Post COVID-19 Symptoms?

Post COVID-19 Symptoms?

 

Nesma Nabil Ahmed Elgohary (1)

Mohamed Nazmy Farris (2)

Diaa Marzouk Abdel Hamid (1,3)

Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,3)

Salwa Mostafa Mohammad Abdel Rahman (1,4)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

4. Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 478

 

DOI: 10.31586/wjmm.2022.478

 

Abstract:

The SARS-COV-2 rapid spread caused an international public health emergency with unprecedented rates of morbidity and mortality. Post COVID-19 condition occurs as a spectrum of symptoms that present four or more weeks after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. Most published data to date state 50-70% of hospitalized patients experienced at least one post-acute COVID-19 symptom up to 3 months after discharge. Commonly reported symptoms include; neurocognitive post COVID-19 (fatigue, dizziness, inattention, and brain fog), respiratory post-COVID (dyspnea, chest pain, and cough), and mental health related symptoms (insomnia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder). Additionally, gastro-intestinal post COVID-19 (diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain) along with decline in quality of life and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living were reported. The response to post COVID-19 symptoms is still in its infancy despite being an emerging crisis as scientific evidence and robust data are nonetheless required for clear definition, identification of time frame, classification and management of the condition. New studies are needed to identify total and individual incidence/prevalence rates of different clinical presentations of post COVID-19 symptoms. These future studies will help us to o improve early recognition of long term symptoms after acute infection of COVID-19.

 

Keywords: Post COVID-19, COVID-19, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Dyspnea, Insomnia, Depression, Quality of Life.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 478

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/wjmm/article/view/478

Ivermectin for Treatment of COVID-19?

 Ivermectin for Treatment of COVID-19?

 

Hemat Abd El Salam Ahmed Salama (1)

Mohamed Abd El-Rahman Hassan El-Shayeb (2)

Ahmed Nour El-Din Hassan (3,4)

Ghada Essam El-Din Amin (1,5)

Mohamed Farouk Allam (1)

Eman El- Sayed Ahmed (2)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

4. Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, Cairo, Egypt.

5. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, 6th of October University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 474

 

DOI: 10.31586/wjmm.2022.474

 

Abstract:

Many attempts have been made to repurpose existing and approved drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. This involves anti-malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, which have been shown to be less successful than initially believed, with a substantial risk of often fatal complications and interactions. This also involves Remdesivir, which has been shown to decrease recovery time significantly in hospitalized patients. However, for patients who are not yet hospitalized, there is no currently accepted treatment. Treating patients before they need to be admitted or even prophylactically could greatly decrease the load on hospitals, protect healthcare workers and reduce the spread of COVID-19. An in-vitro study indicated that Ivermectin was dynamic against COVID-19-infected cell. Ivermectin has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer, immunomodulatory properties. This drug could reduce the viral load in COVID-9 infected patients, with potential effect on disease progression and spread. Therefore, Ivermectin may be a therapeutic choice for treatment of COVID-19, however, there is still a lack of evidence-based studies to support ivermectin treatment of patients with COVID-19.

 

Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Ivermectin, Treatment, Review.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 474

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/wjmm/article/view/474  

Probiotics and Intestinal Microbiome: A Review of Literature

Probiotics and Intestinal Microbiome: A Review of Literature

 

Hadeer Abdel-Aleem Hassan Mohamed Tawfik (1), Mohamed Nazmy Farris (2), Rasha Samir (2,3), Mohamed Nabil Badawy Al Ashram (2), Mina Mikhail Nessim (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 479

 

DOI: 10.31586/wjmm.2022.479

 

Abstract:

