Background: Laboratory testing is commonly performed in patients with COVID-19. Each of the laboratory parameters has potential value for risk stratification and prediction of COVID-19 outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the difference between these parameters in severe and nonsevere disease and to provide the optimal cutoff value for predicting severe disease. Method: We performed a systematic literature search through electronic databases. The variables of interest were serum procalcitonin, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in each group of severity outcomes from COVID-19. Results: There were a total of 4848 patients from 23 studies. Our meta-analysis suggest that patients with severe COVID-19 infections have higher procalcitonin, (mean difference 0.07; 95% CI 0.05-0.10; p < 0.00001), CRP (mean difference 36.88; 95% CI 29.10-44.65; p < 0.00001), D-Dimer (mean difference 0.43; 95% CI 0.31-0.56; p < 0.00001), and LDH (mean difference 102.79; 95% CI 79.10-126.49; p < 0.00001) but lower levels of albumin (mean difference −4.58; 95% CI −5.76 to −3.39; p < 0.00001) than those with nonsevere COVID-19 infections. The cutoff values for the parameters were 0.065 ng/mL for procalcitonin, 38.85 g/L for albumin, 33.55 mg/L for CRP, 0.635 μ/L for D-dimer, and 263.5 U/L for LDH, each with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests elevated procalcitonin, CRP, D-dimer, and LDH and decreased albumin can be used for predicting severe outcomes in COVID-19.

Background Sinovac was the first vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) used in Indonesia. However, data regarding the effects of certain variables such as clinical demographic on antibody levels in individuals vaccinated with Sinovac are scarce. We aimed to investigate the impact of gender and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status on neutralizing antibody titers 1, 2, and 3 months after the administration of Sinovac vaccine. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2021. Data on neutralizing antibody levels, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status, and gender were retrieved from the monthly quantitative serology evaluation database of Siloam Hospitals Lippo Village, Tangerang, Indonesia. The role of each variable was analyzed using the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on data distribution. Result Data from 350 participants were collected for the study. Participants with a history of positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test had significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers in the first (144 U/mL, p = 0.036) and second month (144 U/mL, p = 0.005) after vaccination compared to those without history of positive RT-PCR test. Female participants also had significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers in the first, second, and third month (43 U/mL, 42 U/mL, and 39 U/mL, respectively; p = 0.001, 0.002, and 0.003, respectively) after vaccination compared to male. Conclusion COVID-19 survivor status and the female gender are associated with higher neutralizing antibody titers after Sinovac vaccine administration.

Purpose As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread rapidly causing approximately 186 million confirmed cases around the world, the urgency to reach herd immunity through vaccination is increasing. However, vaccine safety is a top priority to limit the occurrence of adverse events. Henceforth, this study aims to recognize and perceive COVID-19 vaccine safety in Indonesia during the pandemic. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study and was conducted in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic using an online survey of demographic information and a qualitative questionnaire. Responses were recorded and the association between demographic characteristics from survey questions was tested using chi-square with a risk estimate and 95% confidence interval. Results A total of 311 participants from 33 out of 34 provinces in Indonesia participated in this study. Recorded responses showed multiple side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine both short- and long-term experienced by the participants. Significant associations were found between demographic factors and COVID-19 vaccine side effects such as female gender with short-term puncture site (odds ratio [OR], 0.463; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.263–0.816) and short-term other reactions (OR, 0.463; 95% CI, 0.263–0.816), domicile outside Java island with long-term puncture site (OR, 4.219; 95% CI, 1.401–12.701) and immune reactions (OR, 3.375; 95% CI, 1.356–8.398), also between married marital status and long-term vagal reaction (OR, 4.655; 95% CI, 1.321–16.409). Conclusion Gender, domicile and marital status factors were associated with COVID-19 vaccine side effects in Indonesian people.

Background: Currently, the relationship between insulin therapy and COVID-19 outcome is not yet established. Our study aims to evaluate the possible association between insulin and the poor composite development of COVID-19. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until December 12th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and insulin were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 software. Results: Our pooled analysis showed that insulin use was associated with poor composite development of COVID-19 [OR 2.06 (95% CI 1.70 – 2.48), p < 0.00001, I2 = 83%, random-effect modelling], and its subgroup which comprised of risk of COVID-19 [OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.40 – 2.08), p < 0.00001, I2 = 34%, random-effect modelling], severe COVID-19 [OR 2.30 (95% CI 1.60 – 3.30), p < 0.00001, I2 = 88%, random-effect modelling], and mortality [OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.47 – 3.10), p < 0.0001, I2 = 85%, random-effect modelling]. Meta-regression showed that the association was influenced by age (p = 0.008), but not by diabetes (p = 0.423), and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.086). Conclusion: Physicians should be more aware and take extra precautions with diabetes patients who use insulin therapy.

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