bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF STATINS AGAINST RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Alsanosi Safaa , Mccallum Linsay , Carberry Jaclyn , Alshanberi Asim , Berry Colin , Padmanabhan Sandosh 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Statins result in lower H5N1 (influenza A) titers on viral exposure and inhibit Ebola virus production and glycoprotein processing. So a similar pattern might be a target for SARS-CoV-2. However, there are data that indicate statins upregulate ACE2 which may have an opposite effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection. To address this question we conducted a systematic review on the efficacy of statins on the risk of respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

Design and method:
Publications of head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of statins were retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane (from 2000–July 2021). We included RCTs with at least 100 participants and with a minimum follow-up of one year. Two authors independently selected the included trials, evaluated the risk of bias, and retrieved the data on RTIs. Meta-analyses were performed to summarise the pooled risk ratios (RRs) of RTIs between treatment arms.

Results:
The initial literature search identified 568 records. After duplicates were excluded, there were 318 records. Twenty-five RCTs were excluded after a full-text review of the 29 eligible studies. In the end, four RCTs with a total of 7,912 participants were included in our meta-analysis. As to the effect of statins on RTIs, the point estimate for statins was less than 1, but it did not reach statistical significance in the overall analysis (the pooled RR in the fixed effect model was 0.99 [95% CI: 0.94, 1.04; I2 = 59%; x2 p = 0.66]).

Conclusions:
The findings of our systematic review and meta-analysis do not support the hypothesis that statins reduce the risk of including RTIs.
IMPACT OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND ANTIHYPERTENSIVE PHARMACOTHERAPY ON IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY IN COVID-19 PATIENTS: THE CRACOV-HHS STUDY
Authors: Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Terlecki Michal , Klocek Marek , Januszewicz Andrzej , Grodzicki Tomasz , Kreutz Reinhold , Rajzer Marek 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Cardiovascular diseases including hypertension are common comorbidities in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. We assessed the impact of hypertension on in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Design and method:
We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all consecutive patients who were admitted to the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, due to confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection from March 2020 to May 2021.

Results:
Overall, data of 5191 patients (mean age 61.9 ± 16.7 years) were available for analysis. Patients with preexisting hypertension (58.3% of the study population) were older and had more comorbidities than patients without hypertension (p < 0.05). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with hypertension compared to those without hypertension also after adjustment for age (22.2% vs 12.9%; P = 0.02). Age above median (64 years, odds ratio [OR] 3.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.23–4.83), male gender (OR 1.19; CI 1.01–1.40), a history of heart failure (OR 2.01; CI 1.58–2.56) or chronic kidney disease (OR 2.35; CI 1.86–2.96) and increased C-reactive protein levels (OR 1.09; CI 1.08–1.10), but not preexisting hypertension (OR 0.90; CI 0.74–1.09) were significantly associated with a higher risk of in-hospital death after multivariate logistic regression analysis. However, hypertension (OR 1.45; CI 1.06–1.97) was an independent predictor of in-hospital death in patients without established cardiovascular disease and antihypertensive treatment. Treatment with any first-line antihypertensive drug class in patients with hypertension at the time of hospitalization was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital death (beta-blockers OR 0.52; CI 0.41–0.65; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors OR 0.52; CI 0.38–0.68; angiotensin receptor blockers OR 0.24; CI 0.12–0.41; calcium channel blockers OR 0.61; CI 0.44–0.84; thiazide diuretics OR 0.40; CI 0.24–0.64).

Conclusions:
Besides the high prevalence, hypertension was not an independent risk factor of in-hospital death in the overall group of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Treatment with all first-line antihypertensive medications was associated with significant reduction of in-hospital death in patients with hypertension.
IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE INITIATION OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUG THERAPY IN FRANCE
Authors: Olié Valérie , Grave Clemence , Tuppin Philippe , Lesuffleur Thomas , Guenancia Charles , Blacher Jacques , Gabet Amélie 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The objective was to analyze time-trends in the rates of patients who had at least one reimbursement of an antihypertensive drug without reimbursement in the past 12 month for each year from 2017 to 2021, and to study changes according to sex, age, history of cardiovascular diseases, group of antihypertensive drugs and lockdown/curefew periods.