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics modify various aspects of local and systemic immune function in multiple experimental models. However, their impact and mechanisms of action are not known across all products or noticed in every population studied, and impacts on in vitro, ex vivo, or other measures of immune function do not necessarily result in an impact on infection and illness in vivo. Studies have discussed that intestinal microbiota has an essential role in enhancing the immune system against viruses. The regulatory impact of the intestinal microbiota on viral infection is connected with local and systemic immune responses and plays a part in congenital and adaptive immune responses. The microbiota composition critically modulates the production of virus-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells and antibody responses following influenza virus infection. The intestinal microbiota has an important role in the stabilizing of immune homeostasis by augmenting the integrity of the barrier functions of the gut mucosa, which is a crucial aspect of systemic immunity. In conclusion, the intestinal microbiota can influence organismal immunity locally and systemically, proximally, and distally. Studying the possible mechanism by which the intestinal microbiota maintains host immunity can provide a clearer understanding of the occurrence and development of diseases.

 

Keywords: Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Intestinal Microbiome, Microbiota, Review.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 479

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/wjmm/article/view/479

Nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished children: are nutritional supplements a must?

Nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished children: are nutritional supplements a must?

 

Ehab Khairy Emam (1),  May Fouad Nassar (1),  Mohamed Farouk Allam (2),  Mai Mamdouh Ahmed (3), Heba Essam El-Khouly (1).

 

1. Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt.

Current Medical Research and Opinion 2022 Oct 13:1-19. 

 

DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2135839

 

Abstract

Objective: Malnutrition threatens children worldwide. The objective of the current study was to highlight the role of nutritional screening, evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional intervention programme, and whether nutritional supplements have surplus benefit. Patients and methods: Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) was used to screen 3640 clinically stable 2-5 years old children recruited from the outpatient clinics, Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University. A total of 100 patients at high risk of malnutrition were recruited. Full nutritional assessment was done and according to the distribution of the calories in the daily meal plan, the patients were randomly divided into two groups each comprised 50 patients. Group A received tailored nutritional dietary rehabilitation plan including dietary supplements, while Group B received only dietary advice. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, as well as STAMP scoring were reassessed after the nutritional rehabilitation Programs. Results: Nutritional screening revealed that 5.14% were at high risk of malnutrition. Both studied groups showed significant improvement in caloric intake and all anthropometric measurements upon nutritional rehabilitation, except for the height z scores. Patients who received nutritional supplements showed significantly better changes regarding weight, BMI, caloric intake, and hemoglobin. Regarding STAMP categories during follow up, Group A had only 6% of the patients still in the high-risk category and 76% were at low risk compared to 14% high risk and only 54% were at low risk in Group B. Conclusion: Nutritional screening in pediatric outpatient facilities can lead to implementing prompt nutritional rehabilitation which can reflect on their overall health. Tailored nutritional plan can accomplish good response in terms of improvement of caloric intake, anthropometric measurements and laboratory parameters. Adding a nutritional supplement to the dietary plan during nutritional rehabilitation isn’t a must but it ensures superior goal achievement.

 

Keywords: Ain Shams University; Intervention Study; Malnutrition; Nutritional rehabilitation; Nutritional supplements; STAMP.

 

Current Medical Research and Opinion 2022 Oct 13:1-19. 

 

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03007995.2022.2135839

Role of Probiotics for Treatment of Psoriasis?

Role of Probiotics for Treatment of Psoriasis?

 

Amany Abdelrahman Kamel Mahmoud (1), Ghada Essam El-Din Amin (1), Marwa Abd El-Rahim Abdallah (2), Marwa Yassin Soltan (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,*)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

2. Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

 

*Correspondence: Mohamed Farouk Allam (farouk.allam@med.asu.edu.eg)

 

DOI: 10.31586/wjmm.2022.413

 

Abstract:

