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Chair SY, Law BM, Chan JY, So WK, Waye MM. Association of Genetic Polymorphisms with Psychological Symptoms in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021; 9:12-20. [PMID: 35528795 PMCID: PMC9072184 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients suffer from a repertoire of symptoms, including such psychological and psychiatric symptoms as anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Exploration of genetic factors that modify the risk and severity of these symptoms may facilitate the development of personalised care plans for managing these symptoms. This review aims to provide an overview on the variations in genes that may contribute to the occurrence and severity of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among cancer patients. Literature search was performed in nine English and Chinese electronic databases, and extracted data are presented narratively. The reporting quality of the included studies was assessed using selected items of The STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association (STREGA) checklist. Twenty-nine studies were included in the review. Most studies involved breast cancer patients, while patients of other cancer types appeared to be understudied. A number of studies reported the association between genes involved in inflammatory pathways and depression and anxiety. Other genes found to show associations with anxiety, depression, and PTSD among cancer patients are those involved in neurotrophic signalling, serotonergic signalling, regulation of stress response, antioxidation, dopamine catabolism and cellular apoptosis, despite some inconsistencies in findings between studies. Our review highlighted a need for further research for enhancing our knowledge on the association between genetic variations and anxiety, depression, and PTSD of patients of various cancer types. Future studies examining such associations in patients of various cancers should utilise standardised instruments for outcome assessments and stratify the patients based on their age for analysis.
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Alrubai T, Khalil AM, Zaki R, Sinno L, Al Tabbah S. The psychological health of patients diagnosed with cancer in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single center study. Psychooncology 2021; 31:649-660. [PMID: 34751985 PMCID: PMC8646239 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the psychological health status of patients diagnosed with cancer in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aim was to measure the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients diagnosed with cancer. Secondary aims were to assess the association between depression, anxiety, and stress with sociodemographic characteristics, cancer-specific characteristics, patients' experience in healthcare visit, risk perception towards COVID-19, and health concern during the outbreak. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 1, 2020 and December 1, 2020 at an Oncology clinic in Baghdad. Included in the study were two hundred patients diagnosed with cancer. Data collected included: demographic variables (age, gender, residential location, marital status, education, employment status), clinical characteristics and cancer-specific parameters (duration since cancer diagnosis, cancer type, treatment duration, clinic visits frequency), experience during the pandemic (skipping or postponing treatment or periodical tests, suffering from new body pain, fear of acquiring the infection, fear of health deterioration), as well as psychological health status (depression, anxiety, stress). Pain, risk perception towards COVID-19, and health concern were measured using categorical Likert scale with responses being no, sometimes, and often. The psychological health status was measured by the "Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale" (DASS-21). Cut-off scores of the DASS-21 greater than 9, 7, and 14 represent a positive screen of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. RESULTS The prevalence of patients who screened positive for depression was 22.0%, anxiety 22.0%, and stress 13.5%. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were significantly more in those who had university or higher education (34.3%, p-value <0.0001; 32.3%, p-value <0.0001; 19.2%, p-value = 0.02 respectively). Those were four times more likely to have depression and two times more likely to have anxiety than participants who had school education (OR = 4.40 CI [1.98-9.77], p-value <0.0001; OR = 2.55 CI [1.15-5.65], p-value = 0.02, respectively). The prevalence of anxiety was significantly the highest in the age group 16-39 years (40.9%) compared to 22.3% in the age group 40-64 years and 10.3% in the group ≥65 years (p-value = 0.02). Patients ≥65 years of age were less likely to develop anxiety compared to younger patients (OR = 0.44 CI [0.22-0.89], p-value = 0.02). As for the patients' experience in healthcare visit, 66 patients (33.0%) skipped or postponed their treatment or tests due to the outbreak. Around (8%) sometimes suffered from new body pain. Those who sometimes suffered from new body pain had significantly more depression than patients who did not suffer new pain or often had new pain (50.0% vs. 15.0% vs. 28.1% respectively, p-value = 0.002). Those were two times more likely to be depressed (OR = 2.18 CI [1.29-3.68], p-value = 0.003). Around (50%) of the patients were often afraid that their health would deteriorate during the outbreak. Those were significantly more depressed (31.7%, p-value = 0.002), anxious (30.7%, p-value <0.0001) and stressed (21.8%, p-value = 0.002) than those who did not have fear of losing their health and were two times more likely to have anxiety and stress. CONCLUSION These findings, especially the association between developing new pain and depression, raised concerns regarding the psychological health in patients diagnosed with cancer during COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to implement psychological health screening for patients diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic to help prevent any psychological health problems. The DASS-21 could be used as a screening tool for distress in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahseen Alrubai