Design and method:
We used data from the French national healthcare database (“Systéme National des données de Santé”-SNDS) covering 99% of the French population. For each year and weeks from 1st January 2017 to 23 of May 2021, patients who initiated an antihypertensive drug treatment in France were selected. Crude and age-standardized rates of patients initiating an antihypertensive drug in overall population living in France were calculated and compared with the 2017–2019 incidence with incidence rate ratio (IRR) adjusted for age and time-trends. Consultations (with general practitioner (GP) or cardiologist) were also recorded over the study period

Results:
In 2020, 1,518,686 persons initiated an antihypertensive therapy in France which was less than the mean number 2017–2019 (n = 1,549,215). The age-standardized incidence in the French population were 2.2% for 2017, 2.3% for 2018, 2.4% for 2019 and 2.2% for 2020. The initiation of an antihypertensive treatment declined by 11% in 2020 as compared to 2017–2019 (reaching -30% during the first national lockdown), with a major differences between men (-5%) and women (-16%), and age groups (-2% in people aged < 45 years old, and -17% in more than 85 years). A similar decline was found between people with a personal history of cardiovascular disease and those without. Among antihypertensive treatments, the greater decrease in the initiation was observed for diuretics (-20%) and ARBs (-19%). In 2021, initiation of antihypertensive drugs were still diminished compared to 2017–2019 but in a lower extent (-4%). An increase was even observed in the youngest age group (+6%) and in men (+4%).

Conclusions:
The pandemic had a major impact on the initiation of antihypertensive drugs and therefore the incidence and/or screening of hypertension with an important age and sex effect and no catch-up effect was observed in 2021.
CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF KIDNEY DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION DIED OF SARS-COV-2 INFECTION
Authors: Makeeva Tatiana , Zbyshevskaya Elizaveta , Bitakova Fatima , Erinchek Vadim , Saiganov Sergey , Zaytseva Oksana , Nechaev Vladislav , Sivtsova Elena , Mayer Mark , Talibov Faiz 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To assess clinical and pathomorphological features of kidney damage in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) who died of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19.

Design and method:
A complex analysis of 268 kidney autopsies was carried out, including the study of macro- and microscopic changes reflected in the protocols of pathological and anatomical autopsies and identified during the histological examination. In 224 patients (83.6%) with AH, the diagnosis was confirmed by isolating the SARS-CoV-2 RNA using the polymerase chain reaction; in 44 (16.4%) – through computed tomography of the lungs. The causes of deaths were the following: in 31 patients (11.6%) acute myocardial infarction; in 40 (14.9%) cerebrovascular accident; in 11 (4.1%) pulmonary embolism; 222 patients (83%) had acute respiratory distress syndrome. The analysis included 130 men aged 36 to 92 (72.6 years old on average) and 138 women aged 40 to 106 (77.1 years old on average).

Results:
In the kidneys we detected ischemic changes caused by disturbances in the microvasculature. These are stases, sludges, erythrocyte and fibrin thrombi predominantly in the medulla. In the glomeruli diapedesis hemorrhages, mesangial cells proliferation, basement membrane thickening and fibrinoid necrosis of the capillary wall were observed. In the epithelium of the convoluted tubules, a granular, hyaline-drop dystrophy and a necrosis as the extreme degree of the damage were noted. In the kidneys, a pronounced lymphoid and leukocyte infiltration was detected. These changes were accompanied by inflammation and renal failure symptoms. In particular, the level of C-reactive protein was 140.6 ± 7.42 mg/l; blood ferritin 1258.0 ± 110.1 mcg/l; blood leukocytes 15.0 ± 0.67 10^9/l; blood lymphocytes 1.54 ± 0.29 10^9/l; procalcitonin 1.350 ± 0.51 ng/ml. The development of hemorrhagic syndrome was observed in 93 (35%) cases. The level of D-dimer was 4326.4 ± 696.1 ng/ml; fibrinogen 18.2 ± 13.04 g/l; platelets 179.0 ± 8.7 10^9/l. Blood creatinine in patients aged 36 to 59 (27 people) was 120.6 ± 12.2 mmol/l; aged 60 to 80 (136 people) 136.6 ± 10.12 mmol/l; aged over 80 (105 people) 139.0 ± 11.7 mmol/l.

