Determination of associated factors with death in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center, retrospective study.

The effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is still unknown. AIM: In this study, we aimed to determine associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia and to explore the impact of prior COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING: In this retrospective and single-center study, all adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with S. aureus bacteremia between March 2020 and February 2022 were included. METHODS: The outcomes of our study were 14-day and 28-day hospital mortality after the first positive blood culture was obtained. Univariate and Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients with S. aureus bacteremia were included in the study. The median age was 64.5 (48.5-76) and 82 (58.5%) of the patients were male. 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 28.6% and 37.1% respectively. Among patients with S. aureus bacteremia and previous COVID-19 history, 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 33.9% (n = 21) and 41.9% (n = 26), respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that Pitt bacteremia score, AST, urea, and previous antibiotic use were associated factors for 14-day mortality and 28-day mortality due to S. aureus bacteremia. CONCLUSIONS: This study justified the remarkable fatality of S. aureus bacteremia during the COVID-19 pandemic period and revealed that a high Pitt bacteremia score, increased levels of AST and urea, and previous antibiotic exposure were associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia.

Clinicopathological profile of gastrointestinal tuberculosis: a multinational ID-IRI study.

Data are relatively scarce on gastro-intestinal tuberculosis (GITB). Most studies are old and from single centers, or did not include immunosuppressed patients. Thus, we aimed to determine the clinical, radiological, and laboratory profiles of GITB. We included adults with proven GITB treated between 2000 and 2018. Patients were enrolled from 21 referral centers in 8 countries (Belgium, Egypt, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UK, and Turkey). One hundred four patients were included. Terminal ileum (n = 46, 44.2%), small intestines except terminal ileum (n = 36, 34.6%), colon (n = 29, 27.8%), stomach (n = 6, 5.7%), and perianal (one patient) were the sites of GITB. One-third of all patients were immunosuppressed. Sixteen patients had diabetes, 8 had chronic renal failure, 5 were HIV positive, 4 had liver cirrhosis, and 3 had malignancies. Intestinal biopsy samples were cultured in 75 cases (78.1%) and TB was isolated in 65 patients (86.6%). PCR were performed to 37 (35.6%) biopsy samples and of these, 35 (94.6%) were positive. Ascites samples were cultured in 19 patients and M. tuberculosis was isolated in 11 (57.9%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to 40 patients (38.5%) and colonoscopy in 74 (71.1%). Surgical interventions were frequently the source of diagnostic samples (25 laparoscopy/20 laparotomy, n = 45, 43.3%). Patients were treated with standard and second-line anti-TB medications. Ultimately, 4 (3.8%) patients died and 2 (1.9%) cases relapsed. There was a high incidence of underlying immunosuppression in GITB patients. A high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary to initiate appropriate and timely diagnostic procedures; many patients are first diagnosed at surgery.

The diagnostic utility of the "Thwaites' system" and "lancet consensus scoring system" in tuberculous vs. non-tuberculous subacute and chronic meningitis: multicenter analysis of 395 adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) represents a diagnostic and management challenge to clinicians. The "Thwaites' system" and "Lancet consensus scoring system" are utilized to differentiate TBM from bacterial meningitis but their utility in subacute and chronic meningitis where TBM is an important consideration is unknown. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study of adults with subacute and chronic meningitis, defined by symptoms greater than 5 days and less than 30 days for subacute meningitis (SAM) and greater than 30 days for chronic meningitis (CM). The "Thwaites' system" and "Lancet consensus scoring system" scores and the diagnostic accuracy by sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of receiver operating curve (AUC-ROC) were calculated. The "Thwaites' system" and "Lancet consensus scoring system" suggest a high probability of TBM with scores ≤4, and with scores of ≥12, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 395 patients were identified; 313 (79.2%) had subacute and 82 (20.8%) with chronic meningitis. Patients with chronic meningitis were more likely caused by tuberculosis and had higher rates of HIV infection (P < 0.001). A total of 162 patients with TBM and 233 patients with non-TBM had unknown (140, 60.1%), fungal (41, 17.6%), viral (29, 12.4%), miscellaneous (16, 6.7%), and bacterial (7, 3.0%) etiologies. TMB patients were older and presented with lower Glasgow coma scores, lower CSF glucose and higher CSF protein (P < 0.001). Both criteria were able to distinguish TBM from bacterial meningitis; only the Lancet score was able to differentiate TBM from fungal, viral, and unknown etiologies even though significant overlap occurred between the etiologies (P < .001). Both criteria showed poor diagnostic accuracy to distinguish TBM from non-TBM etiologies (AUC-ROC was <. 5), but Lancet consensus scoring system was fair in diagnosing TBM (AUC-ROC was .738), sensitivity of 50%, and specificity of 89.3%. CONCLUSION: Both criteria can be helpful in distinguishing TBM from bacterial meningitis, but only the Lancet consensus scoring system can help differentiate TBM from meningitis caused by fungal, viral and unknown etiologies even though significant overlap occurs and the overall diagnostic accuracy of both criteria were either poor or fair.

