Intensive BP Control May Raise Heart Risk in Those with Low Muscle Mass: Study

Researchers have discovered that tight blood pressure (BP) control can enhance cardiovascular risks in those with low muscle mass, but continues to provide protection to the brain. This was inferred from a new analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), a groundbreaking study that sought to learn about how aggressive BP goals influence health outcomes. A recent study was conducted by Wei-Hua and fellow researchers which was published in the American Journal of Hypertension. Although tight BP control has been linked to cardiovascular and cerebral benefits in the general population, its safety profile in those with low muscle mass was not previously well understood.

The research assessed cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes in individuals with differing muscle mass. It made an important and somewhat surprising finding: for individuals with low muscle mass, very aggressive BP control might actually harm the heart. The cognitive effects of aggressive BP control were preserved, independent of muscle mass.

The authors analyzed data from 6,367 subjects who were included in the SPRINT trial. Muscle mass levels were assessed at baseline to determine those with low muscle mass, representing 7.4% of the overall sample (469 subjects). The major aim was to examine how muscle mass status affects the effects of intensive BP control, specifically cardiovascular events and cognitive impairment.

For this purpose, Cox proportional hazard models and generalized linear models were employed to compare relative and absolute risks. Landmark analyses with cutoffs at 3.4 and 2 years were used to determine the time-dependent effects of intensive BP lowering on outcomes.

Key Findings

Cardiovascular Outcomes:

  • In subjects with normal muscle mass, intensive BP control lowered the absolute risk of primary cardiovascular events by 5.2 events per 1,000 person-years (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.71; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.58–0.89).

  • Subjects with low muscle mass had an increase in cardiovascular events by 11.1 per 1,000 person-years (HR: 1.72; 95% CI: 0.89–3.34), suggesting potential harm (P for interaction = 0.013).

  • The higher CV risk in the low muscle mass group became statistically significant with 3.4 years of intensive BP control (P = 0.043).

Cognitive Outcomes:

  • Irrespective of muscle mass, intensive BP control lowered relative and absolute risks for cognitive decline, without significant interaction between muscle mass status and cognitive gains (all P values for interaction > 0.05).

The research determines that strict BP control enhances cardiovascular risk among individuals with low muscle mass, regardless of its beneficial impact on cognition. This information highlights the need for personalized hypertension treatment strategies, particularly in older or frail individuals whose muscle mass could be reduced.

Reference:

Wei-Hua Chen, Cheng Yang, Shan-Shan Shi, Ze-Ya Li, Ming-Yue Xu, Jie Qian, Jian-Jun Li, Rong-Chong Huang, Impact of intensive blood pressure control on cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes in patients with low muscle mass, American Journal of Hypertension, 2025;, hpaf106, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajh/hpaf106

Powered by WPeMatico

1 in 5 TB Survivors Develop COPD Within 11 Years, Shows Long-Term Korean Study

South Korea: A new multicenter study from South Korea has identified critical risk factors contributing to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in individuals treated for tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing the need for long-term respiratory monitoring. Published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the research was led by Dr. Dong-Hyun Joo and colleagues from the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. It sheds light on the incidence and predictors of TB-associated COPD over an extended follow-up period.

The study followed 351 patients across four Korean hospitals who had received anti-tuberculosis treatment for more than six months. These individuals were monitored over 11 years (132 months) to determine the incidence and risk factors for COPD following TB treatment. Data collection included clinical records, radiologic evaluations, and lung function tests, with statistical analyses conducted to assess incidence trends and identify predictive factors.

Over the study period, 71 participants were diagnosed with TB-associated COPD, corresponding to an overall incidence of 20.56 cases per 1,000 person-years. Patients who developed COPD were generally older at the time of their TB diagnosis, had a history of smoking, and demonstrated lower baseline lung function, particularly reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and FEV₁/forced vital capacity ratios.

Key Findings:

  • The incidence of COPD was significantly lower 11 years after tuberculosis treatment, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.49 compared to earlier periods.
  • Older age at the time of tuberculosis diagnosis was associated with a higher risk of developing COPD (aOR 1.04).
  • A baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) of less than 80% significantly increased the risk of COPD (aOR 3.98).
  • A history of smoking was linked to a higher likelihood of developing COPD (aOR 3.23).
  • Multilobar involvement of the lungs during tuberculosis infection was also a significant risk factor for COPD (aOR 2.04).

