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- Adverse Drug Events (ADE) (5)
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- Behavioral Health (1)
- Blood Clots (1)
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- (-) COVID-19 (23)
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- (-) Medication (23)
- Medication: Safety (2)
- Mortality (1)
- Obesity (1)
- Opioids (3)
- Outcomes (1)
- Patient Safety (2)
- Practice Patterns (2)
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 23 of 23 Research Studies DisplayedCohen TN, Berdahl CT, Coleman BL
Medication safety event reporting: Factors that contribute to safety events during times of organizational stress.
This study’s objective was to understand the insights conveyed in hospital incident reports about how work system factors affected medication safety during a coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) surge. The authors randomly selected 100 medication safety incident reports from an academic medical center (December 2020 to January 2021), identified near misses and errors, and classified contributing work system factors using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System-Healthcare. Results showed that among 35 near misses/errors, incident reports described contributing factors (mean 1.3/report) involving skill-based errors (n = 20), communication (n = 8), and tools/technology (n = 4). Seven of these events were linked to COVID-19.
AHRQ-funded; HS027455.
Citation: Cohen TN, Berdahl CT, Coleman BL .
Medication safety event reporting: Factors that contribute to safety events during times of organizational stress.
J Nurs Care Qual 2024 Jan-Mar; 39(1):51-57. doi: 10.1097/ncq.0000000000000720..
Keywords: Medication: Safety, Medication, Patient Safety, COVID-19, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Medical Errors
Ranard BL, Chow CC, Megjhani M
A mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 immunity predicts paxlovid rebound.
Researchers used a parsimonious mathematical model of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection to model the effect of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), an oral antiviral medication, in unvaccinated and vaccinated patients. Model simulations showed that viral rebound after treatment occurred only in vaccinated patients; unvaccinated treated with Paxlovid did not experience rebound in viral load. The researchers concluded that an approach combining parsimonious models of the immune system could be used to gain important insights in the context of emerging pathogens.
AHRQ-funded; HS026121.
Citation: Ranard BL, Chow CC, Megjhani M .
A mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 immunity predicts paxlovid rebound.
J Med Virol 2023 Jun; 95(6):e28854. doi: 10.1002/jmv.28854..
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication
Zhang J, Kummerfield E, Hultman G
Application of causal discovery algorithms in studying the nephrotoxicity of remdesivir using longitudinal data from the EHR.
Researchers analyzed the role of remdesivir in the mechanism and optimal treatment of the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the setting of COVID. Applying causal discovery machine learning techniques, they built multifactorial causal models of COVID-AKI; risk factors and renal function measures were represented in a temporal sequence using longitudinal data from Electronic Health Records. Their results indicated a need for assessment of renal function on second- and third-day use of remdesivir, and also showed that remdesivir may pose less risk to AKI than existing conditions of chronic kidney disease.
AHRQ-funded; HS024532.
Citation: Zhang J, Kummerfield E, Hultman G .
Application of causal discovery algorithms in studying the nephrotoxicity of remdesivir using longitudinal data from the EHR.
AMIA Annu Symp Proc 2023 Apr 29; 2022:1227-36..
Keywords: COVID-19, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Medication, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events
Stone CA, Jr., Robinson LB, Li L
Clinical phenotypes of immediate first-dose reactions to mRNA COVID-19: a multicenter latent class analysis.
The objectives of this retrospective study were to define distinct clinical phenotypes of immediate reactions after dose 1 of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, and to assess the relation of clinical phenotype to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine second dose tolerance. Researchers identified 265 patients who experienced dose-1 immediate reactions with 3 phenotype clusters: limited or predominantly cutaneous, sensory, or systemic. Of these, 223 patients received a second dose and 200 tolerated the second dose; sensory cluster (numbness or tingling) was associated with a higher likelihood of second dose intolerance, but this finding did not persist when accounting for objective signs.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Stone CA, Jr., Robinson LB, Li L .
Clinical phenotypes of immediate first-dose reactions to mRNA COVID-19: a multicenter latent class analysis.
