Vitamin D Deficiency in Both Oral and Systemic Manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Updated Review.

The specialized literature emphasizes the fact that vitamin D has a potentially beneficial effect in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this article is to highlight the role of vitamin D, both prophylactic and curative, in the treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Even though its relevance is still unknown and causes various controversies, there is currently no specific treatment for patients diagnosed with COVID-19. There are various prevention strategies with new vaccination schedules, but additional randomized and clinical trials are still needed to combat this pandemic. In addition to the systemic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection, oral manifestations of this disease have also been described in the literature. The etiology of oral manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection and vitamin D deficiency remains controversial. In the present studies, oral manifestations such as salivary gland infections, aphthae, erythema, gingivitis, ulcers, etc. have been reported. This is a new topic, and the prevalence of manifestations is described in only a few studies, which is inconsistent with the number of COVID-19 cases reported since the beginning of the pandemic. The clinical symptomatology in patients with current COVID-19 infection is polymorphic. Whether the oral manifestation is directly caused by SARS-CoV-2 or a secondary manifestation remains an important topic to analyze and discuss.

Monitoring Perfusion Index in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department Due to Drug Use.

(1) Background: The perfusion index (PI) represents the ratio between pulsatile blood flow and non-pulsatile blood flow in the peripheral tissue. (2) We aimed to investigate the blood pressure perfusion of tissues and organs in ethnobotanical, synthetic cannabinoid and cannabis derivative consumers through the value of perfusion index. (3) Results: The patients enrolled were divided into two groups: group A, which included all patients who presented in the ED within the first three hours after consumption, and group B, which included those patients who presented more than three hours and up to 12 h after drug consumption. The average values of the PI in the case of group A/group B were 1.51 ± 1.07/4.55 ± 3.66. Statistically significant correlations in both groups were recorded between the drug intake ED admission, respiratory rate, peripheral blood oxygen saturation and tissue perfusion index (p < 0.001). The average value of the PI measured in group A was significantly lower compared to that measured in patients in group B. Therefore, we concluded that the perfusion of peripheral organs and tissues was lower in the first 3 h after drug administration. (4) Conclusions: PI plays an important role in the early detection of impaired organ perfusion and in monitoring tissue hypoxia. A decreased PI value may be an early indication of decreased perfusion organ damage.

Pediatric Emergency Department Management in Acute Poisoning-A 2-Year Retrospective Study.

(1) Background: Poisonings in children are common reasons for addressing ED and can potentially have serious complications. Our research aims to review risk factors leading to poisoning in children. (2) Methods: A retrospective review of all pediatric poisoning cases addressing the Children's emergency department of St Mary Hospital over a two-year period was performed. (3) Results: We collected data on 797 children admitted for acute poisoning. The highest incidence identified was in the 12-18 and 1-3-year-old age groups. The distribution of voluntary versus unintentional poisonings was relatively balanced: 50.19% versus 47.43% (for some cases the type of intoxication remained unknown). Exposure to the toxic substance by ingestion was significant compared to the other routes, with an incidence of 87.1%. Acute poisoning happened at home in 70.4% of cases. A known risk factor before reaching the ED was present in 13.04%. (4) Conclusions: Our study showed a greater risk for acute poisoning in children between 1-3 years of age, and adolescents over 12 years. Identifying and documenting epidemiological aspects and other variables is important for establishing preventive measures and for therapeutic conduct. Adequate risk stratification and preventive measures involving closer supervision of minors or cognitive-behavioral programs can prevent voluntary intoxication.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Is Currently Known about Homocysteine Involvement?

Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly throughout the world causing health, social and economic instability. The severity and prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with the presence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic lung disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and malignancy. Thrombosis is one of the most serious complications that can occur in patients with COVID-19. Homocysteine is a non-proteinogenic α-amino acid considered a potential marker of thrombotic diseases. Our review aims to provide an updated analysis of the data on the involvement of homocysteine in COVID-19 to highlight the correlation of this amino acid with disease severity and the possible mechanisms by which it intervenes.