Influenza Vaccination and COVID-19 Outcomes in People Older than 50 Years: Data from the Observational Longitudinal SHARE Study
Existing literature on the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 infection/outcomes is conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes in a large cohort of adults who participated in the SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe). Information regarding influenza vaccination in the previous year, and medical and demographic characteristics, were self-reported. Positivity for COVID-19, symptomatology, and hospitalization were also ascertained using self-reported information. An adjusted logistic regression analysis (including 15 baseline factors or propensity score) was used to assess the asso…
Knee osteoarthritis and adverse health outcomes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational studies
Abstract Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition, associated with a high rate of disability and poor quality of life. Despite the importance of such evidence in public health, no umbrella review (i.e., a review of other systematic reviews and meta-analyses) has systematically assessed evidence on association between knee OA and adverse health outcomes. Aims To map and grade all health outcomes associated with knee OA using an umbrella review approach. Methods The search was made across several databases up to 22 April 2022. We used an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies assessing the effect sizes, based on random effect summary…
Multidimensional Frailty and Vaccinations in Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study
It is known that influenza, herpes zoster, pneumococcal and pertussis infections may increase morbidity and mortality in older people. Vaccinations against these pathogens are effective in older adults. Frailty seems to be an important determinant of vaccination rates, yet data supporting this association are still missing. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of four recommended vaccinations (influenza, herpes zoster, pneumococcal and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) and the association with multidimensional frailty assessed using a self-reported comprehensive geriatric assessment tool, i.e., the multidimensional prognostic index (SELFY-MPI). Older participants visiting the outpa…
Sarcopenia and Covid-19: A New Entity?
As the world comes into terms with the persistent existence of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the scientific and medical communities have started shifting their attention to the long-term side effects of the disease. Specialists have acknowledged that numerous COVID-19 survivors, especially those who suffered severe complications and endured prolonged bedrest, may require continuous monitoring and rehabilitative care. In this chapter, the authors discuss factors that may predispose individuals to acute sarcopenia secondary to COVID-19 infection or sarcopenic obesity secondary to altered diet and physical activity from prolonged confinement. Challenges in nutrition are highl…
Lower limb muscle strength and muscle mass are associated with incident symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a Longitudinal Cohort Study
Recent literature suggests that sarcopenia, often represented by low lower limbs muscle mass and strength, can be considered a potential risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA), but the available literature is still limited. We therefore aimed to investigate whether sarcopenia is associated with a higher risk of radiographic (ROA) and symptomatic knee OA (SxOA) in a large cohort of North American people in the context of the OA initiative. Sarcopenia at baseline was diagnosed in case of low skeletal muscle mass (i.e., lower skeletal mass index) and poor performance in the chair stands test. The outcomes of interest for this study included ROA (radiographical osteoarthritis) if a knee devel…