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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 30th, 2026
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Monoclonal antibodies had been proven to be effective at treating SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, mutations to the virus spike protein had resulted in significant resistance. For example, the appearance of the Omicron BA.1 variant had rendered existing treatments such as casirivimab & imdevimab less effective. Recently, Lancet had published a study that examined the effectiveness of sotrovimab at treating COVID-19.
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 20th, 2025
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The pathogenic cause behind long COVID is poorly understood; it has been hypothesized that factors such as immune dysregulation, microbiome dysbiosis, and other factors can play a role. Viral persistence had also been suggested to be associated with long COVID. With funding from Pfizer, a study was conducted to examine whether antiviral therapy can alleviate long COVID.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on April 4th, 2025
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Although COVID-19 vaccines have been highly effective, many immunocompromised individuals are unable to benefit from their protection. To address this, antibody combinations such as tixagevimab and cilgavimab—targeting the viral spike protein—have been utilized. However, the emergence of resistant variants has created a need for novel treatments. Funded by AstraZeneca, a study was conducted to evaluate the use of sipavibart in preventing COVID-19 infection.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 26th, 2025
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Currently, there is limited agreement on how maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts early childhood development. Similarly, the effect of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on a child's early development remains unclear. To address these gaps in understanding, the United Kingdom’s Economic and Social Research Council sponsored a population-level study to evaluate the impact of both maternal infection and COVID-19 vaccination on early childhood development.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 1st, 2024
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Lithium is a widely used treatment for bipolar disorder, known for its neuroprotective effects through the suppression of inflammation mediated by astrocytes and microglia. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans of patients suffering from post-COVID-19 fatigue and cognitive dysfunction have revealed persistent brain inflammation. In response, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded a study to investigate the potential of lithium in managing neurological complications associated with post-COVID-19 conditions.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 16th, 2024
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The antiviral combination of nirmatrelvir and remdesivir has played a crucial role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, like all antimicrobials, random mutations and the selective pressure exerted by these treatments can lead to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants resistant to nirmatrelvir and remdesivir. In response, the National Institutes of Health funded a study to investigate the development of resistance genotypes following treatment with this antiviral combination.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 2nd, 2024
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Given the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and declining vaccine uptake for the latest strains, COVID-19 continues to pose a public health risk. Since most SARS-CoV-2 transmissions occur before symptoms appear, individuals who have not received the most recent vaccines can unknowingly spread the virus. The nirmatrelvir-ritonavir combination has been shown to be an effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2. As a result, Pfizer sponsored a study to investigate whether this combination could be used for postexposure prophylaxis.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on June 28th, 2024
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Most of the current clinical guidelines recommend the usage of remdesivir, molnupiravir, or the combination of ritonavir and nirmatrelvir to manage severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, studies that proved the effectiveness of these antivirals were conducted before Omicron subvariants became dominant. With the concern that the Omicron subvariants contains mutation that would negate the effect of current recommended treatment, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ensitrelvir - a protease inhibitor that had proven to be effective against Omicron in animal studies.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on April 24th, 2024
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Currently, the antiviral combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are widely used to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. While the efficacy of this drug has been evaluated in unvaccinated adults, its efficacy rate in a population comprising both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals remains uncertain. A recent study, featured in the New England Journal of Medicine, investigated the interplay between nirmatrelvir and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on April 8th, 2024
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There have been widespread reports indicating a potential link between prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and a reduction in cognitive and memory function. However, empirical evidence supporting this association remains scarce. Consequently, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, situated in the United Kingdom, initiated an observational study aimed at elucidating the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on memory and cognitive function.