[Cases of Zika virus infection in Turkey: newly married couple returning from Cuba]. / Türkiye'de görülen Zika virüsü olgulari: Küba'dan dönen yeni evli çift.

Zika virus is a Flavivirus in the family Flaviviridae, and transmitted to humans by Aedes species mosquitoes. Zika virus infection is asymptomatic in 80% of cases and has a mild course when symptoms occur. These symptoms include headache, myalgia, mild fever, maculopapular rash and conjunctivitis. Zika virus has been associated with serious neurological complications such as Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and microcephaly development in neonates. It has recently become a global public health problem as a result of increasing cases. As it is known that the vector of this disease is present in our country; entry of Zika virus infection in our country has a great importance. In this report the clinical and laboratory findings of two cases of Zika virus infection imported to Turkey by a couple returning from Cuba in October 2017 were presented. Newly married couple, both 29 years old, without a known chronic disease history, went on honeymoon to Cuba between 17-29 September and they visited Havana and Varadero. They reported that they were bitten repeatedly by the mosquitoes and did not use insect repellents during this time. Four days after returning to Turkey, they had headaches, back pain and myalgia followed by rash and joint pain. They reported having their symptoms started in the same day in a few hours difference. The symptoms for both patients disappeared in 10 days. Serum samples from the patients were sent to the Public Health General Directorate National Arboviruses and Viral Zoonoses Laboratory to be tested for Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika viruses. Nucleic acid testing yielded negative results. The Arbovirus Indirect Immunofluorescence test were positive both for IgM and IgG for Zika virus. No cross reactivity with Dengue virus was detected. Chikungunya antibodies were found as negative. At two months of the diagnosis, urine and semen samples of the male patient were tested by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). The result was negative for urine but positive for semen sample. This report is important to present the first cases of Zika virus infection published in Turkey. Zika virus infection should be suspected in patients with fever, headache, rash, myalgia and joint pain returning from an endemic areas. All travelers, especially pregnant women, have to take precautions for mosquitos during the trip.

Cranial imaging findings in neurobrucellosis: results of Istanbul-3 study.

OBJECTIVE: Neuroimaging abnormalities in central nervous system (CNS) brucellosis are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of imaging abnormalities in neurobrucellosis and to identify factors associated with leptomeningeal and basal enhancement, which frequently results in unfavorable outcomes. METHODS: Istanbul-3 study evaluated 263 adult patients with CNS brucellosis from 26 referral centers and reviewed their 242 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 226 computerized tomography (CT) scans of the brain. RESULTS: A normal CT or MRI scan was seen in 143 of 263 patients (54.3 %). Abnormal imaging findings were grouped into the following four categories: (a) inflammatory findings: leptomeningeal involvements (44), basal meningeal enhancements (30), cranial nerve involvements (14), spinal nerve roots enhancement (8), brain abscesses (7), granulomas (6), and arachnoiditis (4). (b) White-matter involvement: white-matter involvement (32) with or without demyelinating lesions (7). (c) Vascular involvement: vascular involvement (42) mostly with chronic cerebral ischemic changes (37). (d) Hydrocephalus/cerebral edema: hydrocephalus (20) and brain edema (40). On multivariate logistic regression analysis duration of symptoms since the onset (OR 1.007; 95 % CI 1-28, p = 0.01), polyneuropathy and radiculopathy (OR 5.4; 95 % CI 1.002-1.013, p = 0.044), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum glucose rate (OR 0.001; 95 % CI 000-0.067, p = 0.001), and CSF protein (OR 2.5; 95 % CI 2.3-2.7, p = 0.0001) were associated with diffuse inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 45 % of neurobrucellosis patients had abnormal neuroimaging findings. The duration of symptoms, polyneuropathy and radiculopathy, high CSF protein level, and low CSF/serum glucose rate were associated with inflammatory findings on imaging analyses.

