Respirology | Special Reports

Real-world insights on comparative effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 boosters

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Two target trials were emulated to compare the effectiveness of third doses of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines among US veteran population and across at-risk US veteran populations.

Product Highlight - VAXIGRIP TETRA

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Inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (split virion) 0.5 mL suspension for injection

Product Highlight - ZAVICEFTA

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Ceftazidime 2 g, avibactam 0.5 g powder for concentrate for solution for infusion

Approaches to diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis

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Invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis are two of the most common mould infections, and a growing problem worldwide, particularly amongst those who are immunocompromised. Despite recent advances in the clinical understanding of these mould infections, the mortality rate can increase significantly if these infections are left untreated. Therefore, there is a need for early diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention. However, diagnosis remains a major challenge owing to atypical or insidious clinical presentation in patients. In this symposium, Professor Cornely shares his insights on the diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis and his recommendations for optimising patient outcomes, including his preferred evidence-based treatment options.

Vaccination reduces risks of long-COVID and death

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COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the risk of long COVID if given before SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Findings suggest that vaccination before infection confers only partial protection in the post-acute phase of the disease. Hence, reliance on vaccination as a sole mitigation strategy may not optimally reduce long-term health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Case study: Lessons on managing invasive mould disease in the ICU

Dr. Paula Ramirez, Prof. Gennaro De Pascale, 20230805000000

In conjunction with the 42nd International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM), Pfizer sponsored a symposium addressing the complex challenges of managing invasive mould disease (IMD) in the intensive care unit (ICU), emphasizing the importance of a proactive mindset among intensivists. Using a real-life patient case study, Dr Paula Ramirez from La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain highlighted the significance of early suspicion, swift diagnosis, and timely treatment in critically ill patients with IMD. Professor Gennaro De Pascale from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy discussed effective management strategies and the clinical evidence for various antifungals in treating IMD in critically ill patients.

Waning immunity against COVID-19 reinfections: Lessons from Singapore cohort study

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A retrospective national cohort study in Singapore assessed hybrid immunity from previous infection and monovalent vaccination against medically attended symptomatic BA.4, BA.5, and XBB reinfections.

This study highlights the immune evasiveness of the XBB variants. All human viruses adapt to become more transmissible, more immune evasive, and less virulent over time, and SARS-CoV-2 is no exception.

Novel antibiotics in the management of multidrug-resistant organisms: Real-world evidence

Prof. Yehuda Carmeli, 20230705000000

Antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis. In 2019, antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens directly caused 1.27 million deaths worldwide. [Lancet 2022;399:629-655] In particular, carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii cause infections that are particularly difficult to treat. This was the main focus of the Pfizer-organized Meet-the-expert session with Professor Yehuda Carmeli, Professor of Medicine at Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, and Founder and Head of Israeli National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Israel. Dr Lee Tau Hong, infectious disease physician at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore, chaired the session.

Benefits of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for Omicron outweigh risks regardless of age, sex, or comorbidities

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The benefits of mRNA vaccines are much larger than the risks, for both the primary series and the booster doses, across all ages, sexes, and the presence or absence of comorbidities, even considering the reduced disease severity of the Omicron variant.

COVID-19 a leading cause of death among children and young people

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COVID-19 caused substantially more deaths annually in children and young people than any vaccine-preventable disease historically in the recent period before vaccines became available.