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 22nd, 2024
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Pregnancy poses intricate biological challenges for both the mother and the fetus, prompting careful scrutiny of any biological intervention. As a result, COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing to ascertain their safety for pregnancy and subsequent child development. A study investigating the impact of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on offspring neurodevelopment has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 12th, 2024
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In pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2 infection poses risks to both the mother and the fetus. As a result, prioritizing vaccination for this group has been crucial. While earlier observational studies demonstrated vaccine safety for the fetus, they had limitations in the scope of outcomes examined. A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association aims to delve deeper into understanding the impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on neonatal health.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 20th, 2023
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Convalescent plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, isolated from people previously affected with COVID-19, had been proven to be an effective treatment. However, little is known about the effect of the treatment on patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. A study funded by the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Center was conducted to assess the effectiveness of convalescent plasma in treating COVID-19 induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 13th, 2023
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Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with extreme inflammation of the respiratory tract that can be lethal if left unmanaged. Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication that exhibits anti-inflammatory effect and has been shown to be beneficial for patients affected with acute respiratory distress syndrome with hyperinflammation. Thus, a study was conducted to assess whether simvastatin can be useful in treating COVID-19.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on October 13th, 2023
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To combat SARS-CoV-2 infection, antiviral treatments are considered optimal. However, their high cost per dose makes them less practical for low-resource settings. Dexamethasone and budesonide have shown promise in managing acute infections. Fluticasone, another glucocorticoid, can be inhaled to reduce inflammation. Hence, a study was conducted to assess the potential of fluticasone in COVID-19 management.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on September 25th, 2023
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Previous studies had observed depression, cognitive impairment, and anhedonia to be post-COVID-19 sequelae; however, the exact mechanism behind this association is not known. Thus, a study, recently published to the Journal of the American Medical Association, had investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain, especially compartments that can be associated with mood disorder and mental faculty.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 29th, 2023
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The bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine had been widely used to prevent tuberculosis. It has been observed that BCG helps reduce the risk of respiratory infections in adults. The off-target effect might be a result of the epigenetic changes made to immune cells which might be pro-inflammatory and accelerate the clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Aiming to utilize this immunomodulatory effect, a study, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, had investigated the usage of BCG in preventing COVID-19.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on March 27th, 2023
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To prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, immunization is the most effective method. However, certain individuals cannot be vaccinated due to immunocompetency problems. Thus, the AstraZeneca pharmaceutical company had sponsored a study to assess the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody combination of tixagevimab and cilgavimab in preventing COVID-19.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on February 22nd, 2023
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In most cases, SARS-CoV-2 causes mild to moderate disease in children under the age of 5. However, there have been many severe infections in the form of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) which can lead to death. However, there is no research on the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine in young children. Thus, the pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech had conducted a study to investigate the effect of the BNT162b2 vaccine in children below 5 years old.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on February 17th, 2023
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As a defense against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cells in the human upper respiratory tract produce Interferon Lambda to inhibit viral replication. The cytokine had previously been utilized to help patients with Hepatitis B and C. A group of scientists had recently tested the effect of pegylated interferon lambda in treating patients that had been diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on February 6th, 2023
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As more people are immunized against SARS-CoV-2, and the virus mutated to be less lethal, COVID-19 has transformed from a pandemic to an endemic, like influenza. Despite this shift, it is still important to maintain high vaccination rates to reduce the risk of mutation that can generate new variants and to protect members of vulnerable groups such as the elders. The two pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and BioNTech - the manufacturers of the BNT162b2 vaccine - had recently released their finding on the effectiveness of a bivalent vaccine vs. the current vaccine in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on January 23rd, 2023
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) had been associated with severe and lethal COVID-19. The syndrome was characterized with an hyperexpression of the pro-inflammatory IL-33 and a downregulation of the protective IL-22. Thus, a recent study sponsored by Genetech had been conducted to investigate the possibility of using an anti-IL-33 immunoglobulin (Astegolimab) and an IL-22-like particle (Efmarodocokin alfa) to treat patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on December 21st, 2022
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Since the start of the pandemic, there has been huge efforts in developing antivirals for SARS-CoV-2. Remdesivir, initially a treatment for Ebola, and molnupiravir, originally used for Influenza, were repurposed for COVID-19. Thus, a recent study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using antivirals indicated for HIV to treat the COVID-19.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on December 16th, 2022
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The severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly associated with the degree of JAK/STAT pathway activation. Thus, inhibitors that target this pathway can potentially be used to reduce the unnecessary damage caused by the immune system. Ruxolitinib, which can bind and inactivate JAK protein, was investigated by a recent study for its ability to improve the clinical outcome of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on December 12th, 2022
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The acute respiratory distress disorder associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is hallmarked by systemic inflammation mediated by elevated interleukin-6. Pacritinib, a JAK2/IRAK1 inhibitor that can reduce IL-6, had already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat myelofibrosis. A study was conducted to investigate whether the immunosuppressive effect of pacritinib can be leveraged to treat COVID-19.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 21st, 2022
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Due to the controversial nature of COVID-19 and immunization, the public has an intense interest toward its adverse events. At the same time, there has been an increase in the number of herpes zoster viral infections reported. It is uncertain if there is an actual increase in risk, or this higher rate of detection is due hypervigilance. A recent study had improved our understanding about the safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccine by analyzing its relationship with Herpes Zoster infection
