Now showing items 21-40 of 99

    • Demographics, comorbidities and outcomes in hospitalized Covid-19 patients in rural southwest Georgia

      Shah, Priyank; Owens, Jack; Franklin, James; Mehta, Akshat; Heymann, William; Sewell, William; Hill, Jennifer; Barfield, Krista; Doshi, Rajkumar; Augusta University (Taylor & Francis Online, 2020)
      Background: There is limited data on outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in rural United States (US). This study aimed to describe the demographics, and outcomes of hospitalized Covid-19 patients in rural Southwest Georgia. Methods: Using electronic medical records, we analyzed data from all hospitalized Covid-19 patients who either died or survived to discharge between 2 March 2020 and 6 May 2020. Results: Of the 522 patients, 92 died in hospital (17.6%). Median age was 63 years, 58% were females, and 87% African-Americans. Hypertension (79.7%), obesity (66.5%) and diabetes mellitus (42.3%) were the most common comorbidities. Males had higher overall mortality compared to females (23 v 13.8%). Immunosuppression [odds ratio (OR) 3.6; (confidence interval (CI): 1.52–8.47, p=.003)], hypertension (OR 3.36; CI:1.3–8.6, p=.01), age ≥65 years (OR 3.1; CI:1.7–5.6, p<.001) and morbid obesity (OR 2.29; CI:1.11–4.69, p=.02), were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Female gender was an independent predictor of decreased in-hospital mortality. Mortality in intubated patients was 67%. Mortality was 8.9% in <50 years, compared to 20% in ≥50 years. Conclusions: Immunosuppression, hypertension, age ≥ 65 years and morbid obesity were independent predictors of mortality, whereas female gender was protective for mortality in hospitalized Covid-19 patients in rural Southwest Georgia.KEY MESSAGES Patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in rural US have higher comorbidity burden. Immunosuppression, hypertension, age ≥ 65 years and morbid obesity are independent predictors of increased mortality. Female gender is an independent predictor of reduced mortality.
    • Mobile Commerce - Analysis and Investigation of the Online Safety, Privacy, and Data Forensics of Amazon and Etsy Apps

      Dorai, Gokila; Hutchinson, Shinelle; Rodríguez, Beatriz; Karabiyik, Umit; Augusta University (IEEE Computer Society, 2023-01-06)
      The COVID19 pandemic has led to the proliferation of the use of online shopping applications among millions of customers worldwide. The enormous potential in technological advancements, particularly mobile technology, has directly impacted mobile commerce, where the shopping process has become so convenient. While the benefits of mobile commerce are multi-fold, the current privacy practices and the extent of user data residue in shopping apps have been less explored. In this paper, we conducted an in-depth, systematic analysis of two of the most popular mobile shopping apps - Amazon and Etsy. Our analysis led to the recovery of user data and shopping activity artifacts from Amazon and Etsy buyer and seller apps on Android/iOS devices. Based on the user data and artifacts found, we have also discussed the implications of default privacy settings, the importance of online safety policies prior to product listings, and implications for research and practice.
    • Rapid initiation of nasal saline irrigation to reduce severity in high-risk COVID+ outpatients

