While the benefits of corticosteroids in the acute phase of COVID-19 are clear, the optimal duration of treatment is less well established. Previous studies suggested that early use of corticosteroids may be more effective in reducing mortality and mitigating the development of fibrosis []. However, it is still unclear if prolonged use of corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19 provides any additional clinical benefits or if it results in any adverse events.
Patients were divided into two groups: one group received corticosteroids for 10 days and the other group received corticosteroids for longer than 10 days . All patients that received corticosteroids for longer than 10 days were classified as prolonged-course, regardless of when the treatment with corticosteroids were started . The cut-off value of 10 days was chosen for prolonged courses based on recent guidelines [].
Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, median , or number . Comparisons between groups were performed using one-way analysis of variance, the Mann–Whitney test, or the Fisher’s test, as appropriate. Missing data were not imputed.
Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: NewsMedical - 🏆 19. / 71 Read more »
Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors among adults in Uganda: a cross-sectional surveyObjective COVID-19 pandemic remains one of the most significant public health challenges ever faced globally. Vaccines are key to ending the pandemic as well as minimise its consequences. This study determined the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors among adults in Uganda. Design, setting and participants We conducted a cross-sectional mobile phone survey among adults in Uganda. Main outcome variable Participants reported their uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Results Of the participants contacted, 94% (1173) completed the survey. Overall, 49.7% had received COVID-19 vaccines with 19.2% having obtained a full dose and 30.5% an incomplete dose. Among the unvaccinated, 91.0% indicated intention to vaccinate. Major reasons for vaccine uptake were protection of self from COVID-19 (86.8%) and a high perceived risk of getting the virus (19.6%). On the other hand, non-uptake was related to vaccine unavailability (42.4%), lack of time (24.1%) and perceived safety (12.5%) and effectiveness concerns (6.9%). The factors associated with receiving COVID-19 vaccines were older age (≥65 years) (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR)=1.32 (95% CI: 1.08 to 1.61)), secondary (APR=1.36 (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.65)) or tertiary education (APR=1.62 (95% CI: 1.31 to 2.00)) and health workers as a source of information on COVID-19 (APR=1.26 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.45)). Also, reporting a medium-income (APR=1.24 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.52)) and residence in Northern (APR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.02) and Central regions (APR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.89) were associated with vaccine uptake. Conclusions Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines was moderate in this sample and was associated with older age, secondary and tertiary education, medium-income, region of residence and health workers as a source of COVID-19 information. Efforts are needed to increase access to vaccines and should use health workers as champions to enhance uptake. Data are available upon reasonable request. The data are available from the corres
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »