Research Roundup: Covid; Alzheimer’s; C. Diff; Guillain-Barré Syndrome; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
American Academy Of Pediatrics:
Deaths In Children And Adolescents Associated With COVID-19 And MIS-C In The United States
SARS-CoV-2-associated deaths among persons 21 years of age occurred predominantly among Black (non-Hispanic) and Hispanic persons, male patients, and older adolescents. The most commonly reported underlying conditions were obesity, asthma, and developmental disorders. Decedents with coronavirus disease 2019 were more likely than those with MIS-C to have underlying medical conditions. (McCormick et al, 11/1)
American Academy Of Pediatrics:
SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies In Breast Milk After Vaccination
We found a clear association between COVID-19 vaccination and specific immunoglobulin concentrations in HM. This effect was more pronounced when lactation periods exceeded 23 months. The influence of the lactation period on immunoglobulins was specific and independent of other variables. (Ramirez et al, 11/1)
CIDRAP:
Patients With Recent Cancer Therapy At Higher Risk Of Poor COVID Outcomes
Cancer patients who received systemic treatment like chemotherapy or radiation in the 3 months before testing positive for COVID-19 were at increased risk of death, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and hospitalization, according to a study yesterday in JAMA Oncology. Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center analyzed the clinical outcomes in the electronic health records of 507,307 US adults with and without a diagnosis of cancer who tested positive for COVID-19 from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2020. (10/29)
Also —
CIDRAP:
Trial Supports Low-Dose, Short-Course Antibiotics For Kids' Pneumonia
Among children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) who were discharged from the hospital within 48 hours but required further outpatient treatment, a lower dose of oral amoxicillin was non-inferior to a higher dose, and a 3-day duration was non-inferior to 7 days, according to the results of a randomized clinical trial published today in JAMA. (11/2)
American Academy Of Pediatrics:
Pediatric Fatalities Associated With Over-The-Counter Cough And Cold Medications
In 2008, over-the-counter cough and cold medications (CCMs) underwent labeling changes in response to safety concerns, including fatalities, reported in children exposed to CCMs. ... Pediatric fatalities associated with CCMs occurred primarily in young children after deliberate medication administration with nontherapeutic intent by a caregiver. (Halmo, 11/1)
JAMA Network:
Risk Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following Recombinant Zoster Vaccine In Medicare Beneficiaries
Findings of this case series cohort study indicate a slightly increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome during the 42 days following RZV vaccination in the Medicare population, with approximately 3 excess Guillain-Barré syndrome cases per million vaccinations. Clinicians and patients should be aware of this risk, while considering the benefit of decreasing the risk of herpes zoster and its complications through an efficacious vaccine, as risk-benefit balance remains in favor of vaccination. (Goud, 11/1)