Conclusions:
The study of the kidneys in patients who died from the new coronavirus infection revealed microvasculature vessels damage and development of coagulation disorders amid the renal failure.
COVID-19 INFECTION AND ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION – A RECIPROCAL INTERACTION?
Authors: Rodrigues Filipa Ferreira , Sá Juliana 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
High prevalence rates of hypertension were identified among severely ill patients with the infection. The interaction between the virus and the angiotensin - converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) explains its pathogenesis, in particular in the lung and vascular tissues. Nevertheless, the impact of hypertension in the outcome and severity of this infection is still unclear.

Design and method:
This retrospective work aimed to understand the relation between arterial hypertension and COVID-19. We analyzed a pool of 500 admissions in a medical ward specially dedicated to coronavirus infection between 24th October 2020 and 05th March 2021.

Results:
Our representative patient was an elderly male patient with arterial hypertension that had suffer from severe infection, with bilateral pneumonia and acute respiratory insufficiency. In almost a third of patients, there was a reduction or suspension of the anti-hypertensive medication at the time of discharge.

Conclusions:
In line with literature, arterial hypertension was highly prevalent in our COVID-19 patients. However, the infection could also have a role in this cardiovascular disease, lowering the arterial pressure even after the acute phase.
COVID-19 RELATED CHANGE IN DAILY LIFE OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS MAY AFFECT HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT
Authors: Tsoutsouli Vasiliki , Sachla Zacharo , Efstathiou Kyprianos , Foutsitsakis Dimos , Damianos Alexander James , Gkogkos Konstantinos 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Since 2019, the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting pandemic, has influenced daily life significantly. Hypertensive patients were amongst the affected group due to psychological reasons and the sudden change in daily routine. In this study we present a group of patients from our hypertension outpatient clinic and we showcase the effect of the current pandemic to their daily life aspects.

Design and method:
We contacted 647 patients from our hypertension management outpatient clinic and through a questionnaire we assessed changes in body activity and body weight in the past six months. The patients were then divided in four groups according to their answers:
No change in body weight, but exercised daily (NC/E)
No change in body weight, but did not follow a routine exercise schedule (NC/NE)
Increase in body weight, but exercised daily (I/E)
Increase in body weight, but did not follow a routine exercise schedule (I/NE)

Results:
The results of our study are presented in the graphs bellow:
It is worth noting that all groups but the first one (NC/E) reported an average increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of at least 15 mmHg. This increase was most apparent in the fourth group (I/NE), which also reflected most of the patients, where the average increase of SBP was greater than 25 mmHg.

Conclusions:
The aim of this study is to shed a light in the possible effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the life of the patients and more importantly how that affects the management of conditions such as hypertension. The resulting difference in body weight and SBP regulation between the groups can be attributed to an inconsistent exercise schedule, a known factor of SBP management and also a possible by-product of the current pandemic.
EFFECT OF CORONAVIRUS INFECTION ON PATIENTS WITH CONTROLLED AND UNCONTROLLED ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Denisova Anastasiya , Sivakova Olga , Solntseva Tatyana , Chazova Irina 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To assess the severity of coronavirus infection in patients with hypertension, including resistantand refractory hypertension, and to assess the effect of taking ACE inhibitors and ARBs on the course of COVID-19.