Psoriasis is a multi-systemic chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting 125 million people worldwide. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis affecting up to 90% of the patients and is characterized by well-demarcated, symmetric, and erythematous plaques with overlying silvery scales that may be painful or itchy. Psoriasis may also affect the joints; increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, certain cancers and an increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Both the skin and the gut microbiome can modulate the development and progression of psoriasis. A connection between the microbiome and immunological mechanisms are antimicrobial peptides, which regulate the microbiome at interfaces and, as antigens, can trigger psoriasis. Few studies were conducted to demonstrate the effect of probiotics on different diseases, as they are living microorganisms that confer a health benefit when administrated in adequate amounts. The effects of administering probiotics include the stabilization of the gut bacterial community and the restoration of “signature” of bacterial microbiota, which is a result of lowering the pH, producing bacteriocins, altering microRNA (miRNAs), competing with pathogens for certain nutrients and improving the gut barrier function. Probiotics counter weight aggressive commensals in the body and reinforce the barrier function of the epithelium while also contributing to the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses of the host under healthy or pathogenic conditions. Several clinical trials were conducted based on those findings to examine the role of probiotics in psoriasis, but till now there is no evidence of their efficacy.

 

Keywords: Psoriasis, Plaques, Probiotics, Microbiota, Quality of Life, Review.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 413.

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/wjmm/article/view/413 

Role of Probiotics in COVID-19 Management?

Role of Probiotics in COVID-19 Management?

Samar Osama Ahmed Hassan (1), Manal Sabry Mohamed (2), Mina Mikhail Nessim (2), Mohamed Nabil Badawy Al Ashram (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,3)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Cordoba School of Medicine, Cordoba 14004, Spain.

 

*Correspondence: Mohamed Farouk Allam (farouk.allam@med.asu.edu.eg)

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 372.

DOI: 10.31586/wjmm.2022.372

 

Abstract

Probiotics as an intestinal microbe regulator, not only improve the ability of the gastrointestinal microbiota to modulate immune activity, but also strengthen the body's immune system, inhibit allergic reactions and has a significant role especially in the anti-viral immunomodulation. Therefore, in patients with COVID-19, the intestinal micro-eco-regulator, represented by probiotics, may be a therapeutic choice. However, there is still a lack of evidence[1]based studies to support probiotic treatment of patients with COVID-19. New cohort studies and randomized controlled clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of probiotics in the management of COVID-19 are strongly and urgently needed.

 

Keywords: Probiotics, COVID-19, Gut microbiota, clinical trials, cohort study, GIT.

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2022, 1, 372.

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/wjmm/article/view/372

Severity of Pediatric COVID-19: Role of Vitamin D

Severity of Pediatric COVID-19: Role of Vitamin D

May Fouad Nassar (1), Mohamed Farouk Allam (2), Samer Hamed ElKhayat (3), Yasser Wagih Darwish (4), Mennatallah Osama Shata (1).

1. Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Faculty of Postgraduate Childhood Studies, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

4. Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases 2022;17(04):182-187.

DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750312

 

Objective. Vitamin D has many immune benefits and because its deficiency impacts most age groups, it became a nutrient of interest in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. The objective of this study was to highlight the contribution of vitamin D status to the disease severity of hospitalized pediatric patients suffering from COVID[1]19 infection. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 42 children with documented positive polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 infection. Detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination were done for each recruited patient. Besides the laboratory and radiological assessment done for COVID-19 patients, 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels [25(OH) D] in the serum were estimated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Using the cutoff level of 10 ng/mL, only 40% of the patients were below this level and 60% had their vitamin D level more than or equal to 10 ng/mL. Significantly more patients of the first group needed oxygen support (denoting more severe COVID-19 infection and lung involvement). The older the patients, the more evident was vitamin D deficiency among them, and 25(OH) D values were not correlated to weight for length nor weight categories in the studied series of patients suffering from COVID-19. Conclusion.  Vitamin D deficiency affects the severity of pediatric COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients. It is prudent to advise vitamin D level assessment in such cases and promptly manage the patients accordingly. We recommend further studies to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the clinical outcome of COVID-19 in the pediatric population and other vulnerable groups.

Keywords: children, COVID-19, hydroxy vitamin D, severity, cross-sectional study.

 

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases 2022;17(04):182-187.