Hydrocephalus and vasculitis delay therapeutic responses in tuberculous meninigitis: Results of Haydarpasa-III study.

AIMS: There is no report on the factors affecting the resolution of symptoms related to meningitis during treatment of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Thus, we examined the factors associated with early therapeutic responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter study included 507 patients with microbiologically confirmed TBM. However, 94 patients eligible for the analysis were included in this study from 24 centers. Six out of 94 patients died and the statistical analysis was performed with 88 survivors. Early and late responder groups were compared in the statistical analysis. P < 0.05 were considered to show a significant difference. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, the presence of vasculitis (P = 0.029, OR = 10.491 [95% CI, 1.27-86.83]) was found to be significantly associated with a delayed fever response whereas hydrocephalus was associated with altered mental status for >9 days duration (P = 0.005, OR = 5.740 [95% CI, 1.68-19.57]). According to linear regression analysis, fever was significantly persisting (>7 days) in the presence of vasculitis (17.5 vs. 7, P< 0.001) and hydrocephalus (11 vs. 7, P = 0.029). Hydrocephalus was significantly associated with persisting headache (21 vs. 12, P = 0.025), delayed recovery of consciousness (19.5 vs. 7, P = 0.001), and a delay in complete recovery (21 vs. 14, P = 0.007) in the linear regression analysis. Following institution of treatment, the complaints seemed to disappear in up to 2 weeks among TBM survivors. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of hydrocephalus or vasculitis, one week of anti-tuberculosis treatment seems to be adequate for the resolution of TBM symptoms. Hydrocephalus and vasculitis delay the resolution of TBM symptoms in response to antimycobacterial treatment.

Results of a multinational study suggest the need for rapid diagnosis and early antiviral treatment at the onset of herpetic meningoencephalitis.

Data in the literature regarding the factors that predict unfavorable outcomes in adult herpetic meningoencephalitis (HME) cases are scarce. We conducted a multicenter study in order to provide insights into the predictors of HME outcomes, with special emphasis on the use and timing of antiviral treatment. Samples from 501 patients with molecular confirmation from cerebrospinal fluid were included from 35 referral centers in 10 countries. Four hundred thirty-eight patients were found to be eligible for the analysis. Overall, 232 (52.9%) patients experienced unfavorable outcomes, 44 died, and 188 survived, with sequelae. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.05), Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.93), and symptomatic periods of 2 to 7 days (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.79) and >7 days (OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 1.72 to 8.15) until the commencement of treatment predicted unfavorable outcomes. The outcome in HME patients is related to a combination of therapeutic and host factors. This study suggests that rapid diagnosis and early administration of antiviral treatment in HME patients are keys to a favorable outcome.

Independent predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. We aimed to determine the predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS: All consecutive treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection at the Haseki Training and Research Hospital between October 1, 2021, and September 31, 2022, were retrospectively enrolled. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is defined by positive serum hepatitis B surface antigen for 6 months or more. Patients with significant alcohol consumption, prolonged steatogenic drug use, malignancy, monogenic hereditary disorders, patients co-infected with hepatitis D virus, hepatitis C virus infection, or human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric determinants, laboratory findings, and virological parameters were retrospectively collected from patients' charts and electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection were included in the study. The three multivariate regression models revealed that age (p<0.028), body mass index (p=0.046), diabetes mellitus (p=0.030), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.012), and triglyceride (p=0.002) in Model 1; body mass index (p=0.033), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.004), LDL (p=0.023), and HDL (p=0.020) in Model 2; and age (p<0.001), body mass index (p=0.033), hemoglobin (p=0.004), platelet (p=0.004), and HDL (p=0.007) in Model 3 were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was observed in about one-third of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and was positively associated with older age, higher body mass index, presence of comorbid conditions including diabetes mellitus, increased levels of metabolic laboratory parameters, especially serum triglyceride and LDL, and decreased HDL.