      Baxter, Amy L.; Schwartz, Kyle R.; Johnson, Ryan W.; Kuchinski, Ann Marie; Swartout, Kevin M.; Rao, Arni S.R. Srinivasa; Gibson, Robert W.; Cherian, Erica; Giller, Taylor; Boomer, Houlton; et al. (Sage Journals, 2022)
      Objective: To determine whether initiating saline nasal irrigation after COVID-19 diagnosis reduces hospitalization and death in high-risk outpatients compared with observational controls, and if irrigant composition impacts severity. Methods: Participants 55 and older were enrolled within 24 hours of a + PCR COVID-19 test between September 24 and December 21, 2020. Among 826 screened, 79 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to add 2.5 mL povidone-iodine 10% or 2.5 mL sodium bicarbonate to 240 mL of isotonic nasal irrigation twice daily for 14 days. The primary outcome was hospitalization or death from COVID-19 within 28 days of enrollment by daily self-report confirmed with phone calls and hospital records, compared to the CDC Surveillance Dataset covering the same time. Secondary outcomes compared symptom resolution by irrigant additive. Results: Seventy-nine high-risk participants were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 64 [8] years; 36 [46%] women; 71% Non-Hispanic White), with mean BMI 30.3. Analyzed by intention-to-treat, by day 28, COVID-19 symptoms resulted in one ED visit and no hospitalizations in 42 irrigating with alkalinization, one hospitalization of 37 in the povidone-iodine group, (1.27%) and no deaths. Of nearly three million CDC cases, 9.47% were known to be hospitalized, with an additional 1.5% mortality in those without hospitalization data. Age, sex, and percentage with pre-existing conditions did not significantly differ by exact binomial test from the CDC dataset, while reported race and hospitalization rate did. The total risk of hospitalization or death (11%) was 8.57 times that of enrolled nasal irrigation participants (SE = 2.74; P =.006). Sixty-two participants completed daily surveys (78%), averaging 1.8 irrigations/day. Eleven reported irrigation-related complaints and four discontinued use. Symptom resolution was more likely for those reporting twice daily irrigation (X2 = 8.728, P =.0031) regardless of additive. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2+ participants initiating nasal irrigation were over 8 times less likely to be hospitalized than the national rate.
    • Use of lung ultrasound for COVID-19 in the intensive care unit

      Aziz, R.; Kaminstein, D.; Augusta University (Elsevier, 2020-12)
    • Predictors and outcomes of healthcare-associated infections in COVID-19 patients

      Kumar, Gagan; Adams, Alex; Hererra, Martin; Rojas, Erine Raybon; Singh, Vartika; Sakhuja, Ankit; Meersman, Mark; Dalton, Drew; Kethireddy, Shravan; Nanchal, Rahul; et al. (Elsevier, 2021-03)
      Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) after viral illnesses are important sources of morbidity and mortality. This has not been extensively studied in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: This study included all COVID-19-positive adult patients (≥18 years) hospitalized between 01 March and 05 August 2020 at the current institution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of HAI in the acute care setting was used. The outcomes that were studied were rates and types of infections and in-hospital mortality. Several multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine characteristics associated with development of HAI. Results: Fifty-nine (3.7%) of 1565 patients developed 140 separate HAIs from 73 different organisms: 23 were Gram-positive, 39 were Gram-negative and 11 were fungal. Patients who developed HAI did not have higher odds of death (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.40–1.81, p = 0.69). HAIs were associated with the use of tocilizumab (OR 5.04, 95% CI 2.4–10.6, p < 0.001), steroids (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.4–10, p = 0.007), hydroxychloroquine (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0–8.8, p = 0.05), and acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.1–12.8, p = 0.04). Conclusions: HAI were common in hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Tocilizumab and steroids were associated with increased risk of HAIs.
    • Do high-dose corticosteroids improve outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients?

      Kumar, Gagan; Patel, Dhaval; Hererra, Martin; Jefferies, David; Sakhuja, Ankit; Meersman, Mark; Dalton, Drew; Nanchal, Rahul; Guddati, Achuta Kumar; Augusta University (2022-01)
      Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by dysregulated hyperimmune response and steroids have been shown to decrease mortality. However, whether higher dosing of steroids results in better outcomes has been debated. This was a retrospective observation of COVID-19 admissions between March 1, 2020, and March 10, 2021. Adult patients (≥18 years) who received more than 10 mg daily methylprednisolone equivalent dosing (MED) within the first 14 days were included. We excluded patients who were discharged or died within 7 days of admission. We compared the standard dose of steroids (<40 mg MED) versus the high dose of steroids (>40 mg MED). Inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) was used to examine whether higher dose steroids resulted in improved outcomes. The outcomes studied were in-hospital mortality, rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring hemodialysis, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), hospital-associated infections (HAI), and readmissions. Of the 1379 patients meeting study criteria, 506 received less than 40 mg of MED (median dose 30 mg MED) and 873 received more than or equal to 40 mg of MED (median dose 78 mg MED). Unadjusted in-hospital mortality was higher in patients who received high-dose corticosteroids (40.7% vs. 18.6%, p < 0.001). On IPWRA, the use of high-dose corticosteroids was associated with higher odds of death (odds ratio [OR] 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–3.14, p < 0.001) but not with the development of HAI, readmissions, or requirement of IMV. High-dose corticosteroids were associated with lower rates of AKI requiring hemodialysis (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18–0.63). In COVID-19, corticosteroids more than or equal to 40 mg MED were associated with higher in-hospital mortality.
    • Six-month follow-up chest CT findings after severe COVID-19 pneumonia