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2023 Feb;11(2):458-65.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.08.048.
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Infectious Diseases, Vaccination
Becker NV, Seelye S, Chua KP
Dispensing of ivermectin from Veterans Administration pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of this cohort study was to evaluate changes between the Veterans Administration and retail pharmacies in how ivermectin was dispensed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study examined the association of the VA national formulary restriction with ivermectin dispensing. The study concluded that ivermectin dispensing minimally increased in VA pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to more significant increases in retail pharmacies. This cohort study found that, in contrast to retail pharmacies, Study limitations include lack of complete capture of all retail pharmacies in IQVIA data and the lack of a control group for the analysis of the VA formulary restriction.
AHRQ-funded; HS028817.
Citation: Becker NV, Seelye S, Chua KP .
Dispensing of ivermectin from Veterans Administration pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JAMA Netw Open 2023 Feb; 6(2):e2254859. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.54859..
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication
Djulbegovic B, Hozo I, Lizarraga D
Evaluation of a fast-and-frugal clinical decision algorithm ('pathways') on clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 treated with anticoagulants.
The objective of this study was to assess if delivery of anticoagulant prophylaxis according to an algorithm improved clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in comparison with anticoagulant treatment given at individual practitioners' discretion. Findings indicated that the algorithm did not reduce death, venous thromboembolism, nor major bleeding, but helped avoid longer hospital stay and admission to an intensive-care unit.
AHRQ-funded; HS024917.
Citation: Djulbegovic B, Hozo I, Lizarraga D .
Evaluation of a fast-and-frugal clinical decision algorithm ('pathways') on clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 treated with anticoagulants.
J Eval Clin Pract 2023 Feb; 29(1):3-12. doi: 10.1111/jep.13780..
Keywords: COVID-19, Clinical Decision Support (CDS), Blood Thinners, Medication, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Information Technology (HIT)
Encinosa W, Moon K, Figueroa J
AHRQ Author: Encinosa W
Complications, adverse drug events, high costs, and disparities in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children vs COVID-19.
This cross-sectional study’s goal was to determine outcomes from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after COVID-19. Outcomes examined were 50 complications, adverse medication events, costs, and the Social Vulnerability Index. An analysis was conducted using data from the 2021 HCUP in individuals younger than 21 years from 31 states. There were 4107 individuals hospitalized with MIS-C (median age 9 years, 59.5% male, 38.1% White) and 23,686 hospitalizations for COVID-19 without MIS-C (median age 15 years, 54.5% female, 44.1% White). Hospitalization rate for MIS-C was 1.48 per 100,000 children, ranging from 0.97 hospitalizations per 100 for White and 1.99 hospitalizations per 100 for Black children. Outcomes were worse when organ dysfunction increased from 2 to 8 organs, with deaths increasing from less than 1% to 5.8% for MIS-C, and 1% to 17.2% for COVID-19. Median length of stay increased from 4 to 8 days for MIS-C, and 3 to 16 days for COVID-19. Median costs for MIS-C increased from $16,225 to $53 359 and from $6474 to $98,643 for COVID-19. The percentage of MIS-C cases in Black children doubled from 16.2% to 31.7% as organ dysfunction increased, remaining unchanged with COVID-19.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Encinosa W, Moon K, Figueroa J .
Complications, adverse drug events, high costs, and disparities in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children vs COVID-19.
JAMA Netw Open 2023 Jan;6(1):e2244975. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.44975..
Keywords: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Children/Adolescents, COVID-19, Medication, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Healthcare Costs, Disparities, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Ho M, Tadrous M, Iacono A
Outpatient purchasing patterns of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin in the USA and Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series analysis from 2016 to 2021.
The authors explored the impact of scientific articles, public announcements, and social media posts on hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin purchases in the US and Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their findings indicated that there were significant pulse increases in hydroxychloroquine purchases in March 2020; significant pulse increases in ivermectin occurred from December 2020 to January 2021. The authors concluded that increased hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin purchasing rates aligned with controversial scientific articles and social media posts, and that these findings highlighted the importance of scientific integrity as well as the dissemination of accurate epidemiologic information during pandemics.