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 16th, 2022
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Previous cohort studies had found that patients with severe neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression are at a greater risk of developing severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), including COVID-19. In addition, it has been reported that the usage of certain neuropsychiatric drugs increases the susceptibility to airway infections. Since COVID-19 is becoming endemic, a study has been conducted to understand the risk profile of certain neuropsychiatric conditions and treatments.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 4th, 2022
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In mid-June of 2022, the US Food and Drugs Administration recommended the usage of COVID-19 vaccines for children above the age of 6 months. Later in July of the same year, the Ministry of Health in Vietnam made the same recommendation. A recent multicenter study conducted in the United States and Canada had investigated the efficacy and safety of the mRNA-1273 vaccines manufactured by Moderna.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 28th, 2022
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The usage of ivermectin to prevent and manage SARS-CoV-2 infection had been controversial since the start of the pandemic. Thus, many studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of the antiparasitic agent. Supporting the current literature, an article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had reported on the effectiveness of ivermectin on relieving symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults being treated in an outpatient setting.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 26th, 2022
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Due to tropism of SARS-CoV-2 receptors, the virus can only enter host cells that express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Besides the respiratory tract, these host cell’s proteins can be found on enterocytes; this cellular mechanism can explain why virus particles can be shed with feces, and gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations had been reported in COVID-19 cases. However, the frequency of these GI symptoms is unknown. A study had reported on the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems in children diagnosed with COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 10th, 2022
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Currently, very little is known about the effect COVID-19 vaccination has on pregnancy. Thus, many unreliable sources have claimed that immunization is unsafe for the mother’s and fetus’s health. A recent literature review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had reported on the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccination on pregnancy.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 30th, 2022
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Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) is a new class of inhibitory drug with an active site that can be engineered to bind to specific motifs of interest. A collaborative project between 2 biopharmaceutical companies, Molecular Partners and Novartis, had utilized the DARPins platform to design agents that can bind to and render SARS-CoV-2 viral particle inert. The study had recently published their findings on the efficacy of the agent called Ensovibep.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 17th, 2022
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The degree of interleukin-6 activity is positively correlated to the severity of COVID-19. Thus, interleukin-6 inhibitors can potentially be used to dampen the hyperinflammation. Dr. Bonnie Lonze MD, PhD. and colleagues had recently published the findings of their studies that investigate the effect of clazakizumab on treating COVID-19 pneumonia and hyperinflammation.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 15th, 2022
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Previous studies had reported that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience abnormal abnormal liver function tests (A-LFT). However, it is uncertain if the problem resolved itself after viral clearance or if hepatological function disruption is a hallmark of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. A recent article published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis had reported their finding on the matter.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 9th, 2022
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 vaccination should only be administered to those who are older than 6 months old. However, newborns and infants are at a high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that maternal vaccination produces a protective effect for newborns.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 29th, 2022
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Following the clinical guideline created by the National Institute of Health, Nirmatrelvir is currently being used in a combination with Ritonavir to treat COVID-19. Nirmatrelavir inhibits the essential protein 3CLpro that is necessary for viral replication. Due to the Omicron variant surge, antiviral resistance might nullify the medication’s effectiveness. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine had investigated this concern.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 26th, 2022
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As more SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, recent studies have noted a decline in vaccine efficacy. Thus, it is important to find therapies that can help clear the virus or manage the symptoms. Repurposing medication, which had been already approved for other indications, would help streamline the adoption of the medication to treat COVID-19, because the safety profile had already been reported. A recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine had reported the effectiveness of metformin, ivermectin, and fluvoxamine in treating COVID-19
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 24th, 2022
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According to the VigiBase pharmacovigilance database created by the World Health Organization, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and stroke are frequently reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Using data from the French National Health Data System, a recent publication on the Annals of Internal Medicine reports the association between COVID-19 vaccination and severe cardiovascular events
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 19th, 2022
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Despite SARS-CoV-2 having been cleared from the body, the body still suffers from many dysfunction to the respiratory, neurological, and endocrinology function. Due to the heightened state of inflammation in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the body’s physiological function is thrown into disarray. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that COVID-19 is associated with higher risk of venous thromboembolism.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 17th, 2022
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There have been many anecdotal reports of menstrual irregularities and vaginal bleeding following administration of COVID-19 vaccines. However, the risk profile and mechanism behind the interaction is currently unknown. A recent observation study published in the Lancet offers insight on the topic.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 3rd, 2022
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Even though the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection has been resolved, many patients still report abnormalities with their health. The constellation of these conditions are commonly preferred to as long-COVID, and they can include dysfunction to the respiratory, digestive, neurological system, etc. A recent large cohort study, had recently reported that diabetes might be included into the developing list of post-COVID sequelae.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 1st, 2022
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Molnupiravir is a ribonucleoside tautomer that is analogous to both cytidine and uridine. It has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration to treat mild and moderate COVID-19. As a part of the approval process, the trial had published their findings on the effect that molnupiravir has on COVID-19 hoặc and associated biomarkers.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 29th, 2022
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Little is known about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnant women and the health of the fetus. A recent study found that women who got infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first trimester of their pregnancy have a higher risk of miscarriage.
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