With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Covid-19 pandemic led to 25% rise in global prevalence of anxiety and depression

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) scientific brief, prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide rose by 25% during the first year of the pandemic. Multiple stress factors have been implicated such as social isolation, loneliness, fear of infection, bereavement and financial worries. Exhaustion has been cited as the principal factor responsible for suicidal ideation among healthcare workers. Young people and women are among the worst affected… (Source: WHO, March 2, 2022)

Addition of baricitinib reduces mortality in hospitalized patients with severe Covid-19 

Results from the UK RECOVERY trial show that the addition of baricitinib (4mg once daily x 10 days) to standard care reduced deaths in hospitalized patients with severe Covid-19 by 13% compared to standard care alone. Baricitinib-treated patients were more likely to be discharged alive within 28 days (80% vs 78%). Progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death reduced from 17% to 16% among patients who were not on invasive mechanical ventilation … (Source: Medscape, March 4, 2022)

Raised liver enzymes plus comorbidity increase mortality in Covid-19 patients 

Results of a retrospective study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology suggest that raised liver enzymes at the time of hospitalization coupled with presence of comorbidity increased mortality risk 5-folds in patients with Covid-19. These patients were more likely to be older and have severe symptoms and also required intensive care … (Source: Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, February 28, 2022)

Fewer Covid-19 patients survive in-hospital cardiac arrest

According to a JAMA Network Open study, which reviewed data from the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines–Resuscitation registry, compared to patients without Covid-19, those who had Covid-19 had lower chances of surviving an in-hospital cardiac arrest; 23.5% vs ~12%, respectively. Defibrillation was more likely to be delayed in Covid patients (30%). Return of spontaneous circulation was 53.7% and 63.6%, for infected and noninfected patients, respectively…(Source: Medscape,  March 3, 2022)

Molnupiravir can be used in high-risk patients with non-severe Covid-19

A World Health Organization (WHO) panel has recommended the use of molnupiravir for patients with non-severe Covid-19 disease who are at high risk of hospitalization, such as patients with chronic diseases or those who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated including older patients. Owing to lack of data for patients with severe or critical disease, molnupiravir has not been recommended for these groups of patients. Molnupiravir should not be administered to young and healthy patients, including children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women … (Source: Medscape, March 4, 2022)