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0042-1750312

SARS COV-2 and other viral etiology as a possible clue for the olfactory dilemma

SARS COV-2 and other viral etiology as a possible clue for the olfactory dilemma

 

Ossama I. Mansour (1), Mohamed Shehata Taha (1), Mohammad Salah Mahmoud (1*), Waleed Farag Ezzat (1), Anas Askoura (1), Mohamed Farouk Allam (2), Samia Abdo Girgis (3), Azza Omran (4), Sara Hassan Agwa (5) and Mohamed Naguib Mohamed (1)

 

1. Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 38 Abbassia, Next to the Al-Nour Mosque, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 38 Abbassia, Next to the Al-Nour Mosque, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 38 Abbassia, Next to the Al-Nour Mosque, Cairo, Egypt.

4. Department of Clinical Pathology, El-Mataria Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.

5. Clinical Pathology, Molecular Genomic Unit, MASRI, Ain Shams University, 38 Abbassia, Next to the Al-Nour Mosque, Cairo, Egypt.

 

The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology volume 38, Article number: 65 (2022) 

 

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43163-022-00251-9

 

Background. Post-viral anosmia is responsible for more than 40% of cases of anosmia. Anosmia has been a neglected symptom in the primary healthcare setting until the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection highlighted new atypical symptoms of the disease, including anosmia, which has become one of the diagnostic symptoms of the disease, and epidemiological concern. We aimed to detect the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection within patients presented with anosmia and to test for other respiratory viruses in the negative COVID-19 patients. We also detected the recovery of anosmia and IgM/IgG against COVID-19. We prospectively included 60 outpatients with the major complaint of anosmia. Nasopharyngeal swabs were done for SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR, and if negative, PCR to other respiratory pathogens was tested. After one month, we inquired about the recovery of smell loss together with testing for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Results. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. Forty-six patients (76.7%) were SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and 14 (23.3%) were negative. Rhinovirus was the commonest isolated pathogen in the negative cases (5/14). Complete recovery of anosmia occurred in 34 patients (56.7%), while partial recovery in 24 (40.0%), and no recovery in 2 patients (3.3%). The median time to complete recovery was 10 days. 28.3% (13/46) of the patients showed negative antibody response for both IgG and IgM.

Conclusions. Sudden-onset anosmia is a symptom that is highly predictive of being COVID-19-infected. While recovery is expected within 2 weeks, some patients have no antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

 

Keywords: Anosmia, SARS-CoV-2, Incidence, Recovery, Seroconversion, COVID-19.

 

Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology 2022;38(1):65.

 

https://ejo.springeropen.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s43163-022-00251-9.pdf

Association between vitamin B12 level and clinical peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin therapy

Association between vitamin B12 level and clinical peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin therapy

 

Nouran Fakkar Hammam Fakkar (1), Diaa Marzouk (1,2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1), Mohamed Mahmoud Fouad (3), Maram Maher Aboromia (4) Mohsen Gadallah (2)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, E11566, Cairo, Abbasia, Egypt.

2. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3 Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

4. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41983-022-00483-9

 

Abstract

Background: Vitamin B12 malabsorption is one of the side efects of long-term metformin intake. Prolonged vitamin B12 defciency can lead to irreversible nervous system damage. So, the current study aimed to determine the association between serum vitamin B12 level and clinical peripheral neuropathy among type 2 DM patients who are on metformin in comparison to those not taking it. It is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Egypt and recruited 100 type 2 diabetic patients who were divided into 2 groups: metformin treated, and non-metformin treated (50 subjects per group). The collected data included personal history, medical history, dietetic history that included frequency of eating food rich in vitamin B12 and clinical peripheral neuropathy assessment by Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). Blood samples were collected for assessment of HbA1c and vitamin B12 level.