- Clinical Oncologist, Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Arwa Mohsun Khalil
- Specialist Radiologist, Al-Amal National Hospital for Cancer Management, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Rasha Zaki
- Clinical Oncologist, Al-Amal National Hospital for Cancer Management, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Loubna Sinno
- Research Unit, Makassed Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samaa Al Tabbah
- Clinical Pharmacist, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Yousefi Afrashteh M, Masoumi S. Psychological well-being and death anxiety among breast cancer survivors during the Covid-19 pandemic: the mediating role of self-compassion. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:387. [PMID: 34732193 PMCID: PMC8564789 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01533-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite the abundance of clinical data available for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), little research on the psychological well-being of breast cancer survivors has been published. We investigate the extent to which self-compassion accounted for the association between psychological well-being (depression, anxiety) and death anxiety in breast cancer survivors. Methods A cross-sectional study design was applied. Participants were recruited from three departments of oncology in Zanjan, Iran. Data were collected from 210 breast cancer patients. Participants completed self-report measures. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship among the study variables. Bootstrapping analyses were used to test the significance of indirect effects. Results Correlational analyses revealed that depression and anxiety were significantly and positively related to death anxiety (r = 0.77, p < 0.01; r = 0.85, p < 0.01, respectively) and negatively to self-compassion (r = − 0.48, p < 0.01; r = − 0.53, p < 0.01, respectively). Bootstrapping analyses revealed significant indirect effects of depression (β = 0.065, SE = 0.35, p < 0.03, 95% CI [LL = − 0.0083, UL: − 0.1654]) and anxiety (β = 0.089, SE = 0.09, p < 0.04, 95% CI [LL = − 0.0247, UL: − 0.1987]) on death anxiety through self-compassion. Conclusions Findings from this study indicate that self-compassion may be considered as one treatment strategy to improve psychological well-being of cancer patients in the new context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samin Masoumi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
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54
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Hassan E, Nagui Rizk D, Aly NM, El Chazli Y. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life and anxiety in pediatric hematology/oncology patients. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 38:683-694. [PMID: 33974490 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2021.1922559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the strain on healthcare services affected patients suffering from various comorbidities and added to the psychological burden. The study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and anxiety levels of pediatric Hematology/Oncology patients during the COVID19 pandemic and evaluate the association between anxiety levels and physical, emotional, and social aspects of HRQoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 292 children between 2.5 - 13 years with chronic hematological/oncological disorders. Pediatric Quality of Life Generic Core Scale and Spence Children's Anxiety Scale were used for assessment of HRQoL and anxiety, respectively. Linear regression was performed to assess the association between background and COVID-19 related factors with anxiety level. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was performed to assess the association between the three HRQoL dimensions with child anxiety and different independent variables. Transfusion-dependent patients had lower anxiety levels than patients receiving chemotherapy (B=-14.45, 95% CI=-21.94,-6.95).Children who were aware of the pandemic had lower anxiety scores than those who were not, while those suffering from canceled clinic days had higher anxiety levels (B=-8.66,95% CI=-14.86,-2.45, and B = 7.33,95% CI =1.22,13.45, respectively). Anxiety significantly reduced the three HRQoL domains (B=-0.36, 95% CI=-0.47, -0.24 for physical functioning, B=-0.45, 95% CI =-0.56, -0.33 for social functioning and B=-0.50, 95% CI=-0.63,-0.38 for emotional functioning). This study highlights the effect of the pandemic on the anxiety level and hence the HRQoL of chronic hematological/oncological pediatric patients for guiding policies and interventions to maintain their psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Hassan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.,Paediatric Haematology Department, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dalia Nagui Rizk
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatry Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nourhan M Aly
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Yasmine El Chazli
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Gaspar R, Castelo Branco C, Macedo G. Liver and COVID-19: From care of patients with liver diseases to liver injury. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1367-1377. [PMID: 34786172 PMCID: PMC8568576 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i10.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) changed dramatically all priorities on medical society and created several challenges for clinicians caring for patients with liver diseases. We performed a comprehensive review about how COVID-19 can affect the liver, the influence of liver diseases on the risk of developing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19 severity and also some strategies to overcome all the challenges clinicians have to face in the management of patients with liver diseases in a period of time when all the focus turned on COVID-19. We analyze the relationship between COVID-19 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation, as well as the approach to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gaspar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto 4200, Portugal