AHRQ-funded; HS027985.
Citation: Ho M, Tadrous M, Iacono A .
Outpatient purchasing patterns of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin in the USA and Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series analysis from 2016 to 2021.
J Antimicrob Chemother 2023 Jan;78(1):242-51. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkac382..
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication, Ambulatory Care and Surgery
Kravchenko OV, Boyce RD, Gomez-Lumbreras A
Drug-drug interaction between dexamethasone and direct-acting oral anticoagulants: a nested case-control study in the national COVID cohort collaborative (N3C).
This study examined whether there is an association between thromboembolotic events (TEEs) and concomitant use of dexamethasone with either apixaban or rivaroxaban (both direct oral anticoagulants or DOACs) during treatment for COVID-19. The authors used data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) to conduct a nested case-control study. Eligible participants were adults over 18 years who were exposed to a DOAC for 10 or more consecutive days and exposure to dexamethasone at least 5 or more consecutive days. The study did not find a discernible association of TEE in patients concomitantly exposed to dexamethasone and a DOAC.
AHRQ-funded; HS025984.
Citation: Kravchenko OV, Boyce RD, Gomez-Lumbreras A .
Drug-drug interaction between dexamethasone and direct-acting oral anticoagulants: a nested case-control study in the national COVID cohort collaborative (N3C).
BMJ Open 2022 Dec 29; 12(12):e066846. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066846..
Keywords: COVID-19, Blood Thinners, Medication, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Cardiovascular Conditions, Medication: Safety, Patient Safety
Redwood R, Schulz LT, Pop-Vicas A
A perfect storm: COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance.
The purpose of this article was to discuss key factors that contributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with an emphasis on lessons learned and next steps. The authors report that the pandemic strained healthcare systems worldwide and disrupted standard infection control and antimicrobial stewardship practices, which are essential to limit the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms and decrease selective pressure related to inappropriate or unnecessary antimicrobial therapy. Disruptions to these practices are compounded by the disproportionately long hospital and intensive care unit stays observed in critically ill COVID-19 patients, leading to secondary bacterial infections that are notoriously difficult to treat and increase the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can drive resistance. The article further states that the pandemic has led to shortages in personal protective equipment, increased workload, and staffing issues, all of which have disrupted routine antimicrobial stewardship activities. The article concludes that COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to develop new therapeutic interventions for infectious diseases that do not rely solely on antibiotics, and stresses the importance of incorporating the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic into future efforts to combat AMR.
AHRQ-funded; HS028669.
Citation: Redwood R, Schulz LT, Pop-Vicas A .
A perfect storm: COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance.
EMJ, Microbiol Infect Dis 2022 Sep; 2022. doi: 10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/22-00082..
Keywords: COVID-19, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication
Beetham T, Fiellin DA, Busch SH
Physician response to COVID-19-driven telehealth flexibility for opioid use disorder.
This study surveyed physicians who provide opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment on their preferences and practices regarding telehealth that have evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 1141 physicians who were publicly listed buprenorphine-prescribing physicians were surveyed. Most respondents found telehealth to be effective, with 54% who found it more effective than expected. Overall, 85% were in favor of temporary telehealth flexibility being permanently extended, and 77% would be likely to use telehealth after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
AHRQ-funded; HS017589.
Citation: Beetham T, Fiellin DA, Busch SH .
Physician response to COVID-19-driven telehealth flexibility for opioid use disorder.
Am J Manag Care 2022 Sep;28(9):456-63. doi: 10.37765/ajmc.2022.89221..
Keywords: COVID-19, Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Opioids, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health, Medication
Keller SC, Caballero TM, Tamma PD
AHRQ Author: Miller MA
Assessment of changes in visits and antibiotic prescribing during the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use and the COVID-19 pandemic.