Results: Vitamin B12 defciency was present in 4% of metformin group and 2% of non-metformin group. The mean value of vitamin B12 between metformin users (624.3±364.1 pg/ml) and non-metformin users (991.0±489.9 pg/ml) showed a high signifcant diference, p value<0.001. There was a signifcant diference between study groups regarding HbA1c level (p value=0.03). Peripheral neuropathy was signifcantly associated with HbA1c (p value=0.04) and female gender (p value=0.001). Conclusions: Vitamin B12 level was lower in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin compared to those on other oral anti-diabetic drugs, but without signifcant defciency. Peripheral neuropathy was signifcantly associated with poor glycemic control and female gender, but was not associated with vitamin B12 defciency. Keywords: Metformin, Peripheral neuropathy, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Vitamin B12 defciency> <0.001. There was a signifcant diference between study groups regarding HbA1c level (p value=0.03). Peripheral neuropathy was signifcantly associated with HbA1c (p value=0.04) and female gender (p value=0.001)

Conclusions: Vitamin B12 level was lower in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin compared to those on other oral anti-diabetic drugs, but without signifcant defciency. Peripheral neuropathy was signifcantly associated with poor glycemic control and female gender, but was not associated with vitamin B12 defciency.

 

Keywords: Metformin, Peripheral neuropathy, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Vitamin B12 defciency.

 

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery 2022;58:46. 

https://ejnpn.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41983-022-00483-9

 

Awareness and attitude of primary healthcare patients towards telehealth in Cairo, Egypt

 Awareness and attitude of primary healthcare patients towards telehealth in Cairo, Egypt

 

Sara Shouman (1), Tamer Emara (2), Heba Gamal Saber (3), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2065141

 

Abstract

Background: Telehealth is delivering health care services remote from healthcare facilities using telecommunications and virtual technology. Egypt is aiming to reach Universal Health Coverage; this increases the demand of telehealth in routine health services. Telehealth helps in increasing access to areas with no available medical services as patients can be monitored remotely. 

Objective: To measure the awareness of telehealth among attendees of primary health care units and their acceptance of applying telehealth. 

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study among attendees of primary health units. Ethical issues were considered. 

Results: A sample size calculated to be 162 and 170 valid Arabic interview questionnaires were filled by attendees. Awareness percentage of telehealth among attendees was 64.7% while willingness to implement telehealth was 78%. Both awareness and willingness were significantly associated with age groups, residence, socioeconomic status, and presence of computer with internet access. Age, residence, and possession of a PC were the only adjusted predictive factors for knowledge about telehealth among patients in the multivariable analysis. 

Conclusion: Large percentages of attendees to primary health care centers are aware of telehealth and are willing to implement it. The major cause of refusal to implement telehealth was due to ignorance of using telecommunication devices and the desire to be in close contact with the physicians.

 

Keywords: Customers; Patients; Primary Healthcare; Primary Healthcare Centers; Telehealth; Telemedicine.

 

Current Medical Research and Opinion 2022 Apr 11;1-14.

 

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03007995.2022.2065141

Validation of a modified cow's milk-related symptom score (CoMISS) for screening of lactose intolerance in adults

Heba Ibrahim Mohammed (1), Essam Baioumy (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1), Mohamed Nabil Badawy Al-Ashram (2)

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2057153

 

Abstract

Introduction: Lactose intolerance (LI) is the failure to digest foods and beverages containing the lactose present in milk. LI can present by many digestive symptoms.

Objective: To validate the modified CoMiSS score for prediction of LI, that was confirmed by a stool acidity test.

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study, was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals/Gastrointestinal Clinics, and included one hundred adult participants during the period from December 2018 to December 2019. Enrolled patients had one or more gastrointestinal symptoms and were subjected to a stool acidity test (fecal PH test) as a reference test and modified CoMiSS as an index test. 

Results: The mean age of participants was 35.30 ± 10.714 years old; 55% were females, and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.08 ± 2.080 kg/m2, with no significant relation between LI and patients` gender or BMI. Out of the studied participants 24% had positive stool PH, LI diagnosed according to modified CoMISS was present among 19% of them. The mean value of modified CoMISS Score was significantly higher in positive cases (12.37) compared to negative LI participants (2.33) as p < 0.001. Area under ROC Curve was 0.998, at the selected cut-off value 8, the sensitivity was 89.5% and specificity was 100% thus, levels of questionnaire scoring of 8 or higher would indicate presence of lactose intolerance. 