| | - Catarina Castelo Branco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto 4100, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Macedo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto 4200, Portugal
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Ferrara F, Zoupanou S, Primiceri E, Ali Z, Chiriacò MS. Beyond liquid biopsy: Toward non-invasive assays for distanced cancer diagnostics in pandemics. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 196:113698. [PMID: 34688113 PMCID: PMC8527216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy technologies have seen a significant improvement in the last decade, offering the possibility of reliable analysis and diagnosis from several biological fluids. The use of these technologies can overcome the limits of standard clinical methods, related to invasiveness and poor patient compliance. Along with this there are now mature examples of lab-on-chips (LOC) which are available and could be an emerging and breakthrough technology for the present and near-future clinical demands that provide sample treatment, reagent addition and analysis in a sample-in/answer-out approach. The possibility of combining non-invasive liquid biopsy and LOC technologies could greatly assist in the current need for minimizing exposure and transmission risks. The recent and ongoing pandemic outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, indeed, has heavily influenced all aspects of life worldwide. Ordinary tasks have been forced to switch from “in presence” to “distanced”, limiting the possibilities for a large number of activities in all fields of life outside of the home. Unfortunately, one of the settings in which physical distancing has assumed noteworthy consequences is the screening, diagnosis and follow-up of diseases. In this review, we analyse biological fluids that are easily collected without the intervention of specialized personnel and the possibility that they may be used -or not-for innovative diagnostic assays. We consider their advantages and limitations, mainly due to stability and storage and their integration into Point-of-Care diagnostics, demonstrating that technologies in some cases are mature enough to meet current clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferrara
- STMicroelectronics s.r.l., via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Sofia Zoupanou
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; University of Salento, Dept. of Mathematics & Physics E. de Giorgi, Via Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Primiceri
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Zulfiqur Ali
- University of Teesside, School of Health & Life Sciences, Healthcare Innovation Centre, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, Tees Valley, England, UK
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57
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Hawke LD, Monga S, Korczak D, Hayes E, Relihan J, Darnay K, Cleverley K, Lunsky Y, Szatmari P, Henderson J. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health among youth with physical health challenges. Early Interv Psychiatry 2021; 15:1146-1153. [PMID: 33047495 PMCID: PMC7675347 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine mental health in conjunction with physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic among youth with physical health conditions compared to those without. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 622 youth aged 14 to 28 was conducted. Analyses were conducted to understand the changes in mental and physical health among youth in four groups: (a) participants with a friend or family member diagnosed with COVID-19, (b) participants with symptoms associated with COVID-19, (c) participants with atopic conditions (asthma and allergies), and (d) participants with other preexisting physical health conditions. RESULTS Many participants with physical health concerns met screening criteria for an internalizing disorder, which was significantly higher than the rate found among participants without physical health conditions. Significantly greater declines in self-reported mental health were observed during the COVID-19 period compared to 3 months earlier among youth reporting physical health concerns compared to those without physical health concerns. Substance use does not appear to have been affected. CONCLUSIONS Mental health concerns are highly prevalent among youth with physical health concerns, and also appear to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical health concerns appear to constitute risk factors for heightened mental health responses to the pandemic situation. System planners striving to adapt mental health services to meet social/physical distancing recommendations are urged to consider youth with physical health conditions and ensure that adequate integrated mental health and physical health supports are available to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Hawke
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Suneeta Monga
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daphne Korczak
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Em Hayes
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Yona Lunsky
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joanna Henderson
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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58