These findings emphasize the long-term pulmonary implications of TB, especially for individuals with compromised lung function or additional risk exposures. While the incidence declines more than a decade after treatment, the risk remains significant during the early post-treatment years, calling for targeted respiratory surveillance.

The study’s authors acknowledged certain limitations. COPD diagnosis was based solely on a fixed FEV₁/FVC ratio threshold (<0.7) without incorporating clinical symptoms. A few patients (2.2%) underwent spirometry without bronchodilator use, and CT scans were interpreted independently at each hospital without centralized review, potentially introducing variability.

Despite these constraints, the findings highlight the need for long-term lung function monitoring among high-risk TB survivors. The authors advocate for routine spirometry assessments for at least 11 years following TB treatment, especially in older patients, smokers, or those presenting with extensive lung involvement.

The authors concluded, “Further prospective studies with standardized imaging and extended follow-up are necessary to refine screening protocols and guide early interventions for TB-related COPD, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of chronic respiratory disease in this vulnerable population.”

Reference:

Joo DH, Kim MC, Sin S, Kang HR, Song JH, Kim HJ, Song MJ, Kwon BS, Kim YW, Lee YJ, Park JS, Lee JH, Lee YJ. Incidence and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2025;20:2091-2102

https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S523732

Powered by WPeMatico

Study Finds Strong Link Between Hearing Loss and Depression, Dysthymia

USA: A new study published in The Laryngoscope has revealed a compelling link between hearing loss and depression, emphasizing the broader mental health implications of auditory impairment. Conducted by Dr. Justin S. Golub and colleagues from the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, the study used data from the massive, federally initiated All of Us Research Program.

The research involved a cross-sectional analysis of 375,438 adults aged 18 years and older. Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was identified using the ICD-10 code H90.3, and the mental health outcomes analyzed were major depressive disorder (F32–F33) and dysthymia (F34.1). Statistical analyses evaluated the odds of these conditions in individuals with and without hearing loss while adjusting for variables such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

Key findings were as follows:

  • 6.7% of participants (25,260 individuals) were diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
  • The average age of the study cohort was 55 years.
  • Nearly 62% of the participants identified as female.
  • After adjusting for confounding factors, individuals with hearing loss had 2.05 times higher odds of being diagnosed with major depressive disorder compared to those without hearing loss.
  • The odds of being diagnosed with dysthymia were 2.68 times higher in individuals with hearing loss than in those without.

“Bilateral SNHL was strongly associated with both major depressive disorder and dysthymia,” the authors reported. “This association remained significant even after adjusting for key demographic and clinical variables, suggesting that the link between hearing loss and mental health disorders is not merely due to age or other medical conditions.”

The findings support a growing body of literature that emphasizes the emotional and psychological consequences of untreated hearing loss. The large and diverse sample in the All of Us Research Program allowed for more generalizable insights into this relationship, which the authors believe has often been overlooked in public health discourse.

“Our results highlight the importance of recognizing hearing loss as a potential contributor to mental health issues,” the researchers emphasized. “With the odds of depression and dysthymia significantly elevated, clinicians should consider routine hearing assessments in individuals presenting with mood disorders—and vice versa.”

They further suggested that future research should include stratified analyses across subgroups to explore the impact of race, socioeconomic status, and severity of hearing loss on mental health outcomes.

“The study reinforces the need for integrated care approaches that address both hearing and psychological well-being, aiming to improve overall quality of life for those affected,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

W. Weinstein, H. N., Tucker, L. H., Denham, M. W., Brewster, K. K., & Golub, J. S. Hearing Loss Is Associated With Depression and Dysthymia in the All of Us Research Program. The Laryngoscope. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.32369

Powered by WPeMatico

Children with hidradenitis suppurativa increased the risk of comorbidities: JAMA

A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that the prevalence of physical and mental comorbidities was greater in children with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Many children suffer from hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, inflammatory skin condition marked by painful nodules in intertriginous areas. Comorbidities, including metabolic and behavioral diseases, might negatively affect the quality of life for a considerable number of individuals with pediatric-onset HS. HS is characterized by twin comedones and painful subcutaneous nodules. Thus, Samiha Mohsen and colleagues carried out this investigation to ascertain the total pooled prevalence of comorbidities in pediatric patients with HS as well as to assess the relationship between HS and pertinent comorbidities in pediatric patients.

On February 20, 2025, the Cochrane Central Register, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Embase were searched without limitations from the beginning of the database. Included were original studies that documented the prevalence of pediatric HS or its correlation with comorbidities. Key search phrases for pediatric HS and other comorbidity categories were included in the search. 