Conclusion: Modified CoMiSS is a simple, fast, and easy-to-use tool that can predict LI, with a cut-off value of >8, the Area under the ROC Curve was 0.998, sensitivity 89.5%, and specificity was 100%.

Keywords: Adults; LI; Modified CoMISS Score; Sensitivity; Specificity; Validity.

 

Current Medical Research and Opinion 2022 Mar 23;1-19.

 

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03007995.2022.2057153

Healthcare Workers Should Receive Seasonal Influenza Vaccine during COVID-19 Pandemic?

Healthcare Workers Should Receive Seasonal Influenza Vaccine during COVID-19 Pandemic?

 

Hadir Fathy Abdel-Rahman Ibrahim (1), Aisha Aboul Fotouh (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,2)*

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

*Correspondence: Mohamed Farouk Allam (farouk.allam@med.asu.edu.eg)

 

ABSTRACT

It is known that seasonal influenza virus vaccination is important to be taken every year among healthcare workers (HCWs) to avoid transmission of influenza virus and its complications inside the workplace. The reason behind the importance of vaccination is that HCWs are at high risk to be infected with influenza virus. Among the studies addressing the rates of influenza vac[1]cine status among HCWs, a study was conducted in three Middle East countries where the vaccination rates were 24.7%, 67.2%, and 46.4% in United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Oman, respectively. Now, after the pandemic of COVID-19 there are beliefs that vaccination with influenza virus could decrease the deaths from COVID-19. A recent retrospective cohort study to detect the effect of seasonal influenza vaccine on the deaths among COVID-19 patients showed that the individuals who didn’t take the influenza vaccine in the last year before being infected with COVID-19 had a higher risk of being hospitalized when compared with patients who took the vaccine. In conclusion, seasonal influenza vaccine could have an important role in the prevention of COVID-19. Seasonal influenza vaccine coverage should be improved among HCWs. New tailored health education programs to improve the attitudes and beliefs of HCWs towards seasonal influenza vaccine during the era of COVID-19 are strongly and urgently needed.

 

Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Influenza, Vaccine, Healthcare Workers, Review

 

Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 2022;2(1):33-35.

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/gjeid/article/view/215

Role of Ivermectin in Management of COVID-19

Role of Ivermectin in Management of COVID-19

 

Areej Mohamed Abdelhady Ahmed Helaly (1), Ghada Essam El-Din Amin (1,2), Salwa Mostafa Mohammad Abdel Rahman (1,3), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,4)*

 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

4. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba 14004, Spain.

 

*Correspondence: Mohamed Farouk Allam (farouk.allam@med.asu.edu.eg)

 

ABSTRACT

The pandemic corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by (SARS-CoV-2) a single stranded-RNA virus, has been spread rapidly worldwide with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Few months after the spread of the pandemic, few medications have proven to be efficient in human clinical trials. Several antiviral drugs have been used outside the scope of their initial medical use, such as lopinavir, hydroxychloroquine or azithromycin. Recent researches were done to show the efficacy of ivermectin in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA within 2 days. The use of ivermectin in in vitro studies has proven its efficacy against Corona virus. Based on the potency of ivermectin in in vitro studies, various clinical trials including patients infected with COVID-19 have been started; most of them have not been completed yet. Since the way how the virus infects the cells in vitro and in vivo is different, a decisive comment about how the ivermectin could exactly be bene[1]ficial to the patients has not been proven yet. Nevertheless, if ivermectin is compared to the other therapeutic treatments available for COVID-19 management, ivermectin has proved to have leverage over them. New randomized controlled clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of ivermectin the management of COVID-19 are strongly and urgently needed.

 

Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Ivermectin, Management, Review.

 

Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 2022;2(2):36-37.

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/gjeid/article/view/238