This cohort study evaluated the effectiveness of the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use aimed to improve antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory practices by engaging clinicians and staff to incorporate antibiotic stewardship into practice culture, communication, and decision-making. The study ran from December 2019 through November 2020. A total of 389 ambulatory care practices with over 6.5 million visits to 5483 clinicians were compared from the baseline to completion of the program. Participants included 82 primary care practices, 103 urgent care practices, 34 federally supported practices, 21 pediatric-only practices, 39 pediatric urgent care practices, 21 pediatric-only practices, and 14 other practice types. Of the 389 practices who completed the program, 75% submitted completed data. Visits per practice per month decreased from a mean of 1624 at baseline to a nadir of 906 early in the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) and were 1797 at the end of the program. Total antibiotic prescribing decreased from 18.2% of visits at baseline to 9.5% at completion of the program. Acute respiratory infection (ARI) visits per practice per month decreased from a baseline of 321 to a nadir of 76 early in the pandemic (May 2020) and gradually increased through completion of the program (n = 239). Antibiotic prescribing for ARIs decreased from 39.2% at baseline to 24.7% at completion of the program.
AHRQ-authored; AHRQ-funded; 233201500020I.
Citation: Keller SC, Caballero TM, Tamma PD .
Assessment of changes in visits and antibiotic prescribing during the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use and the COVID-19 pandemic.
JAMA Netw Open 2022 Jul;5(7):e2220512. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.20512..
Keywords: Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication, COVID-19, Public Health, Respiratory Conditions
Behr CL, Joynt Maddox KE, Meara E
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody distribution to high-risk Medicare beneficiaries, 2020-2021.
The authors assessed how the limited supply of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) therapy was allocated to patients at highest risk of severe disease. They found that, among non-hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries with a COVID-19 diagnosis between November 2020 and August 2021, only 7.2% received mAb therapy. In many cases, patients at the highest risk of severe disease were the least likely to receive mAb therapy, with extreme variation geographically. Their analysis did not account for patient vaccination status or observed disease severity, which could influence clinicians’ decisions.
AHRQ-funded; HS024075.
Citation: Behr CL, Joynt Maddox KE, Meara E .
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody distribution to high-risk Medicare beneficiaries, 2020-2021.
JAMA 2022 Mar 8;327(10):980-83. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.1243..
Keywords: COVID-19, Medicare, Medication
Douin DJ, Krause M, Williams C
Corticosteroid administration and impaired glycemic control in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.
This study’s objective was to determine the association between corticosteroid administration and impaired glycemic control among COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation and/or veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted between March 9 and May 17, 2020 at 12 US hospitals. The primary outcome measured was days spent with at least 1 episode of blood glucose either >180 mg/dL or <80 mg/dL within the first 28 days of admission. The authors included 292 mechanically ventilated patients. Sixty-six patients (22.6%) died within 28 days of ICU admission. Seventy-one patients (24.3%) received a cumulative dose of at least an equivalent of 320 mg methylprednisolone. After adjustment for gender, history of diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, sequential organ failure assessment score on intensive care unit day 1, and length of stay, administration of ≥320 mg methylprednisolone equivalent was associated with 4 additional days spent with glucose either <80 mg/dL or >180 mg/dL.
AHRQ-funded; HS027795.
Citation: Douin DJ, Krause M, Williams C .
Corticosteroid administration and impaired glycemic control in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.
Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2022 Mar;26(1):32-40. doi: 10.1177/10892532211043313..
Keywords: COVID-19, Treatments, Medication
Rikin S, Perez HR, Zhang C
Changes in outpatient opioid prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series analysis.
Changes in health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted opioid prescribing. This study evaluated the impact of restrictions on in-person care on opioid prescribing in the outpatient setting. The hypothesis was that after restrictions to in-person care were implemented, there would be a reduction in the number of chronic and non-chronic opioid prescriptions.
AHRQ-funded; HS026396.
Citation: Rikin S, Perez HR, Zhang C .
Changes in outpatient opioid prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series analysis.