Design and method:
We called 252 people with an established diagnosis of hypertension, included in the database from November 2018 to July 2021, in order to identify patients who have recently undergone COVID-19. Initially, the patients were divided into groups depending on the number of drugs taken and the achievement of target blood pressure levels.

Results:
21 (8.3%) of 252 people had a coronavirus infection. 10 out of 21 patients (48%) noted blood pressure destabilization. 6 (60%) of these 10 initially belonged to the group of uncontrolled hypertension (4 of 6 had refractory hypertension, 2 of 6 had uncontrolled resistant hypertension), however, all of them noted worsening blood pressure control and increased frequency of hypertensive crises compared with the period before COVID-19. In 4 out of 9 patients with initially controlled hypertension, BP was destabilized with subsequent normalization of BP during the recovery period.
COVID-19 lasted no more than 14 days in all patients and hypertensive crises was treated by taking short-acting drugs, including an ACE inhibitor (Captopril) and an imidazoline receptor agonist (Moxonidine). 7 (33.3%) and 12 (57.1%) of 21 patients continued to take ACE inhibitors and ARBs, respectively, during coronavirus infection. In 2 (9.6%) of 21 patients, the target BP values were achieved during monotherapy with calcium channel antagonists. All patients with Covid-19 had mild or moderate disease; hospitalization was not required in any of the cases.

Conclusions:
COVID-19 can destabilize blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Taking an ACE inhibitor / ARB does not worsen the course of coronavirus infection in patients with both controlled and uncontrolled hypertension.
ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION IN COVID 19 – CATCH IT IF YOU CAN!
Authors: Birligea Maria Mihaela , Badila Elisabeta , Bartos Daniela , Weiss Emma Alexandra , Balahura Ana-Maria 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The relationship between COVID-19 and blood pressure (BP) has raised great concern since the discovery of Angiotensin Convertase Enzyme 2 (ACE 2) – mediated mechanism of action for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2). Hypertension (HTN) itself proved to be a risk factor for more severe Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID -19). However less studies focus on the trend of blood BP for patients with COVID-19 during the initial phase of disease.

Design and method:
We present the case of a 71 years old woman with grade 2 HTN previously controlled with diuretic and betablocker therapy that came to our hospital with dyspnea, cough and debilitating fatigue progressively worsened in the last 10 days. The patient also related the first episode of syncope in her life the night before the presentation.

Results:
The clinical evaluation revealed a conscious, euvolemic, with polypnea and a peripheral saturation in oxygen of 86%, corrected to 95% with 9 liters oxygen/minute via simple face mask and a BP of 110/70 mmHg with a ventricular rate of 45 beats per minute in supine position. The assessment of BP values while standing showed a value of 78/60 mmHg after 1 minute and 58/40 mmHg after 3 minutes, while the ventricular rate increased overall to 65 beats per minute. ECG was remarkable only for mild bradycardia and computed tomography pulmonary angiogram excluded pulmonary embolism. The patient was admitted with severe COVID-19 accompanied by severe orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia. Continuous telemonitoring showed only mild bradycardia. Under standard COVID 19 treatment, after 10 days, her symptoms had resolved with no residual orthostatic hypotension or bradycardia.

Conclusions:
In conclusion this case reflects the life-threatening dysautonomia caused by SARS-COV 2 infection. More concern should be placed on this type of fragile patients, taking into account both the macroscopic implications of being confined to bed for a long period of time and the microscopic butterfly effect caused by the binding of the virus on the widespread ACE 2 in the lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive tract.
RED BLOOD CELL COLOUR VARIATION AS A MARKER OF CALCIUM DISTRIBUTION: WHAT ROLE DOES IT HAVE IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND LONG COVID?
Authors: Kyya Yulian , Barnett Olga , Halkevych Marta , Labinska Olha 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Red blood cell (RBC) role is both passive action, oxygen delivery to the tissues as well as carbon dioxide to the lungs and active action involvement in the regulation of vascular tone.
The aim was to investigate pathophysiological and ultrastructural changes of RBC in heart failure (HF) patients with hypertension (HT) and long Covid.

Design and method:
In total 12 patients with HF of Coronary Artery Disease origin, HT, and long Covid were examined. Mean age of patients was 62 ± 5.8 years. The control group consisted of 10 apparently healthy people. The functional state and ultrastructure of RBC were studied using electron microscopy.

Results:
During ultrastructure examination, structural pathologies of RBC in HF patients with HT and long Covid were revealed. RBC anisocytosis and poikilocytosis as structural damage variations in size and shape were found respectively. Reticulocytes were found much more often in HF patients with HT and long Covid than in the control group. In healthy control group, RBC had a typical discoid shape. In the presence of long Covid, both calcification as a marker of RBC apoptosis and destruction was also detected (Fig.1). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were found in RBC surrounding (Fig.1).

Conclusions:
Altered RBC function has important implications for HF patients with HT and long Covid. RBC has been shown to induce endothelial cell dysfunction and to increase cardiac injury as well as increased inflammatory processes in long Covid. The presence of HF, HT and long Covid leads to RBC calcification and activation of blood cell apoptosis. Prognostic role of RBC calcium distribution in combination with other important prognostic measures, such as biomarkers like Thrombospondin - 1, NT-proBNP and ST2 is subject of interest and requires further research.
NEW ONSET OF HYPERTENSION IN PATIENTS ADMITTED FOR INFECTION WITH SARS-COV-2 VIRUS
Authors: Stirban Raluca , Grigore Cristiana , Dragoi Doina , Balaceanu Beatrice , Gurau Cristian-Dorin , Voiculet Cornelia , Zaharia Magda , Zara Octavian , Popa Gelu , Giuglea Carmen , Calin Camelia , Dina Ion , Balaceanu Alice 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess the clinical particularities and the lab tests in patients hospitalized for SARS-COV2 infection, with new onset of hypertension on admission.

Design and method:
We performed a retrospective study on 217 patients admitted to a Clinical Emergency Hospital between January 2021 and October 2021.

Results:
We had 217 patients admitted in internal medicine clinic for infection with SARS-COV2 virus, most of them with moderate and severe form of disease. From them, 148 patients had hypertension, 83.78% with medical history of hypertension and 16.22% with new onset of high blood pressure on admission. Patients were aged between 23 and 99 years, with an average age of 65 years. In comparison, the patients with new onset of hypertension (subgroup 1) were aged between 37 and 90 years, with an average age of 66 years. The most affected group of age was 60–69 years.
In subgroup 1, the gender distribution was: 58.33% male, 41.66% female.
At admission, the stages of SARS-COV2 infection in subgroup 1, according to CT examination, were severe in 52.38%, moderate 19.04%, and mild 28.57% of patients.
As comorbidities in subgroup 1: cancer in 8.33%, metabolic syndrome 54.16%, dyslipidemia 4.16%, obesity 50%, type II diabetes mellitus 45.83%, chronic heart failure in 12.5% of cases (37.5% NYHA I class, 54.16% NYHA II class and 8.3% NYHA III class), atrial fibrillation in 12.5%, atherosclerosis in 16.66%, anxiety disorders in 4.16% and dementia in 8.33% of cases.
High levels of inflammatory markers in Subgroup 1: CRP in 95.83%, procalcitonin in 87.5%, ferritin 79.16%, D-dimers in 83.33%, troponin 4.16%, NT-proBNP in 50% of cases.
Decreased GFR was found in 65.21% of patients. Microalbuminuria was present in 29.16% of patients.
The antihypertensive medication during hospitalization was: diuretics in 45.83%% of cases, betablockers in 33.34%, calcium blockers in 8.33%, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in 16.67%.

Conclusions:
Hypertension with new onset during SARS-COV2 infection and its persistence in post-covid syndrome may have complex pathogenic mechanisms and require personalized therapeutic decision.