      Han, Xiaoyu; Fan, Yanqing; Alwalid, Osamah; Li, Na; Jia, Xi; Yuan, Mei; Li, Yumin; Cao, Yukun; Gu, Jin; Wu, Hanping; et al. (2021-04)
      Background: Little is known about the long-term lung radiographic changes in patients who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially those with severe disease. Purpose: To prospectively assess pulmonary sequelae and explore the risk factors for fibrotic-like changes in the lung at 6-month follow-up chest CT of survivors of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: A total of 114 patients (80 [70%] men; mean age, 54 years 6 12) were studied prospectively. Initial and follow-up CT scans were obtained a mean of 17 days 6 11 and 175 days 6 20, respectively, after symptom onset. Lung changes (opacification, consolidation, reticulation, and fibrotic-like changes) and CT extent scores (score per lobe, 0–5; maximum score, 25) were recorded. Participants were divided into two groups on the basis of their 6-month follow-up CT scan: those with CT evidence of fibrotic-like changes (traction bronchiectasis, parenchymal bands, and/or honeycombing) (group 1) and those without CT evidence of fibrotic-like changes (group 2). Between-group differences were assessed with the Fisher exact test, two-sample t test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent predictive factors of fibrotic-like changes. Results: At follow-up CT, evidence of fibrotic-like changes was observed in 40 of the 114 participants (35%) (group 1), whereas the remaining 74 participants (65%) showed either complete radiologic resolution (43 of 114, 38%) or residual ground-glass opacification or interstitial thickening (31 of 114, 27%) (group 2). Multivariable analysis identified age of greater than 50 years (odds ratio [OR]: 8.5; 95% CI: 1.9, 38; P = .01), heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute at admission (OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 29; P = .04), duration of hospital stay greater than or equal to 17 days (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.5, 21; P = .01), acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 13; 95% CI: 3.3, 55; P , .001), noninvasive mechanical ventilation (OR: 6.3; 95% CI: 1.3, 30; P = .02), and total CT score of 18 or more (OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.2, 14; P = .02) at initial CT as independent predictors for fibrotic-like changes in the lung at 6 months. Conclusion: Six-month follow-up CT showed fibrotic-like changes in the lung in more than one-third of patients who survived severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. These changes were associated with an older age, acute respiratory distress syndrome, longer hospital stays, tachycardia, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and higher initial chest CT score.
    • The dynamics of trust and communication in COVID-19 vaccine decision making: A qualitative inquiry

      Ledford, Christy J.W.; Cafferty, Lauren A.; Moore, Justin X.; Roberts, Courtney; Whisenant, Ebony B.; Rychtarikova, Alejandra Garcia; Seehusen, Dean A.; Augusta University (Taylor & Francis Online, 2022)
      In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists coordinated a complex immunization effort that developed and distributed vaccines by December 2020. This study aimed to explain COVID-19 vaccination decision-making process to inform vaccine communication with patients and the public. Building on quantitative research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, we conducted a grounded theory study, collecting 30 qualitative interviews with employees at a U.S. university that provided vaccine eligibility in December 2020. Analysis followed the Sort and Sift, Think and Shift method. Participants who had chosen to receive the vaccine and those who had not both described five factors that impacted their decision-making: emotional response, understanding, personal values, culture, and social norms. Across these factors, we identified three cross-cutting themes: time, trust, and communication tactics. In a time of emerging science and changing answers, the constant introduction of new information created information overload for participants. COVID-19 vaccine development was a “grand experiment globally,” which required trust, not only knowledge, to overcome hesitancy. The complex information environment surrounding COVID-19 vaccination requires multi-level intervention that cannot rely on knowledge translation alone. We need to help patients build trusting relationships with experts that can create scaffolding for future information processing.
    • This Issue's Emphasis: Inequity and COVID-19, Intertwined