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Guido A, Marconi E, Peruzzi L, Dinapoli N, Tamburrini G, Attinà G, Balducci M, Valentini V, Ruggiero A, Chieffo DPR. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients. Front Psychol 2021; 12:730341. [PMID: 34630243 PMCID: PMC8493250 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.730341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The changes and general alarm of the current COVID-19 pandemic have amplified the sense of precariousness and vulnerability for family members who, in addition to the emotional trauma of the cancer diagnosis, add the distress and fear of the risks associated with infection. The primary objectives of the present study were to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the parents of pediatric cancer patients, and the level of stress, anxiety, and the child's quality of life perceived by the parents during the COVID-19 epidemic. The parents of 45 consecutive children with solid and hematological tumors were enrolled. Four questionnaires (Impact of Event Scale-Revised - IES-R; Perceived Stress Scale - PSS; Spielberger State - Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI-Y; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory - PedsQL) were administered to the parents at the beginning of the pandemic lockdown. A 75% of parents exhibited remarkable levels of anxiety, with 60 subjects in state scale and 45 subjects in trait scale having scores that reached and exceeded the STAI-Y cut off. The bivariate matrix of correlation found a significant positive correlation between the IES-R and PSS scores (r = 0.55, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the PSS and PedsQL (emotional needs) scale (P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between IES-R and STAI-Y (P < 0.001). The results confirm that parents of pediatric cancer patients have a high psychological risk for post-traumatic symptoms, high stress levels, and the presence of clinically significant levels of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Guido
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marconi
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Peruzzi
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Dinapoli
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Attinà
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Balducci
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Jeong SH, Kim YS. Challenges in Prescribing Clozapine in the Era of COVID-19: A Review Focused on Immunological Implications. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 19:411-422. [PMID: 34294611 PMCID: PMC8316651 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.3.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of the healthcare system. Apart from the issues surrounding COVID-19 itself, care for existing patients has met many challenges. One such challenge is caring for patients who are on clozapine treatment and have been confirmed positive for COVID-19. Schizophrenia has been considered to have a deep connection with the immune system, and clozapine can induce further changes in this system. COVID-19 can ravage the compromised immune system and aggravate tissue damage. The intricate relations between schizophrenia, clozapine, and COVID-19 make it difficult to predict the clinical course of COVID-19 in clozapine-treated patients. However, the rigid prohibition on using clozapine if COVID-19 is confirmed may harm patients. Patients who have to use clozapine are often refractory cases with no alternatives. Therefore, the decision to maintain or stop clozapine must be made after a comprehensive review of the patient’s unique situation. To do this, theoretical and practical issues surrounding the use of clozapine in COVID-19 should be reviewed and discussed. In this review, we gather useful information surrounding this issue and present an overview. Focusing on the immune system, various theoretical possibilities that could arise from schizophrenia, clozapine, and COVID-19 were carefully examined, and practical checklists for the care of these patients were explored. It is hoped that this review will convince many clinicians to pay attention to this momentous issue and facilitate more active sharing of clinical experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hoon Jeong
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yong Sik Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
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60
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Spartalis E, Plakopitis N, Theodori MA, Karagiannis SP, Athanasiadis DI, Spartalis M, Boutzios G, Paschou SA, Nikiteas N, Troupis T. Thyroid cancer surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: perioperative management and oncological and anatomical considerations. Future Oncol 2021; 17:4389-4395. [PMID: 34431326 PMCID: PMC8386469 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed many aspects of our everyday lives and medical practice, including oncology treatment; thyroid cancer surgery is not an exception. The reported number of fine-needle aspirations performed during the first semester of 2020 was significantly reduced. Poorly differentiated, medullary and anaplastic thyroid tumors are considered important indications for immediate surgical intervention. By contrast, most well-differentiated carcinomas present slow growth, and thus surgery can be deferred for a short period of time during which patients are under active surveillance. Thyroid surgeries have decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, prior to any intervention, negative COVID-19 status - with the use of a nasopharyngeal swab and reverse transcription PCR assay as the gold standard and chest CT scan as a complementary modality in some cases - must be confirmed to achieve a COVID-free pathway. Thorough preoperative assessment regarding both oncological and anatomical aspects should be performed to identify optimal timing for safe management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Spartalis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery & Surgical Research 'N S Christeas', Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece.,Department of Anatomy, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Plakopitis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery & Surgical Research 'N S Christeas', Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Anna Theodori
