With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Omicron BA.2 is the dominant variant in the US

According to CDC data, the prevalence of BA.2 sublineage of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant in the US is around 93.4%. Genomic analysis in the week from April 10 to April 16, 2022 also showed that about 19% of these samples are of BA.2.12.1 sublineage of BA.2, 6.1% are BA.1.1, while the B.1.1.529 constitutes just 0.5%…(Source: CDC, April 20, 2022)

“The deadliest lung lobe in COVID-19” 

The involvement of the right middle lung lobe on chest x-ray is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with Covid-19, says a retrospective study of elderly patients reported the journal Postgraduate Medicine. The relative risk for in-hospital mortality with right middle lung lobe involvement was 1.8 vis a vis relative risk of 1.6 with involvement of the left lower lobe. In cases where the right middle lobe was the only lobe involved, the relative risk for in-hospital mortality was 2.6. The relative risk for persistent organ failure was 1.7 with the involvement of right middle lobe; 1.7 for respiratory failure and 1.5 for acute kidney injury…Source: Postgraduate Medicine, April 20, 2022)

Gender difference in long Covid symptoms

A study published in The Journal of Womens Health suggests that women are more likely to report persistent symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations after recovery from Covid-19. They were also more symptomatic than men during the acute phase of the infection. No such difference was noted for symptoms of myalgia, cough, and sleep disturbance. Hence, follow up of Covid patients should also take into consideration this gender difference and initiate timely preventive and individualized strategies (Source: Journal of Womens Health, March 25, 2022)

Pulmonary embolism in children with Covid-19

A retrospective review of nine cases of Covid-19-associated pulmonary embolism during the B.1617.2 delta wave emphasizes on the need to have a high index of suspicion for PE in children with Covid-19. These adolescents were mostly unvaccinated and also obese. They were all seriously ill and two also required catheter-directed thrombolysis plus anticoagulation. … (Source: Pediatric Blood & Cancer, April 19, 2022)

Peripheral muscle fatigue limits exercise capacity Covid recovered patients

According to a study from Brazil, exercise limitations on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients who have recovered from Covid-19 were most commonly due to fatigue of peripheral muscles (92%); limitations due to cardiovascular factors were seen in 2%, while pulmonary factors accounted for 6% cases. Post-recovery treatment should also address fatigue and include rehabilitation program including aerobic and muscle strengthening components, adequate hydration and sleep … (Source: MDedge, April 20, 2022)