      Bowman, Marjorie A.; Seehusen, Dean A.; Ledford, Christy J.W.; Augusta University (2022-03)
      This issue continues our tradition of advancing family medicine by publishing articles on issues that affect patients and the practice of family medicine, specifically with an emphasis on inequity and the COVID pandemic, which are often intertwined. We have articles on topical issues such as appropriate transgender care, newer diabetes medications, transportation as a social risk, and a thought-provoking commentary on ableism. A clinical review on olfactory loss takes on new meaning. Oregon Medicaid coverage policy supported family physicians assisting their patients by decreasing their opioid use, and a article suggests that buprenorphine should be decriminalized. Strengthening the desire to enter family medicine before starting medical school can help meet future patient needs.
    • A Stepwise Transition to Telemedicine in Response to COVID-19

      Silver, Sabrina L.; Lewis, Meghan N.; Ledford, Christy J.W.; Augusta University (2021-02)
      Introduction: With the emergence of COVID-19, many primary care offices closed their physical space to limit exposure. Despite decades of telemedicine in clinical practice, it is rare to find it used in small-metro and academic settings. Following the decision to limit face-to-face care, we tracked our practice's transition to telemedicine. Methods: This was a prospective quality improvement project following Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to optimize the use of telemedicine (both telephone and video in this practice) encounters. Central to the PDSA cycles was the use of a post-encounter questionnaire to track patient, appointment, and physician factors. Throughout the cycles, inferential statistics were used to inform process improvement. Results: In Cycle 2, a logistic regression model showed length of encounter, need for physical examination, and physician satisfaction correctly predicted a physician's preferred medium (x 2(3) = 40.56, P<.001). In Cycle 3, a x 2 test showed the reason for visit predicted the preferred medium (x 2(4) = 47.30, P<.001). In cycle 4, week of telemedicine, need for physical examination, length of encounter and physician satisfaction predicted the preferred medium (x 2(9) = 172.52, P<.001). Discussion: Using the variables that predicted preference for telemedicine, we were able to adjust our processes through PDSA cycles. Conclusion: Early use of the PDSA cycle allows for informed quality improvement at the local level. Our findings highlight factors to consider when implementing telemedicine such as need for physical examination and type or length of encounter. In addition, physician satisfaction can encourage use of telemedicine, and tools for learning and practicing telemedicine should be available.
    • Assessing patient risk from cancer and COVID-19: Managing patient distress

      Klaassen, Zachary; Augusta University (Elsevier, 2021-05)
      The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) beginning in Spring 2020 necessitated significant changes to day-to-day interactions in society, as well as to the practice of medicine. Particularly in patients with cancer, these changes can exacerbate the pre-existing psychological stress associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. We performed a narrative review, encompassing changes to cancer care as a result of COVID-19, the psychological effects of treatment delays, and strategies to mitigate these effects. A number of review articles and guideline bodies have provided guidance on patients for whom treatment may be safely delayed, including low-risk bladder, prostate and kidney tumors, as well as intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer. Mental health diagnoses are prevalent in patients with genitourinary malignancies. Evidence regarding psychologic effects of deferred treatment is limited to those with low risk of disease related morbidity. In this population, psychologic distress attenuated with time. However, in the COVID-19 context, patients with advanced disease are particularly prone to psychologic distress, as are women and younger patients. Strategies to mitigate this distress are emerging and center on recognition from the treating oncologist with appropriate referral as necessary to psycho-oncology providers and engagement of peer-supports. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped social structures and health care delivery. For patients with genitourinary malignancies, this may be associated with significant distress, particularly among those with advanced disease and those undergoing active treatment. Physicians treating these patients need to be aware of the psychologic stress the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer diagnosis, and cancer treatment can have and make appropriate referrals to support the holistic care of their patients.
    • COVID-19: FAQs—Congenital Heart Surgery Recovery and Defining a “New Normal”