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery & Surgical Research 'N S Christeas', Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Sotirios P Karagiannis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery & Surgical Research 'N S Christeas', Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | | | - Michael Spartalis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery & Surgical Research 'N S Christeas', Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Georgios Boutzios
- Department of Pathophysiology, Endocrine Unit, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikiteas
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Theodore Troupis
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
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61
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Al-Azri MH. Delay in Cancer Diagnosis During the Era of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Learning lessons. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2021; 21:341-343. [PMID: 34522397 PMCID: PMC8407914 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.4.2021.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed H Al-Azri
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
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Bisceglia I, Gabrielli D, Canale ML, Gallucci G, Parrini I, Turazza FM, Russo G, Maurea N, Quagliariello V, Lestuzzi C, Oliva S, Di Fusco SA, Lucà F, Tarantini L, Trambaiolo P, Gulizia MM, Colivicchi F. ANMCO POSITION PAPER: cardio-oncology in the COVID era (CO and CO). Eur Heart J Suppl 2021; 23:C128-C153. [PMID: 34456641 PMCID: PMC8388610 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease have confirmed the particular vulnerability of these populations. Indeed, not only a higher risk of contracting the infection has been reported but also an increased occurrence of a more severe course and unfavourable outcome. Beyond the direct consequences of COVID-19 infection, the pandemic has an enormous impact on global health systems. Screening programmes and non-urgent tests have been postponed; clinical trials have suffered a setback. Similarly, in the area of cardiology care, a significant decline in STEMI accesses and an increase in cases of late presenting heart attacks with increased mortality and complication rates have been reported. Health care systems must therefore get ready to tackle the 'rebound effect' that will likely show a relative increase in the short- and medium-term incidence of diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and cardio- and cerebrovascular complications. Scientific societies are taking action to provide general guidance and recommendations aimed at mitigating the unfavourable outcomes of this pandemic emergency. Cardio-oncology, as an emerging discipline, is more flexible in modulating care pathways and represents a beacon of innovation in the development of multi-specialty patient management. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, cardio-oncology has rapidly modified its clinical care pathways and implemented flexible monitoring protocols that include targeted use of cardiac imaging, increased use of biomarkers, and telemedicine systems. The goal of these strategic adjustments is to minimize the risk of infection for providers and patients while maintaining standards of care for the treatment of oncologic and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this document is to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the management of cardio-oncologic patients with the-state-of-the-art knowledge about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in order to optimize medical strategies during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Bisceglia
- Integrated Cardiology Services, Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Cardiology Unit, Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Canale
- Cardiology Department, Nuovo Ospedale Versilia Lido Di Camaiore, LU, Italy
| | | | - Iris Parrini
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Mauriziano Umberto I, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Russo
- Cardiovascular and Sports Medicine Department, ASUGI Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Maurea
- Cardiology Department, Fondazione Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Lestuzzi
- Cardiology Department, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Stefano Oliva
- Cardio-Oncology Department, Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Angela Di Fusco
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri, ASL Roma 1, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabiana Lucà
- Cardiology Department, Grande Osp. Metropol-Bianchi Melacrino-Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarantini
- Cardiology Department, Presidio Ospedaliero. Santa Maria Nuova—AUSL RE IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- Cardiology Department, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione “Garibaldi”, Catania, Italy
- Fondazione per il Tuo cuore—Heart Care Foundation, Firenze, Italy
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri, ASL Roma 1, Roma, Italy