J Prim Care Community Health 2022 Jan-Dec;13:21501319221076926. doi: 10.1177/21501319221076926..
Keywords: COVID-19, Opioids, Medication, Practice Patterns, Healthcare Delivery
Levin Z, Chang J, Karaca-Mandic P
Characteristics of hydroxychloroquine dispensing in the United States, January to May 2020.
This research letter describes a comparison of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) prescription trends from January to May 2020. The authors identified HCQ dispensing from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse and identified 66,253 enrollees with 134,417 HCQ fills during the study period. Nearly 13,000 new fillers (67.2%) did not have a diagnostic indication of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, malaria or Sjogren’s syndrome. Among previous fillers, 15.1% had no indication. The most common diagnosis was RA among indicated users. The rate of HCQ fills per 1,000 enrollees increased substantially in mid-March among both new and previous HCQ fillers. For prior fillers, rates increased due to an anticipated shortage of the drug due to people using it for COVID-19 prevention.
AHRQ-funded; HS025164.
Citation: Levin Z, Chang J, Karaca-Mandic P .
Characteristics of hydroxychloroquine dispensing in the United States, January to May 2020.
J Gen Intern Med 2022 Jan;37(1):176-78. doi: 10.1007/s11606-021-07175-9..
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication, Practice Patterns
Ibrahim S, Lowe JR, Bramante CT
Metformin and Covid-19: focused review of mechanisms and current literature suggesting benefit.
In the current Covid-19 pandemic, four observational studies have been published showing reduced mortality among individuals with home metformin use. This article discusses these studies.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Ibrahim S, Lowe JR, Bramante CT .
Metformin and Covid-19: focused review of mechanisms and current literature suggesting benefit.
Front Endocrinol 2021 Jul 22;12:587801. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.587801..
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication, Treatments
Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
This study investigated whether outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 in adults with overweight or obesity. Metformin can decrease interleukin-6 and tumor-necrosis factor- α, which appears to contribute to COVID-19 mortality. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record (EHR) data that was pooled across multiple EHR systems from 12 hospitals and 60 primary care clinics in the Midwest between March and December 2020. Inclusion criteria included data for BMI > 25 kg/m(2); age range 30-85 years; and a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test. Metformin was associated with a decrease in mortality from COVID-19 and a nonsignificant decrease in hospital admission in the overall cohort.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L .
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
J Med Virol 2021 Jul;93(7):4273-79. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26873..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Obesity, Medication, Treatments, Outcomes
Vaughn VM, Yost M, Abshire C
Trends in venous thromboembolism anticoagulation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
This study’s objective was to characterize frequency, variation across hospitals, and change over time in VTE prophylaxis and treatment-dose anticoagulation in patients hospitalized for COVID-19, as well as the association of anticoagulation strategies with in-hospital and 60-day mortality. This cohort study used adults hospitalized with COVID-19 from 30 pseudorandom hospitals in Michigan from March 7, 2020, to June 17, 2020. Main outcomes measured were the effect of nonadherence and anticoagulation strategies on in-hospital and 60-day mortality. Of a total 1351 patients with COVID-19 with a median age of 64 years, 47.7% women and 48.9% Black, only 18 (1.3%) had a confirmed VTE, and 219 (16.2%) received treatment-dose anticoagulation. Use of treatment-dose anticoagulation without imaging ranged from 0% to 29% across hospitals and increased over time. Of 1127 patients who ever received anticoagulation, 392 missed 2 or more days of prophylaxis. Missed prophylaxis varied from 11% to 61% across hospitals and decreased markedly over time. VTE nonadherence was associated with higher 60-day (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.31) but not in-hospital mortality (aHR, 0.97). Receiving any dose of anticoagulation (vs no anticoagulation) was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (only prophylactic dose: aHR, 0.36; any treatment dose: aHR, 0.38). However, only the prophylactic dose of anticoagulation remained associated with lower mortality at 60 days (prophylactic dose: aHR, 0.71; treatment dose: aHR, 0.92).