      Dearani, Joseph A.; Stephens, Elizabeth H.; Guleserian, Kristine J.; Overman, David M.; Backer, Carl L.; Romano, Jennifer C.; St. Louis, James D.; Sarris, George E.; Bacha, Emile; Tweddell, James S.; et al. (Sage Journals, 2020-09-01)
      As recovery of congenital heart surgery programs begins during this COVID-19 pandemic, we review key considerations such as screening, protection of patients and health care workers (HCWs), case prioritization, barriers to reactivation, redesign of patient care teams, contribution of telemedicine, modification of trainees’ experiences, preparation for potential resurgence, and strategies to maintain HCW wellness. COVID-19 has tested the resolve and grit of our specialty and we have an opportunity to emerge more refined.
    • COVID-19-associated vestibular neuritis in an infant

      Bloomquist, Ryan F.; Goodbee, Mya; Fowler, Teresa E.; Prosser, Andrea; Augusta University (2023-10)
    • Pityriasis rubra pilaris potentially triggered by messenger RNA–1273 COVID vaccine

      Ajebo, Etsubdenk M.; Howard, John D.; Anand, Dipti; Davis, Loretta S.; Augusta University (2022-05)
    • Communication, Flexibility, and Resilience: Navigating the Shift to Virtual Service-Learning During COVID-19

      Reif-Stice, Carrie; Smith-Frigerio, Sarah; Augusta University (Sage Journals, 2021-12)
      Major disruptions to traditional academic learning have occurred since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as most higher education institutions have shifted to online or hybrid course delivery. This virtual shift has significant implications for service-learning. In this study, we explored the impact of virtual service-learning on public relations instructors and community partners. Interview respondents described challenges to virtual service-learning related to the pandemic but also noted unanticipated benefits, such as creativity and resilience. In addition, community partners and public relations instructors recommended a heightened focus on communication, flexibility, and adaptability to ensure successful virtual service-learning experiences for students and organizations.
    • USE OF KHAT AND ASSOCIATED SUBSTANCES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: POTENTIAL ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES

      Abebe, Worku; Augusta University (2021)
      The epidemic of COVID-19 has become a major public health challenge globally. There are concerns that an increased number of individuals who abuse substances could encounter greater risks of experiencing the effects of COVID-19. The present paper reviews the potential health risks that can be associated with using the commonly abused stimulant plant, khat and associated substances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature indicates that khat chewing, as practiced by most chewers, can facilitate SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission and spread. Chewers with compromised health due to khat could be at greater risks of being affected by COVID-19, and these effects may include worsening of respiratory, cardiovascular, CNS, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, hemostatic and immune dysfunctions. Furthermore, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in association with khat use has the potential to intensify most of these disorders. The review suggests that healthcare providers and khat chewers should take appropriate precautionary measures when khat and/or the associated substances are used during COVID-19 epidemic. The research community should also conduct further studies to provide additional and more specific information on the topic.
    • Global underreporting of COVID-19 cases during 1 January 2020 to 6 May 2022

      Krantz, Steven G.; Swanson, David A.; S.R. Srinivasa Rao, Arni; Augusta University (2022)
      Globally, the number of reported COVID-19 cases from December 2019 to 6 May 2022 was 513,955,910 and the reported number of deaths during this period was 6,190,349 (ref. 1). The number of hospitali-zed cases all over the world due to the pandemic started declining at the begin-ning of April 2022 (ref. 2). Globally, the number of fully vaccinated individuals as of 6 May 2022 was 5.1 billion (ref. 1). Vaccinated individuals have higher chances of not being hospitalized2, but they still have some probability of acquiring the virus3. This indicates that COVID-19 transmission occurs between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
    • Impact of public sentiments on the transmission of COVID-19 across a geographical gradient