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Cheli S, Lam WWT, Estapé T, Winterling J, Bahcivan O, Andritsch E, Weis J, Centeno I, Serpentini S, Farkas C, Wengström Y, Fioretto L, Baider L, Lam CCL, Goldzweig G. Risk perception, treatment adherence, and personality during COVID-19 pandemic: An international study on cancer patients. Psychooncology 2021; 31:46-53. [PMID: 34314560 PMCID: PMC8420575 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the role of personality traits in moderating the relation between COVID‐19 risk perception and treatment adherence, and between risk perception and psychosocial distress in patients diagnosed with cancer. Methods An online survey (n = 1281) was conducted worldwide in seven countries (Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey). Inclusion criteria were to be 18 years of age or older, have received a cancer diagnosis, and be in treatment or follow‐up. A few moderated regression models were performed with both personality traits and Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology super‐spectra as moderators. Results Detachment, negative affectivity, psychoticism and all the super‐spectra significantly moderated the relation between coronavirus risk perception and psychosocial distress, after the adjusting effect of confidence in safeguards. Only negative affectivity moderated the association between coronavirus risk perception and treatment adherence. Conclusions Personality traits may foster the understanding of how a patient might adjust to cancer treatment and, more generically, to highly stressful events such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further research is needed to confirm the results in different cancer stages and types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cheli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Center for Psychology and Health, Tages Charity, Florence, Italy
| | - Wendy W T Lam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Jeanette Winterling
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ozan Bahcivan
- OZ Psychology Family Counselling Centre, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Joachim Weis
- Medical Faculty Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Clinic Centre, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Centeno
- Fundación Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
| | | | | | - Yvonne Wengström
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luisa Fioretto
- Dipartimento Oncologico, USL Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Lea Baider
- Assuta Medical Center, Oncology Institute, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Cherry C L Lam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gil Goldzweig
- The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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64
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Switzer B, Haanen J, Lorigan PC, Puzanov I, Turajlic S. Clinical and immunologic implications of COVID-19 in patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002835. [PMID: 34272309 PMCID: PMC8288220 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical and immunologic implications of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic for patients with cancer receiving systemic anticancer therapy have introduced a multitude of clinical challenges and academic controversies. This review summarizes the current evidence, discussion points, and recommendations regarding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with cancer during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with a focus on patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). More specifically, we summarize the theoretical concepts and available objective data regarding the relationships between ICIs and the antiviral immune response, along with recommended clinical approaches to the management of melanoma and RCC patient cohorts receiving ICIs throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional insights regarding the use of ICIs in the setting of current and upcoming COVID-19 vaccines and broader implications toward future pandemics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Switzer
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - John Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C Lorigan
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Samra Turajlic
- Renal and Skin Units, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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65
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The disruption to people's lives, including financial impacts, morbidity and loss of life caused by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic requires a dramatic transformation of cancer care delivery, including supportive care. This paper focuses on issues of supportive care in the context of the pandemic, and the extent to which these issues will impact supportive cancer care post-COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS Cancer care, including supportive care delivery, has had to be dramatically altered during the COVID-19 pandemic, including reallocation of human resources, repurposing of existing physical space, amplified use of telehealth and other remote patient monitoring technologies, changes to treatment and follow-up care patient schedules, among others. These changes have resulted in psychosocial sequelae for cancer patients (including anxiety, stress, loss of control), financial toxicity, and risk of disengagement from treatment and follow-up care. SUMMARY COVID-19 has seriously disrupted cancer treatment and supportive care for patients and survivors. This paper highlights implications for clinical practice during and post-COVID-19, including the durability of practice adaptations and opportunities for research into mechanisms to support supportive care post the pandemic, including the advancement of eHealth technologies and alternative models of care that integrate community resources, primary care and allied health disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick D Ashbury
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Alberta
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- VieCure, Denver, CO
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66