The degree of evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Random-effects modeling was used to pool the data. To determine pooled prevalence rates, meta-analyses of proportions were performed, classifying the data according to certain comorbidities (such as obesity, anxiety, overweight, and others).

There were 19 trials in all, including 17,267 pediatric HS cases and 8,259,944 controls. The majority of pediatric HS patients in the trials were female (mean of 76.7% [11,683 of 15,232]). Comorbidities that were most common included hirsutism (pooled percentage, 14%; 95% CI, 6-21), anxiety (pooled proportion, 18%; 95% CI, 4-31), obesity (pooled proportion, 37%; 95% CI, 27-46), and acne vulgaris (pooled proportion, 43%; 95% CI, 21-65).

3 research studies found a correlation between childhood HS and diabetes (GRADE: low certainty), whereas many studies found a correlation between pediatric HS and obesity or depression (GRADE: moderate certainty). Overall, a multidisciplinary approach may be beneficial, as evidenced by the higher frequency of chronic medical and psychological comorbidities among juvenile patients with HS in this research.

Source: 

Mohsen, S. T., Price, E. L., Lara-Corrales, I., Levy, R., & Sibbald, C. (2025). Prevalence of comorbidities among pediatric patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: A meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatology (Chicago, Ill.). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.1565

Powered by WPeMatico

Early psychological therapy effective against depression and anxiety in stroke survivors: study

A new study published in the Nature Mental Health revealed that psychological therapy significantly improves mental health outcomes for stroke survivors, particularly when treatment is initiated early.

According to this NHS Talking Therapies program in England, more than one in 3 stroke survivors struggle with depression or anxiety. However, psychological support is often underutilized or delayed in this population. The research analyzed real-world clinical data from 7,597 patients who had previously suffered a stroke, and offers the strongest evidence to date that timely mental health intervention is crucial in post-stroke recovery.

The study found that stroke survivors who received psychological therapy experienced moderate reductions in depressive symptoms and substantial reductions in anxiety. These results reinforce the importance of mental health support as part of stroke rehabilitation.

The patients who began therapy within 6 months of their stroke were far more likely to experience reliable recovery from their mental health symptoms than those who started treatment a year or more after the event. This trend held true even when controlling for variables such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and baseline severity of symptoms.

This research compared stroke survivors to a matched control group of patients without a stroke history. While both groups showed improvement following therapy, stroke survivors were less likely to achieve reliable recovery and more likely to experience worsening symptoms. However, this disparity narrowed when physical comorbidities were taken into account.

Stroke survivors were less likely to achieve what the study defined as “reliable recovery” in their symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to non-stroke patients, suggesting a unique vulnerability in this group. Also, there was a slightly higher risk of “reliable deterioration” (a significant worsening of symptoms) in stroke survivors, underlining the need for close monitoring.

The patients referred within 6 months of stroke had better recovery rates and lower deterioration than those referred after a year. When adjusting for physical health conditions, the gap in outcomes between stroke and non-stroke patients narrowed, highlighting the complex interplay between physical and mental health.

These findings demonstrates the real-world effectiveness of psychological therapies for stroke survivors and the critical importance of early referral. With mental health proving to be a vital component of recovery, timely therapy could be the difference between long-term struggle and meaningful improvement in quality of life in stroke survivors.

Source:

Suh, J. W., Bell, V., Buckman, J. E. J., El Baou, C., Desai, R., Fearn, C., Marchant, N. L., Richards, M., Cooper, C., Pilling, S., John, A., Stott, J., & Saunders, R. (2025). A record-linkage study of post-stroke primary care psychological therapy effectiveness in England. Nature Mental Health, 3(6), 626–635. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-025-00429-z

Powered by WPeMatico

Thickening of the eye’s retina associated with greater risk and severity of postoperative delirium in older patients: Study

Thickening of the macular layer of the eye’s retina is associated with a greater risk of postoperative delirium for older patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthetic, reveals a study published online in the open access journal General Psychiatry.

Postoperative delirium is one of the most common complications for older patients after surgery and can have profound implications for long-term health and wellbeing.

Patients with postoperative delirium require longer hospital stays and are more likely to require support at home to help with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, and eating or be discharged into a nursing home. They also face a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Although there are no simple tests to identify patients at risk of developing postoperative delirium, visual impairment is a risk factor, so the authors set out to determine whether a thickened retinal layer called the macular might be a potential biomarker of the condition.