AHRQ-funded; HS026530.
Citation: Vaughn VM, Yost M, Abshire C .
Trends in venous thromboembolism anticoagulation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Jun 1; 4(6):e2111788. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11788..
Keywords: COVID-19, Blood Clots, Blood Thinners, Medication, Inpatient Care, Cardiovascular Conditions
Vaughn VM, Gandhi T, Petty LA
Empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfection in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a multi-hospital cohort study.
A randomly sampled cohort of 1705 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was used. Data was collected on early empiric antibacterial therapy within 2 days of hospitalization, empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial co-infections. Of the 1705 patients, 56.6% were prescribed early empiric antibacterial therapy, with 3.5% having a confirmed community-onset bacterial infection. Use varied across hospitals, ranging from 27% to 84%. Patients were more likely to receive the therapy if they were older, had more severe illness, had a lobar infiltrate, or were admitted to a for-profit hospital. Over the one-month period empiric antibacterial use decreased.
AHRQ-funded; HS026530; HS026725.
Citation: Vaughn VM, Gandhi T, Petty LA .
Empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfection in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a multi-hospital cohort study.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 May 18;72(10):e533-e41. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1239..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Community-Acquired Infections, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication, Hospitalization
Bunting AM, Frank D, Arshonsky J
Socially-supportive norms and mutual aid of people who use opioids: an analysis of Reddit during the initial COVID-19 pandemic.
This study looked at the effect big events like the COVID-19 pandemic can have on transforming social structures, social interactions, and social norms. The social media site Reddit.com was used to collect data on the impact of COVID-19 and opioid use. Posts from March to May 2020 were collected from the two most popular opioid subreddits. Out of 2000 posts, 300 were found to be relevant to the study. The pandemic led to robust social support and mutual aid on Reddit including advice on coping with social isolation, withdrawal, managing cravings, and accessing recovery resources.
AHRQ-funded; HS026120.
Citation: Bunting AM, Frank D, Arshonsky J .
Socially-supportive norms and mutual aid of people who use opioids: an analysis of Reddit during the initial COVID-19 pandemic.
Drug Alcohol Depend 2021 May 1;222:108672. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108672..
Keywords: Opioids, Medication, Substance Abuse, COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Social Media
Bramante CT, Ingraham NE, Murray TA
Metformin and risk of mortality in patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort analysis.
This study examined whether metformin use by patients with diagnosed with type 2 diabetes had reduced mortality when hospitalized for COVID-19. Pharmacy claims data from UnitedHealth Group’s Clinical Discovery Claims Database was used. Patient data were included if they were aged 18 years or older; had type 2 diabetes or obesity (defined based on claims); at least 6 months of continuous enrolment in 2019; and admission to hospital for COVID-19 confirmed by PCR; manual chart review by UHG; or reported from the hospital to UHG. Metformin was not associated with significant reduction in mortality among men, but there was an association with decreased mortality in women.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Bramante CT, Ingraham NE, Murray TA .
Metformin and risk of mortality in patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort analysis.
Lancet Healthy Longev 2021 Jan;2(1):e34-e41. doi: 10.1016/s2666-7568(20)30033-7..
Keywords: COVID-19, Hospitalization, Medication, Mortality, Risk, Diabetes, Chronic Conditions, Public Health, Infectious Diseases
Hernandez AV, Roman YM, Pasupuleti V
Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for treatment or prophylaxis of COVID-19: a living systematic review.
Investigators summarized evidence about the benefits and harms of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for the treatment or prophylaxis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They found that evidence on the benefits and harms of using hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to treat COVID-19 was very weak and conflicting.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500012I.
Citation: Hernandez AV, Roman YM, Pasupuleti V .
Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for treatment or prophylaxis of COVID-19: a living systematic review.
Ann Intern Med 2020 Aug 18;173(4):287-96. doi: 10.7326/m20-2496..
Keywords: COVID-19, Respiratory Conditions, Medication, Evidence-Based Practice