1. COVID-19 and Diabetes Outcomes: Rationale for and Updates from the CORONADO Study
Sarra Smati, Blandine Tramunt, Matthieu Wargny, Pierre Gourdy, Samy Hadjadj, Bertrand Cariou Curr Diab Rep. 2022 Feb;22(2):53-63. doi: 10.1007/s11892-022-01452-5.
Purpose of review: In France, in order to describe the phenotypic characteristics of patients with diabetes hospitalized for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and to identify the prognostic factors in this specific population, the CORONADO (CORONAvirus and Diabetes Outcomes) study was launched. This review will summarize the key findings from the CORONADO study and put them in perspectives with others studies published on the subject. Recent findings: For almost 2 years, the new SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2), which causes COVID-19, has spread all around the world leading to a pandemic. From the first epidemiological reports, diabetes mellitus has rapidly emerged as a major risk factor associated with severe forms of COVID-19 but few data were available about diabetes characteristics in hospitalized people with COVID-19. Between March 10 and April 10, 2020, 2951 patients were included in 68 centers throughout the national territory, including overseas territories. In the CORONADO study, the primary outcome was a composite endpoint combining invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and/or death within day 7 (D7). Secondary outcomes included death, IMV, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospital discharge, all considered within D7 and day 28 (D28). The primary outcome occurred in 29.0% participants within D7 following hospital admission. Within D28, the end of the follow-up period, the mortality rate was 20.6%, while 50.2% of patients were discharged. In multivariable analysis, advanced age, microvascular complications, treatment with insulin or statin prior to admission, dyspnea on admission, as well as biological markers reflecting the severity of the infection (high levels of transaminases, leukocytes and CRP, and low platelet levels) were associated with an increased risk of death. Several exploratory analyses were performed to clarify the influence of some parameters such as weight status, sex, type of diabetes, and some routine drugs, including metformin or statins.
3. Interleukin-6 blocking agents for treating COVID-19: a living systematic review
Lina Ghosn, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Mar 18;3(3):CD013881. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013881.
Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) blocking agents have been used for treating severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Their immunosuppressive effect might be valuable in patients with COVID-19 characterised by substantial immune system dysfunction by controlling inflammation and promoting disease tolerance. Objectives: To assess the effect of IL-6 blocking agents compared to standard care alone or with placebo on efficacy and safety outcomes in COVID-19. We will update this assessment regularly.