Considering that there are different reports about the effects of angiotensin II type-I receptor blockers (ARB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) on the outcomes of the patients with COVID-19, we aimed to conduct this retrospective study on 138 hypertensive patients (81 ACEI/ARB users) to assess the patients’ outcomes by comparing ACEI/ARB and non-ACEI/ARB users. Multivariate adjusted cox regression model, by considering the effect of other variables, demonstrated that increased age (HR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01 -1.07, P =0.003) and non- ACEI/ARB users (HR = 2.12 95% CI = 1.12 - 4.13, P = 0.021) were associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality in about one week follow-up. In conclusion, we found that in-hospital mortality was lower in ACEI/ARB users, showing the positive effect of these treatments on patients’ outcomes.

Background: Despite all of the research on the risk factors for severe COVID-19, there are still many unknowns about the course of COVID-19 in various populations. Inevitable exposure of dialysis patients, one of the more vulnerable groups for infectious diseases, to COVID-19 concerns many researchers. Furthermore, studies on the mortality rate and risk factors regarding dialysis patients are somewhat inconsistent. Also, it has been suggested that factors such as ethnicity can contribute to that matter. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the mortality rate of dialysis patients who contracted COVID-19 in the Iranian population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we presented the experiences of 4 dialysis centers with a total of 309 dialysis patients (Tehran, Iran) during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess the mortality rate and associated risk factors. Results: Among 309 dialysis patients, 58 patients contracted the disease, and the total mortality rate in this study was 41%. It was observed that although the guidelines for screening patients were similar in these 4 centers, the centers with regular COVID-19 screening for staff members had much lower mortality and infection rate. The most common symptoms in patients were fever, dry cough, and chills. Furthermore, comorbidities such as diabetes can also increase the risk of mortality. Conclusions: This study, along with other studies, can be utilized in developing guidelines for dialysis centers in the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.

Context: Pituitary adenomas are amongst the most common tumors with a low mortality rate compared to other intracranialmalignancies. Delayed hyponatremia (DH) is a common finding after transsphenoidal resection (TSS), which is the basis for themanagement of these tumors. Although DH is one of the leading causes of readmission after TSS, no unified guidelines exist withregard to the prevention of this electrolyte disturbance.Objectives: This study aims to evaluate and compare existing preventive protocols for DH in order to identify and signify theircommon grounds.Methods: After a search in electronic databases, including PubMed (NCBI), Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar with the keywordsof “pituitary adenoma,” “hyponatremia,” “transsphenoid surgery”, “water electrolyte balance,” “patient readmission", six originalarticles were included in the study.Results: We found that a protocol that both identifies groups susceptible to DH (males, older individuals, and those with a lowerBMI) and consists of fluid restriction, sodium supplementation, and regular serum sodium monitoring could be utilized to preventDH in patients with pituitary adenomas after TSS.Conclusions: Further studies with a larger sample size must be conducted to compare existing protocols for preventing DH andalso investigate post-surgery optimal fluid-restricted diets and corticosteroid therapy in these patients.