The study included 169 patients aged 65 years or more scheduled for hip or knee replacements, kidney or prostate surgery under general anaesthetic at Shanghai 10th People’s Hospital who received an eye imaging test called optical coherence tomography (OCT) as part of their preoperative assessment to measure the thickness of the macular of the retina. Patients were screened for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) algorithm each day for the first three days post-surgery.

Severity of any delirium was measured using the CAM-Severity (CAM-S) rating of ten delirium features, including inattention, disorganised thinking, disorientation, reduced quality and amount of sleep, inability to sit still accompanied by anxiety, or slowed movement and thought processes.

Forty patients (24%) developed postoperative delirium, and these patients had displayed a greater mean macular thickness (283.35 µm) of the right eye at their preoperative assessment than the patients who did not experience postoperative delirium (273.84 µm). After adjusting for age, sex and mental state, greater preoperative macular thickness of the right eye was associated with 1.593 higher odds of developing postoperative delirium and the delirium experienced was of greater severity.

Thickness of the macular in patients with postoperative delirium was greater in the right eye, and thickening of the macular of the left eye was not associated with a greater risk of postoperative delirium.

The reasons for the differences in association observed between the right and left eye are unclear, the authors say, but are consistent with findings from previous studies. Studies of healthy individuals have found the mean macular thickness of the right eye to be thicker than that of the left eye, and studies of neurodegeneration have reported asymmetrical neurodegeneration of both the retina and brain.

This is an observational study, and as such, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The authors also acknowledge that the study has some limitations, including its small size and that potential confounding factors, such as pre-existing eye dominance, were not examined.

The authors conclude, “Our findings suggest that macular thickness measured by OCT may serve as a non-invasive marker and identify individuals vulnerable to developing postoperative delirium after anaesthesia and surgery among geriatric patients.”

They add, “Further large-scale validation studies should be performed to confirm these results.”

Reference:

Zhongyong Shi, Xin Ma, Tianyi Tang, Association between retinal layer thickness and postoperative delirium in older patients, General Psychiatry, DOI:10.1136/gpsych-2024-101740 

Powered by WPeMatico

New Guidelines Recommend Personalized Benzodiazepine Tapering with Psychosocial Support

USA: New guidance outlines strategies for safely tapering benzodiazepine use when risks outweigh benefits. The recommendations emphasize individualized tapering plans based on patient response, the use of psychosocial interventions to ease withdrawal, and ongoing reassessment of therapy risks and benefits. Shared decision-making between clinicians and patients or care partners is strongly advised throughout the process.

The Journal of General Internal Medicine recently published a joint clinical practice guideline developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) in collaboration with nine other medical societies and professional organizations. The guideline offers structured, evidence-informed recommendations for tapering benzodiazepines (BZDs) in adult patients who may be physically dependent and for whom continued use may pose greater harm than benefit.

This multi-society collaboration utilized modified GRADE methodology and clinical consensus to formulate its recommendations. The process included a comprehensive review of existing literature, supplemental searches, and a robust stakeholder feedback system.

Given the limited number of high-quality studies on BZD tapering strategies, most of the recommendations are based on clinical expertise and experience rather than randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, the guideline provides a much-needed framework for healthcare providers navigating the complex process of benzodiazepine discontinuation, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Key Recommendations for Benzodiazepine Tapering:

  • Assess ongoing risks and benefits:
    Providers should continuously evaluate whether the risks of ongoing BZD use outweigh the therapeutic advantages. Tapering should be initiated when the balance shifts toward harm.
  • Identify high-risk patients for frequent review:
    Special consideration is needed for individuals taking opioids, those with substance use disorders, co-existing physical or mental health conditions, pregnant patients, and adults over 65.
  • Engage in shared decision-making:
    Treatment plans should be made collaboratively with patients and their caregivers to ensure transparency and adherence.
  • Avoid abrupt discontinuation:
    Sudden cessation of BZDs in physically dependent patients can lead to serious withdrawal. A gradual taper is essential.
  • Outpatient vs inpatient care:
    While most patients can taper in an outpatient setting, those with higher risk should be considered for inpatient or residential care.
  • Tapering pace and flexibility:
    Start with dose reductions of 5–10% every 2–4 weeks. For long-term users or those with complications, tapering might need to extend over months or years.
  • Tailor the taper to individual response:
    Adjust the taper speed as needed, and consider switching to a longer-acting BZD for smoother reductions.
  • Psychosocial support:
    Cognitive behavioral therapies, especially for insomnia, can ease the tapering process and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
  • Manage co-occurring disorders:
    Simultaneous treatment for psychiatric or physical conditions that may complicate tapering is recommended.
  • Incorporate harm reduction:
    Provide naloxone where needed, educate patients about risks, and connect them with relevant resources.

