Research Roundup: Face Masks, Hydroxychloroquine, COVID, Lipids, BMI In Children
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
European Journal Of Medical Research:
Face Masks: Benefits And Risks During The COVID-19 Crisis
Epidemiologists currently emphasize that wearing MNC will effectively interrupt airborne infections in the community. The government and the politicians have followed these recommendations and used them to both advise and, in some cases, mandate the general population to wear MNC in public locations. Overall, the results seem to suggest that there are some clinically relevant scenarios where the use of MNC necessitates more defined recommendations. Our critical evaluation of the literature both highlights the protective effects of certain types of face masks in defined risk groups, and emphasizes their potential risks. (Matuschek et al, 8/12)
New England Journal of Medicine:
A Randomized Trial Of Hydroxychloroquine As Postexposure Prophylaxis For Covid-19
After high-risk or moderate-risk exposure to Covid-19, hydroxychloroquine did not prevent illness compatible with Covid-19 or confirmed infection when used as postexposure prophylaxis within 4 days after exposure. (Boulware et al, 8/6)
European Journal Of Medical Research:
Laboratory Features Of Severe Vs. Non-Severe COVID-19 Patients In Asian Populations: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
More severe cases of COVID- 19 are more likely to be hospitalized and around one-fifth, needing ICU admission. Understanding the common laboratory features of COVID-19 in more severe cases versus non-severe patients could be quite useful for clinicians and might help to predict the model of disease progression. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the laboratory test findings in severe vs. non-severe confirmed infected cases of COVID-19. (Ghahramani et al, 8/3)
The American Journal Of Medicine:
Major Lipids And Future Risk Of Pneumonia: 20 Year Observation Of The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study Cohort
Circulating lipids have been implicated as important modulators of immune response and altered lipid levels correlate with the severity of infection. However, long-term prognostic implications of lipid levels regarding future infection risk remain unclear. The current project aims to explore whether baseline lipid levels are associated with risk of future serious infection, measured by hospitalization for pneumonia. (Bae et al, 8/15)
American Academy Of Pediatrics:
Body Mass Index From Early To Late Childhood And Cardiometabolic Measurements At 11 To 12 Years
High early-childhood BMI is already silently associated with the development of cardiometabolic risk by 11 to 12 years, highlighting the urgent need for effective action to reduce overweight and obesity in early childhood. (Lycett et al, 8/01)