Predictors of Significant Histological Hepatic Abnormality in Treatment-Naive Patients Infected with HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictors for significant hepatic abnormality (SHA), a treatment indication, by assessing demographic, laboratory, and radiological results of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who underwent liver biopsy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, individuals with untreated hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB infection were enrolled. Multivariate analysis modeling was conducted with parameters identified as predictors for SHA in univariate analysis. Optimal threshold levels for variables to predict SHA in patients with chronic hepatitis B were determined based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: A total of 566 patients with untreated chronic hepatitis B were included in the cohort; 61% (345/566) were male, and the median age was 41 years (interquartile range [IQR]=34-50). Notably, 36.9% (209/566) had SHA. In the multivariate analysis, utilizing different models, age, gender, HBV-DNA, LDL, ALT, and platelet count were identified as the most reliable predictors for SHA in CHB patients. For predicting SHA, the area under the ROC curve values of HBV-DNA, AST, and ALT were 0.704 (sensitivity=62.8%, specificity=76.2%; p<0.0001), 0.747 (sensitivity=51.9%, specificity=88.9%; p<0.0001), and 0.737 (sensitivity=68.6%, specificity=68.4%; p<0.0001), respectively. Conclusion: In our study, age, male gender, ALT, AST, HBV-DNA, LDL cholesterol, platelet count, and FIB-4 score were independent predictors of SHA in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. The most sensitive parameters for SHA were LDL and ALT. The most specific parameters were age, AST, and APRI score. SHA may occur in patients with high HBV-DNA levels, even if ALT values are normal in HBeAg-negative patients.

Investigation of liver fibrosis with serum biochemical parameters before treatment with direct-acting antivirals, at the end of treatment, and in the first and third year after treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Aim of the study: In the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, the need for non-invasive methods, other than invasive methods, is increasing for the detection of fibrosis before and after treatment. In our study, we aimed to determine the changes in histological response with post-treatment biochemical scoring in patients treated with direct-acting antivirals. Material and methods: Between June 1, 2016, and January 1, 2020, 125 patients followed up with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C, who presented to Haseki Training and Research Hospital, were enrolled in the study. Scores of APRI, Fibro Q, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, Doha score, Fibro alpha, and fibrosis-cirrhosis index were used to evaluate the liver fibrosis of the patients with examinations before treatment, at the end of treatment and at the 12th week, first year, and third year after treatment. The study was conducted as a retrospective observational case series. Results: One hundred twenty-five patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 55.5 ±15.9 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to their baseline FIB-4 values: cirrhotic/noncirrhotic. Seven (5.6%) patients had compensated cirrhosis; there were no decompensated cirrhotic patients. There was a statistically significant decrease in scores of APRI, FIB-4, Fibro Q, and Doha score calculated during the end-of-treatment three-year follow-up period. Conclusions: It was shown that serum fibrosis scores, such as APRI, FIB-4, Fibro Q, and Doha score, could be used to detect fibrosis before treatment and to follow histological improvement after treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Long-term effects of COVID-19 on lungs and the clinical relevance: a 6-month prospective cohort study.

Background: We aimed to explore the prevalence of prolonged symptoms, pulmonary impairments and residual disease on chest tomography (CT) in COVID-19 patients at 6 months after acute illness. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, hospitalized patients with radiologically and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included. Results: A high proportion of the 116 patients reported persistent symptoms (n = 54; 46.6%). On follow-up CT, 33 patients (28.4%) demonstrated residual disease. Multivariate analyses revealed that only neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was an independent predictor for residual disease. Conclusion: Hospitalized patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 still had persistent symptoms and were prone to develop long-term pulmonary sequelae on chest CT. However, it did not have a significant effect on long-term pulmonary functions.

Tuberculous meningitis in adults: a review of 160 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging features of 160 adult patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) according to "Thwaites' diagnostic index." METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study are the patients with TBM who were followed up between years 1998 and 2009 in a tertiary referral hospital. Diagnosis of TBM was based on clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging signs and Thwaites' diagnostic index. RESULTS: Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from CSF in 59 of 148 patients. Seventeen percent of the patients died, 71% recovered completely, and 13% recovered with neurological sequel at the end of the sixth month. CONCLUSIONS: Despite new developments in laboratory or neuroimaging techniques, the diagnosis of TBM is still based on clinical features with the help of laboratory. Early diagnosis by suspecting TBM may prevent therapy delay and may result in decrease in the mortality and morbidity.