Despite the lack of robust controlled studies on benzodiazepine tapering, this guideline fills a critical gap by offering a structured, consensus-based approach for clinicians. It also calls for further research to strengthen the evidence base and optimize patient safety and outcomes in BZD management.

Reference:

Brunner, E., Chen, CY.A., Klein, T. et al. Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits. J GEN INTERN MED (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-025-09499-2

Powered by WPeMatico

Increased GDM risk observed in pregnant women with isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia: Study

A new study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology showed that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was much more likely to occur in pregnant women with isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH), particularly if IMH continued throughout both trimesters.

In contrast to overt hypothyroidism, isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) is a pregnancy disease characterized by low free thyroxine (fT4) levels with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Although IMH frequently shows no symptoms, it can affect the development of the embryonic brain, particularly during the first trimester. A frequent pregnancy condition, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) involves glucose intolerance and raises the risk of complications such as preterm delivery, macrosomia, preeclampsia, and neonatal problems. This study was carried out by Hao-Yi Jia and associates to investigate the relationship between early pregnancy IMH and the risk of GDM as well as its correlation with unfavorable perinatal outcomes.

Between January 2020 and June 2021, 2,741 pregnant women who visited Shanghai General Hospital’s obstetric outpatient clinic and had standard obstetric exams were included in the research. Individuals who had a IMH diagnosis during the first trimester were classified as H1(+), while those who did not were classified as H1(−).

In a similar vein, those with a IMH diagnosis during the second trimester were classified as H2(+), whereas those without were classified as H2(−). Group A H1(−) H2(−), (n = 1,886); group B H1(+) H2(−), (n = 99); group C H1(−) H2(+), (n = 613); and group D H1(+) H2(+), (n = 143) were created based on these classifications. All four groups’ clinical data, including pregnancy problems, were examined using retrospective analysis.

With the following trend: group D > group C > group B > group A, the incidence of GDM was substantially greater in groups B, C, and D than in group A. In particular, the greatest prevalence of GDM was seen in group D.

IMH in the first trimester, IMH in the second trimester, and persistent IMH in both trimesters were determined to be significant risk factors for GDM by logistic regression analysis that controlled for confounding variables. Also, the risk of GDM was 73.97 times greater than the usual risk in instances with chronic IMH.

In additionally, this study discovered a substantial correlation between unfavorable perinatal outcomes and isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH). Overall, an increased risk of GDM and insulin resistance is closely linked to IMH in the first or second trimester, and especially chronic IMH in both trimesters. 

Source:

Jia, H.-Y., He, P.-Y., Lu, C., Zhou, M.-J., Zhan, S.-T., Zhong, H.-Q., & Xu, X.-M. (2025). Association of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia with gestational diabetes mellitus and perinatal outcomes. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, 114015, 114015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2025.114015

Powered by WPeMatico

Vaccinated COVID-19 Patients with AKI Have Better Outcomes, Less Likely to Require Dialysis: RECOVID Study

USA: A recent study published in Kidney Medicine revealed that COVID-19 patients who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) had shorter dialysis duration and lower mortality rates if they were vaccinated, compared to unvaccinated AKI patients.

The retrospective single-center study, led by Dr. Niloofar Nobakht from the Division of Nephrology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, examined the long-term kidney outcomes and survival in hospitalized patients with COVID-19-associated AKI. Although AKI is a frequent and serious complication of COVID-19, affecting up to 32%-46% of hospitalized patients, there has been limited understanding of how vaccination status impacts renal recovery and mortality in these cases.

The study analyzed data from 972 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and AKI between March 1 and March 30, 2022, at a large urban academic hospital. Of these, 411 patients (42.3%) were unvaccinated, while 467 patients (48.0%) had completed their primary vaccination series.

Researchers compared outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, focusing on in-hospital mortality as the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes including length of hospital stay, dialysis requirements at discharge, and long-term survival. The analysis used Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, log-rank tests, and multivariable regression models.