      Agusto, Folashade B.; Numfor, Eric; Srinivasan, Karthik; Iboi, Enahoro A.; Fulk, Alexander; Saint Onge, Jarron M.; Peterson, A. Townsend; Augusta University (2023-02)
      COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a recently discovered, novel coronavirus, SARS-COV-2. The disease has led to over 81 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with close to two million deaths. In the current social climate, the risk of COVID-19 infection is driven by individual and public perception of risk and sentiments. A number of factors influences public perception, including an individual’s belief system, prior knowledge about a disease and information about a disease. In this article, we develop a model for COVID-19 using a system of ordinary differential equations following the natural history of the infection. The model uniquely incorporates social behavioral aspects such as quarantine and quarantine violation. The model is further driven by people’s sentiments (positive and negative) which accounts for the influence of disinformation. People’s sentiments were obtained by parsing through and analyzing COVID-19 related tweets from Twitter, a social media platform across six countries. Our results show that our model incorporating public sentiments is able to capture the trend in the trajectory of the epidemic curve of the reported cases. Furthermore, our results show that positive public sentiments reduce disease burden in the community. Our results also show that quarantine violation and early discharge of the infected population amplifies the disease burden on the community. Hence, it is important to account for public sentiment and individual social behavior in epidemic models developed to study diseases like COVID-19.
    • Intention for COVID-19 vaccination: predictors and sources of influence

      Bruner, Lia; Gerald, Rachel; Majeed, Ban; Heiken, Matthew; Augusta University (2022-04-01)
      Context: General acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination is needed to end the pandemic, but vaccine hesitancy is a challenge. Identifying predictors of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and sources of positive influence on vaccine decisions could inform and guide the efforts to improve vaccination rates. Objective: 1) To determine the proportion and predictors of vaccine intentions among adults served by our mobile free clinic. 2) To determine the sources of positive influence on vaccine uptake. Study Design: Cross-sectional (phone-survey) study. Setting: Mobile free clinic, Athens, GA. Population studied: Adults with direct phone numbers who tested negative for COVID-19 through our mobile free clinic from 6/1/20-7/9/20 (358 eligible, N=55). Outcome Measures: Intention to get COVID-19 vaccine once available, overall, and by personal characteristics (age, sex, race, and education) and by potential predictors (receipt of flu or other adult vaccines, health insurance status, worry about impact of the pandemic on health and finances, and frequency of mask wearing, distancing, and hand washing). Associations examined using chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and logistic regression. Frequency of positive, negative, or no influence on vaccine decisions was examined for health care providers, public health officials, family, friends, political and religious leaders, and news and social media. Results: Overall, 66% intended to get vaccinated. Reported flu vaccination in the last year was positively associated with COVID-19 vaccine intention (OR 4.4, 95% CI: 1.3-14.7), but reported receipt of other adult vaccines was not. Higher frequency of worry about impact of COVID-19 on health was also positively associated with vaccine intention (always worry 83%; p=0.006). No other significant variations by personal characteristics or listed potential predictors were observed. The largest proportion of adults identified health care providers (66%) and family (62%) as positive influences; social media had the smallest proportion (8% positive, 6% negative) on intention to accept vaccination. Conclusions: Similar to national averages, 66% of our sample intended to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Flu vaccination in the last year and worrying about health during the pandemic predicted intention to receive the vaccine. Health care providers were most frequently identified as a positive influence on vaccine uptake, underscoring the importance of their role in recommending COVID-19 vaccinations.
    • Optical genome mapping identifies rare structural variations as predisposition factors associated with severe COVID-19

      The COVID19hostgenomesv Consortium; Sahajpal, Nikhil Shri; Lai, Chi Yu Jill; Hastie, Alex; Modal, Ashis K.; Dehkordi, Siavash Raeisi; Made, Caspar I. van der; Fedrigo, Olivier; Al-Ajli, Farooq; Jalnapurkar, Sawan; et al. (Science Direct, 2022-02-18)
      Impressive global efforts have identified both rare and common gene variants associated with severe COVID-19 using sequencing technologies. However, these studies lack the sensitivity to accurately detect several classes of variants, especially large structural variants (SVs), which account for a substantial proportion of genetic diversity including clinically relevant variation. We performed optical genome mapping on 52 severely ill COVID-19 patients to identify rare/unique SVs as decisive predisposition factors associated with COVID-19. We identified 7 SVs involving genes implicated in two key host-viral interaction pathways: innate immunity and inflammatory response, and viral replication and spread in nine patients, of which SVs in STK26 and DPP4 genes are the most intriguing candidates. This study is the first to systematically assess the potential role of SVs in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 severity and highlights the need to evaluate SVs along with sequencing variants to comprehensively associate genomic information with interindividual variability in COVID-19 phenotypes.