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Rossi AA, Marconi M, Taccini F, Verusio C, Mannarini S. From Fear to Hopelessness: The Buffering Effect of Patient-Centered Communication in a Sample of Oncological Patients during COVID-19. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11060087. [PMID: 34198572 PMCID: PMC8231896 DOI: 10.3390/bs11060087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 represents a threat both for the physical and psychological health of oncological patients experiencing heightened distress levels to which the fear of the virus is also added. Moreover, fear of COVID-19 could lead oncological patients to experience feelings of hopelessness related to their medical care. Patient-centered communication may act as a buffer against the aforementioned variables. This study aimed to test the role of doctor–patient communication in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hopelessness. Methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a sample of 90 oncological outpatients was recruited (40 males (44.4%) and 50 females (55.6%), mean age = 66.08 (SD = 12.12)). A structured interview was developed and used during the pandemic to measure the patients’ perceived (A) fear of COVID-19, and (B) feelings of hopelessness, and (C) physicians’ use of empathetic and (D) clear language during the consultation. A multiple mediation model was tested, and the effects between males and females were also compared. Results: Empathetic and clear doctor–patient communication buffered the adverse effect of the fear of COVID-19 on hopelessness through a full-mediation model. The effects did not differ between males and females in the overall model but its indirect effects. Discussions: Patient-centered communication using empathy and clear language can buffer the adverse effect of the fear of COVID-19 and protect oncological patients from hopelessness during the pandemic. These findings might help to improve clinical oncological practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Marconi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Presidio Ospedaliero di Saronno, ASST Valle Olona, 21047 Saronno, Italy; (M.M.); (C.V.)
| | - Federica Taccini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Verusio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Presidio Ospedaliero di Saronno, ASST Valle Olona, 21047 Saronno, Italy; (M.M.); (C.V.)
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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67
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Marconi E, Chiesa S, Dinapoli L, Lepre E, Tagliaferri L, Balducci M, Frascino V, Casà C, Chieffo DPR, Gambacorta MA, Valentini V. A radiotherapy staff experience of gratitude during COVID-19 pandemic. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2021; 18:32-34. [PMID: 33969234 PMCID: PMC8096377 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
• Medical staff from oncology units are at high risk of burnout during COVID-19 pandemic. • The sense of belonging to the group and the contacting emotions play a central role in reducing these risks. • Gratitude is related to well-involving people who practice and receive it. • During lockdown, we adopted gratitude-focused “inter-group contact” tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Marconi
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- UOS di Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Chiesa
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Loredana Dinapoli
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- UOS di Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Corresponding author at: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8 (RM) 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | | | - Luca Tagliaferri
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Mario Balducci
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Frascino
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Calogero Casà
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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68
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COVID-19 and the liver: What do we know so far? World J Hepatol 2021. [PMID: 34131467 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i5.522.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented pressure on public health and healthcare. The pandemic surge and resultant lockdown have affected the standard-of-care of many medical conditions and diseases. The initial uncertainty and fear of cross transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have changed the routine management of patients with pre-existing liver diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma, and patients either listed for or received a liver transplant. COVID-19 is best described as a multisystem disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, and it can cause acute liver injury or decompensation of the pre-existing liver disease. There has been considerable research on the pathophysiology, infection transmission, and treatment of COVID-19 in the last few months. The pathogenesis of liver involvement in COVID-19 includes viral cytotoxicity, the secondary effect of immune dysregulation, hypoxia resulting from respiratory failure, ischemic damage caused by vascular endotheliitis, congestion because of right heart failure, or drug-induced liver injury. Patients with chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and mortality. The phase III trials of recently approved vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 did not include enough patients with pre-existing liver diseases and excluded immunocompromised patients or those on immunomodulators. This article reviews the currently published research on the effect of COVID-19 on the liver and the management of patients with pre-existing liver disease, including SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
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69