The study led to the following findings:

  • Unvaccinated patients had a higher need for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during hospitalization (15.8%) compared to vaccinated patients (10.9%), with statistical significance.
  • CRRT use was strongly linked to in-hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.82).
  • CRRT use was also strongly associated with long-term mortality (adjusted HR 2.44).
  • Unvaccinated patients were 2.56 times more likely to be discharged with ongoing dialysis needs than vaccinated patients.
  • Unvaccinated patients had more than a fivefold higher risk of in-hospital death compared to vaccinated individuals (adjusted HR 5.54).
  • Unvaccinated patients had nearly five times greater risk of long-term mortality after discharge compared to vaccinated patients (adjusted HR 4.78).

While the study highlights the protective effect of vaccination, the authors acknowledged certain limitations — specifically, the absence of data regarding ventilator use and disease severity in ICU patients, as well as the lack of information on booster vaccination status.

The authors conclude, “Patients with COVID-19-associated AKI who had completed their primary vaccination series experienced better survival outcomes and were less likely to remain dialysis-dependent at discharge. The study emphasizes the importance of vaccination in improving renal and overall outcomes in this high-risk population.”

The authors emphasized the need for further research to better understand the causes of COVID-19-associated AKI and to develop strategies for optimizing long-term kidney care, especially as more patients continue to face lingering symptoms and organ dysfunction after recovering from COVID-19.

Reference:

Nobakht N, Jang C, Grogan T, Fahim P, Kurtz I, Schaenman J, Wilson J, Kamgar M, on behalf of the RECOVID Investigators, RECOVID: Retrospective Observational Study of Renal Outcomes and Long-Term Mortality in Patients With COVID-19 Associated AKI, A Comparison Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Patients, Kidney Medicine (2025), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xkme.2025.101020.

Powered by WPeMatico

Iron Supplementation in Early Pregnancy may Increase Infection Risk among Iron deficient and Iron sufficient women: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that women with anemia or iron deficiency (ID) in early pregnancy who received daily iron supplementation (~55 mg elemental iron) experienced more gastric and prolonged respiratory infections compared to iron-sufficient women. Notably, iron-sufficient women given the same dose had nearly double the risk of respiratory illness during pregnancy compared to those with iron deficiency anemia (IDE).

Antenatal iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia, but also elevated ferritin and haemoglobin (Hb) have been associated with morbidity during pregnancy. In South Africa, pregnant women receive routine iron supplementation for anaemia prevention regardless of iron status. Our aim was to assess whether iron status at early pregnancy is associated with infectious morbidity and symptoms during pregnancy.

This prospective cohort was conducted in 250 pregnant women at a public maternal and child hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Biomarkers of maternal iron status at < 18 weeks’ gestation were measured. Women kept a symptoms diary throughout pregnancy. Associations were determined using multivariable regression models. Results: ID women had 2.6 times greater odds for experiencing gastric illness (OR: 2.642, 95% CI: 1.116, 6.255, p = 0.027). Anaemic women (Hb < 10.5 g/dL) tended to have double the duration of respiratory illness [median 15.5 (5.0, 31.0) days] compared to non-anaemic women [median 8.0 (6.0, 12.1) days], (β: 0.167, 95% CI: -0.007, 0.342, p = 0.060) and had more incidences of vomiting throughout pregnancy (p = 0.028). In the partially adjusted models, iron sufficient erythropoiesis (non-IDE) women tended to have 2.3 times increased odds for respiratory illness (OR: 2.314, 95% CI: 0.939, 5.701, p = 0.068) and there were more incidences of fever during pregnancy in the non-IDE group (p = 0.006). Anaemic and ID pregnant women in this largely overweight population, receiving ~ 55 mg iron daily, experience more and longer infectious morbidity, potentially related to poor iron absorption. However, although presenting with weaker evidence, iron-sufficient erythropoiesis women at early pregnancy receiving the same routine iron supplementation may have twice the risk to contract infectious respiratory illness than IDE women during pregnancy.

Reference:

Goodchild, C., Symington, E.A., Baumgartner, J. et al. Iron status at early pregnancy is associated with infectious respiratory and gastric illness in women receiving routine iron supplementation: the NuPED prospective cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 25, 657 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07786-8

Keywords:

Iron, Supplementation, Early Pregnancy, Increase, Infection, Risk, among, Iron deficient, Iron sufficient, women, Study, Goodchild, C., Symington, E.A., Baumgartner, J, Anaemia, Infectious morbidity, Iron supplementation, Pregnancy

Powered by WPeMatico