Effectiveness of CoronaVac vaccination against COVID-19 development in healthcare workers: real-life data.

Background: This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of CoronaVac in preventing COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the Alpha variant-dominant period. Materials & methods: Follow-up was initiated 14 days after the second dose for double-dose vaccinated HCWs and on 25 February 2021, for the unvaccinated group. The incidence rate ratio was calculated to estimate the unadjusted effectiveness. Cox regression was used to adjust the effectiveness of CoronaVac. Results & Conclusion: The adjusted effectiveness of CoronaVac against COVID-19 was 65% (95% CI: 50-75%). Compared with the results of the phase III trial conducted in Turkey, a lower effectiveness of CoronaVac against COVID-19 was detected in this real-life study. This finding suggests that mass vaccination and booster doses are needed.

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of CoronaVac in preventing COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the alpha variant-dominant period. A total of 1911 HCWs were included. While COVID-19 developed in 4.1% of double-dose vaccinated HCWs and 11.27% of unvaccinated HCWs, the effectiveness of CoronaVac in preventing the development of COVID-19 was 65%. Compared with the results of a previous trial in Turkey, a lower effectiveness of CoronaVac against COVID-19 was detected in this real-life study. This finding suggests that mass vaccination and booster doses are needed.

Blood types (ABO/Rhesus) and SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective, cross-sectional study in 2828 healthcare workers.

Background: The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between ABO/Rhesus blood types and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization in healthcare workers (HCWs). Materials & methods: This study compared HCWs with (n = 510) and without (n = 2318) SARS-CoV-2 infection. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization in HCWs were shown as odds ratios with 95% CI. Results: Blood group O was found to be protective by 20% from the risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs (29.2 vs 33.8%; odds ratio: 0.808; 95% CI: 0.655-0.996; p = 0.045). The prevalence of group O was lower in hospitalized patients than in outpatients (25 vs 29.5%; p = 0.614). Conclusion: These findings suggest that blood groups are associated with the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Comparison of the Clinical and Laboratory Findings and Outcomes of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Who Were Either Fully Vaccinated with Coronavac or Not: An Analytical, Cross Sectional Study.

COVID-19 vaccines are highly protective against severe disease; however, vaccine breakthrough infections resulting in hospitalization may still occur in a small percentage of vaccinated individuals. We investigated whether the clinical and microbiological features and outcomes were different between hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were either fully vaccinated with Coronovac or not. All hospitalized COVID-19 patients who had at least one dose of Coronavac were included in the study. The oldest unvaccinated patients with comorbidities, who were hospitalized during the same period, were chosen as controls. All epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory data of the patients were recorded and compared between the fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. There were 69 and 217 patients who had been either fully vaccinated with Coronavac or not, respectively. All breakthrough infections occurred in the first 3 months of vaccination. Fully vaccinated patients were older and had more comorbidities than unvaccinated patients. There were minor differences between the groups in symptoms, physical and laboratory findings, anti-spike IgG positivity rate and level, the severity of COVID-19, complications, and clinical improvement rate. The mortality rate of fully vaccinated patients was higher than the mortality rate in unvaccinated patients in univariate analysis, which was attributed to the fact that vaccinated patients were older and had more comorbidities. The severity and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with breakthrough COVID-19 after Coronavac vaccination were similar to those of unvaccinated patients. Our findings suggest that the immune response elicited by Coronovac could be insufficient to prevent COVID-19-related severe disease and death within 3 months of vaccination among elderly people with comorbidities.

Novel biomarker-based score (SAD-60) for predicting mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: a multicenter retrospective cohort of 1013 patients.

Background: The aim was to explore a novel risk score to predict mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter study. Results: A total of 1013 patients with COVID-19 were included. The mean age was 60.5 ± 14.4 years, and 581 (57.4%) patients were male. In-hospital death occurred in 124 (12.2%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), albumin, D-dimer and age as independent predictors. The mortality score model was given the acronym SAD-60, representing SpO2, Albumin, D-dimer, age ≥60 years. The SAD-60 score (0.776) had the highest area under the curve compared with CURB-65 (0.753), NEWS2 (0.686) and qSOFA (0.628) scores. Conclusion: The SAD-60 score has a promising predictive capacity for mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Comparison of clinical, laboratory and radiological features in confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19 patients.