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Nasa P, Alexander G. COVID-19 and the liver: What do we know so far? World J Hepatol 2021; 13:522-532. [PMID: 34131467 PMCID: PMC8173343 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i5.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented pressure on public health and healthcare. The pandemic surge and resultant lockdown have affected the standard-of-care of many medical conditions and diseases. The initial uncertainty and fear of cross transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have changed the routine management of patients with pre-existing liver diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma, and patients either listed for or received a liver transplant. COVID-19 is best described as a multisystem disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, and it can cause acute liver injury or decompensation of the pre-existing liver disease. There has been considerable research on the pathophysiology, infection transmission, and treatment of COVID-19 in the last few months. The pathogenesis of liver involvement in COVID-19 includes viral cytotoxicity, the secondary effect of immune dysregulation, hypoxia resulting from respiratory failure, ischemic damage caused by vascular endotheliitis, congestion because of right heart failure, or drug-induced liver injury. Patients with chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and mortality. The phase III trials of recently approved vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 did not include enough patients with pre-existing liver diseases and excluded immunocompromised patients or those on immunomodulators. This article reviews the currently published research on the effect of COVID-19 on the liver and the management of patients with pre-existing liver disease, including SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Nasa
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai 7832, United Arab Emirates
| | - George Alexander
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, Dubai 0000, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mediclinic Deira, Dubai 0000, United Arab Emirates
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70
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Mukherjee A, Chatterjee M, Chattopadhyay S, Bhowmick C, Basu A, Bhattacharjee S, Ghose S, Datta SS. Psycho-oncology service provisions for hospitalised cancer patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in an oncology centre in eastern India. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1226. [PMID: 34158830 PMCID: PMC8183654 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addressing the mental health needs of cancer patients and their caregivers improves the quality of care the patient receives in any cancer care ecosystem. International practice currently encourages integrated care for physical and mental health in oncology. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the delivery of healthcare services across the world. The current research paper is on the psycho-oncology service provision for hospitalised cancer patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS All patients who were referred to psycho-oncology services during the study period of 1 month, in the two successive years of 2019 and 2020, were included in the study. Retrospective data were collected from the centralised electronic medical records for patients. Data included cancer diagnosis, reason for admission, admitting team and reason for a psychiatric referral. Other parameters that were measured were the timing of the psychiatric assessment, psychiatric diagnosis and psycho-oncology care provided, which included psychological interventions carried out and medications prescribed. The overall institutional data on cancer care provision are also presented in brief to provide context to the psycho-oncology services. RESULTS Integrated psycho-oncology services reviewed and managed patients round the year in the hospital where the study was conducted. During the 1-month study period, in 2019 and 2020, the total number of hospitalised cancer patients managed by the services was 74 and 52, respectively. During the study period of 2020, 292 patients with cancer who were being treated in the hospital had tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tested on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 50 members of healthcare staff also tested positive. The most common diagnosis of patients was found to be stress-related adjustment disorder [16/74 (21.6%) in 2019 and 16/52 (30.8%) in 2020]. The paper discusses the common stressors voiced by the patients and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several challenges of providing psychological services were overcome by the team and the paper touches upon the common strategies that were used during the pandemic. Most patients did not need medications, but a significant minority did benefit from treatment with psychotropic medications. Simple psychological interventions such as sleep hygiene, supportive therapy sessions and psycho-education benefited many patients and were feasible even during the pandemic. CONCLUSION The provision of psycho-oncology services to cancer patients and their caregivers was important before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Watch a video which illustrates the psycho-oncology service provisions in an oncology centre in Eastern India during the COVID-19 pandemic here: https://ecancer.org/en/video/9707-psycho-oncology-service-provisions-for-hospitalised-cancer-patients-before-and-during-the-covid19-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Palliative Care & Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6325-7116
| | - Meheli Chatterjee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6964-0282
| | - Shreshta Chattopadhyay
- Department of Palliative Care & Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4363-0910
| | - Chitralekha Bhowmick
- Department of Palliative Care & Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6325-7116
| | - Archisman Basu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9958-3709
| | - Surya Bhattacharjee
- Department of Quality Assurance, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
| | - Soumita Ghose
- Department of Medical Administration, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0084-1283
| | - Soumitra Shankar Datta
- Department of Palliative Care & Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160, India
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1674-5093
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Rajasekaran RB, Ashford RU, Cosker TDA, Stevenson JD, Jeys L, Pollock R, Rankin KS, Cool P, