0.72, respectively), or the percentage of lung involvement on CT scan (p values: 0.07, 0.36, 0.38, and 0.09, respectively). Regarding the impact of COVID-19 on pemphigus, the majority of patients did not experience any changes in their pemphigus regarding clinical phenotype (100%) or severity (83.3%), but PV was worsened in 6 (16.9%) patients which was controlled with increasing the prednisolone dosage. CONCLUSION: Rituximab appears to be safe with no increased risk of severe form of COVID-19 in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

A Comprehensive Review on HIV-Associated Dermatologic Manifestations: From Epidemiology to Clinical Management.

Dermatological disorders are among the most prevalent manifestations of HIV infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this review, we aimed to characterize the various dermatologic presentations among HIV-infected patients with a detailed categorization of the mucocutaneous signs and symptoms, their etiopathogenic factors, and clinical management. In fact, cutaneous manifestations of HIV are quite various, ranging from AIDS-specific skin eruptions (xerosis, pruritic papular eruptions, eosinophilic folliculitis, and acne), opportunistic infections (herpes simplex, molluscum contagiosum, cutaneous leishmaniasis, bacillary angiomatosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, disseminated cryptococcosis, and zoster) to AIDS-related malignancies (Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, and nonmelanoma skin cancers) and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-associated drug eruptions. We tried to classify HIV-related cutaneous presentations which can help clinicians for a better understanding of the various specific and nonspecific features of AIDS-associated cutaneous manifestations and management of the condition.

A review of the potential neurological adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines.

Despite the advantages of getting access to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, their potential ability to induce severe adverse events (AEs) has been a significant concern. Neurological complications are significant among the various adverse events following immunization (AEFI) due to their likely durability and debilitating sequelae. Neurological AEs following COVID-19 vaccination can either exacerbate or induce new-onset neuro-immunologic diseases, such as myasthenia gravis (MG) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The more severe spectrum of AEs post-COVID19 vaccines has included seizures, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, strokes, GBS, Bell's palsy, transverse myelitis (TM), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Here, we discuss each of these neurological adverse effects separately.

Anticoagulant therapy in COVID-19: A narrative review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can manifest itself in several ways, including coagulopathy and thrombosis. These complications can be the first and sometimes only manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and can occur early or late in the course of the disease. However, these symptoms are more prevalent in hospitalized patients with venous thromboembolism, particularly those admitted to intensive care units. Moreover, various forms of arterial and venous thrombosis, or micro- or macro-vasculature embolisms, have been reported during the current pandemic. They have led to harmful consequences, such as neurological and cardiac events, nearly all resulting from the hypercoagulable state caused by this viral infection. The severe hypercoagulability observed in patients with COVID-19 accounts for most cases of the disease that become critical. Therefore, anticoagulants seem to be one of the most vital therapeutics for treating this potentially life-threatening condition. In the current paper, we present a thorough review of the pathophysiology of COVID-19-induced hypercoagulable state and the use of anticoagulants to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections in different patient groups, as well as their pros and cons.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant: A Challenge with COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been multiple peaks of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus virus 2) infection, mainly due to the emergence of new variants, each with a new set of mutations in the viral genome, which have led to changes in the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and morbidity. The Omicron variant is the most recent variant of concern (VOC) to emerge and was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 26 November 2021. The Omicron lineage is phylogenetically distinct from earlier variants, including the previously dominant Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, rapid antigen assays, and chest computed tomography (CT) scans can help diagnose the Omicron variant. Furthermore, many agents are expected to have therapeutic benefits for those infected with the Omicron variant, including TriSb92, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and their combination, corticosteroids, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blockers. Despite being milder than previous variants, the Omicron variant threatens many lives, particularly among the unvaccinated, due to its higher transmissibility, pathogenicity, and infectivity. Mounting evidence has reported the most common clinical manifestations of the Omicron variant to be fever, runny nose, sore throat, severe headache, and fatigue. This review summarizes the essential features of the Omicron variant, including its history, genome, transmissibility, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and the effectiveness of existing vaccines against this VOC.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis following SARS-CoV-2 Virus: Remdesivir as a Suspected Culprit.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an exanthematous condition, predominantly occurring as a result of drug reactions. We, hereby, present the first case of AGEP following treatment with remdesivir in a patient with COVID-19, without hydroxychloroquine use, which serves as a reminder to consider remdesivir as a possible causative agent when dealing with AGEP presentation in COVID patients.

Unmasking sarcoidosis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A case report.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory and granulomatous disorder, developed due to dysregulation between immune response and certain environmental antigens. We hereby report an interesting case of sarcoidosis following COVID-19 vaccination (COVIran Barekat), which presented with inflammation of previous tattoo sites as well as the development of erythema nodosum and systemic lymphadenopathy, suggested a possible link between the COVID vaccination and dysregulation of the inflammatory process and served as a reminder for clinicians to have enough vigilance before proposing a vaccine booster to these patients.

Tuberculosis arthritis of ankle: A case report.

Tuberculosis (TB) primarily involves the respiratory tract, but any organ in the body can be affected. In recent years, extrapulmonary TB cases have significantly increased due to the prevalence of immunocompromised patients. Here, we report a case of unilateral ankle arthritis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

COVID-19 vaccine-related new-onset lichen planus.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines significantly impacted world health and well-being. However, various adverse events have been observed following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. Cutaneous reactions have been prevalent following many vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we present a case of new-onset lichen planus in a patient who received the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as being infected with SARS-CoV-2. A 52-year-old woman presented to the clinic with extensive pruritic skin lesions. The eruptions had appeared a week after her second dose of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. She mentioned a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection approximately 10 days following the first dose of her vaccine, causing a 1-month delay in getting the second dose. Her past medical history was not significant. On examination, erythematous and squamous papules were demonstrated predominantly on the extremities, including inguinal and axillary folds. Moreover, desquamation of the lips was visible, and buccal lesions were also found. After consultation with a dermatologist, a skin biopsy was indicated for the patient, but she refused to undergo the procedure. Therefore, considering the typical appearance of the eruptions, lichen planus was suspected, for which she was treated with oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids.

Morphea in two patients after being infected to and being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Although the presence of morphea following COVID-19 has been rarely reported, the development of its generalized form following COVID-19 vaccination has not been reported yet. Here, we reported the first case of generalized morphea following COVID-19 vaccination and another similar case following SARS-Cov-2 infection. Other etiologic factors were also dealt with.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on esthetic dermatology.

In general, the world population interest has increased for maintaining youthfulness and having better appearance since this leads to a better mental wellbeing and self-estimate. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has revolutionized every field of medicine. As every specialty has been affected by limitations caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), this branch of medicine has also needed certain precautions for safer practice in the COVID era. With the global vaccination program against COVID-19, reports of some cutaneous reactions in patients have been undergone various esthetic procedures including filler or botox injection would be increasingly demonstrated. Although the end of pandemic was announced, the necessity of continuing COVID vaccination in future mandates gathering data regarding safety of vaccines. Herein, we presented a comprehensive review on various aspects of association between esthetic medicine or cosmetic dermatology and COVID-19.

Pathophysiology and Management of Tongue Involvement in COVID-19 Patients.

Evaluate the lingual manifestations of COVID-19, and provide a clinical guide in managing these symptoms. Electronic databases, such as PubMed/Medline, and Scopus were searched until November 1, 2020, and only randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional and cohort studies, as well as case reports and series, and review articles in English were considered. A total of 40 studies were included in this study. Lingual involvement has been extensively reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The most common features of lingual involvements were red or light red, yellow coating, and greasy coating tongue, though other complications, such as pale, purple, white coating, grayish-black coating, rough, tender, puffy, spotty, prickles, fissured, and tooth-marked tongue was also reported. Poor oral hygiene, opportunistic infections (OIs), medications, and hyper-inflammatory response to infection are the most common predisposing factors for the onset of oral lesions in patients with COVID-19. In conclusion, the current review described the lingual manifestations of COVID-19, and as oral complaints are relatively common in COVID-19 patients, an intraoral examination should be conducted in all suspected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Pregnancy, Preeclampsia, and COVID-19: Susceptibility and Mechanisms: A Review Study.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters cells through angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which expression of its gene increases during pregnancy that is resulted in an enhanced level of the ACE2 enzyme. It might enhance the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications in the pregnant women. Although, pregnancy hypertensive disorders and severe infection with SARS-CoV-2 are correlated with high comorbidity, these two entities should be discriminated from each other. Also, there is a concern about the risk of preeclampsia and consequently severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) development in the pregnant women. So, to answer these questions, in the present review the literature was surveyed. It seems there is higher severity of COVID-19 among pregnant women than non-pregnant women and more adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, an association between COVID-19 with preeclampsia and the role of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension as risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications is suggested. However, infection of the placenta and the SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission is rare. Various mechanisms could explain the role of COVID-19 in the risk of preeclampsia and association between preeclampsia and COVID-19. Suggested mechanisms are included decreased ACE2 activity and imbalance between Ang II and Ang-(1-7) in preeclampsia, association of both of severe forms of COVID-19 and pregnancy hypertensive disorders with comorbidity, and interaction between immune system, inflammatory cytokines and the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and its contribution to the hypertension pathogenesis. It is concluded that preeclampsia and gestational hypertension might be risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications.

Knowledge and Attitude of Iranian University Students toward Genital Warts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the well-known causes of cervical cancer and one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Since cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in women, this study was performed to investigate Iranian medical students' knowledge and attitudes towards genital warts. This cross-sectional study assessed the perception and attitudes of 385 students at Babol University of Medical Sciences using a preconceived questionnaire. The participants' mean age was 23.70 ± 3.27 years, with a range of 20-50 years. Evaluation of these students' level of general information about HPV showed that 7 (1.8%) students had inadequate general information, 34 (8.8%) had moderate knowledge, and 344 (89.4%) had good general knowledge in this regard. There was also a significant association between students' general knowledge of HPV and their field of study. Based on our results, the knowledge of the majority of Babol University of Medical Sciences students about genital warts was in a good range, and their knowledge about HPV routes of transmission was of moderate level. Moreover, the majority had an appropriate attitude to interact with people infected with HPV.