Background: We aimed to compare the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of confirmed COVID-19 and unconfirmed patients. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Results: Overall, 620 patients (338 confirmed COVID-19 and 282 unconfirmed) were included. Confirmed COVID-19 patients had higher percentages of close contact with a confirmed or probable case. In univariate analysis, the presence of myalgia and dyspnea, decreased leukocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts were best predictors for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Multivariate analyses revealed that only platelet count was an independent predictor for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Conclusion: Routine complete blood count may be helpful for distinguishing COVID-19 from other respiratory illnesses at an early stage, while PCR testing is unique for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Predictors of Intensive Care Unit Admission or Mortality in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia in Istanbul, Turkey.

We aimed to determine the predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. This retrospective, single-center study included patients aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia (laboratory and radiologically confirmed) between March 9 and April 8, 2020. The composite endpoint was ICU admission or in-hospital mortality. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors associated with the composite endpoint. A total of 336 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range: 21), and 187 (55.7%) were men. Fifty-one (15.2%) patients were admitted to the ICU. In-hospital mortality occurred in 33 patients (9.8%). In the univariate analysis, 17 parameters were associated with the composite endpoint, and procalcitonin had the highest odds ratio (odds ratio [OR] = 36.568, confidence interval [CI] = 5.145-259.915). Our results revealed that body temperature (OR = 1.489, CI = 1.023-2.167, P = 0.037), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) (OR = 0.835, CI = 0.773-0.901, P < 0.001), and consolidation (> 25%) on chest computed tomography (OR = 3.170, CI = 1.218-8.252, P = 0.018) at admission were independent predictors. As a result, increased body temperature, decreased SpO2, a high level of procalcitonin, and degree of consolidation on chest computed tomography may predict a poor prognosis and have utility in the management of patients.

National Early Warning Score 2 and laboratory predictors correlate with clinical deterioration in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Aim: We aimed to determine the prognostic values of the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and laboratory parameters during the first week of COVID-19. Materials & methods: All adult patients who were hospitalized for confirmed COVID-19 between 11 March and 11 May 2020 were retrospectively included. Results: Overall, 611 patients were included. Our results showed that NEWS2, procalcitonin, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and albumin at D0, D3, D5 and D7 were the best predictors for clinical deterioration defined as a composite of ICU admission during hospitalization or in-hospital death. Procalcitonin had the highest odds ratio for clinical deterioration on all days. Conclusion: This study provides a list of several laboratory parameters correlated with NEWS2 and potential predictors for clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19.

Lay abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is a grueling problem worldwide. There is a lack of knowledge about the predictive value of National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) for severe COVID-19 illness. We analyzed the prognostic value of NEWS2 and laboratory parameters during the clinical course of COVID-19. This study provides a list of several laboratory parameters correlated with NEWS2 and potential predictors for intensive care unit admission during hospitalization or in-hospital death.

Prognostic factors of neurological sequel in adult patients with tuberculous meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictors of neurological sequel in tuberculous meningitis (TBM). METHODS: This study was carried out at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, between January 1998 and March 2009. Neurological sequels at 6 months of 160 adult patients with TBM who had been followed up were assessed retrospectively. The prognostic role of various demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings on admission, in prediction of neurological sequel development, were studied using a multivariate logistic regression. Clinical and therapeutic outcomes at 6 months were determined using a modified Barthel Index. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (17%) patients died and 20 (13%) survivors had neurological sequelae at 6 months. Cranial nerve palsy, presence of tuberculoma, younger age, and basal meningitis were found to be significant predictors of neurological sequelae in univariate analysis, but only younger age (odds ratio [OR] 2.9, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.0-8.6, p=0.049), cranial nerve palsy (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8-8.8, p=0.001), and presence of tuberculoma (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-4.2, p=0.048) were found to be significant predictors using multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Neurological sequelae were more common in patients with tuberculoma and cranial nerve palsy on admission. Development of neurological complications may be seen despite timely and effective anti-tuberculous therapy especially in younger patients.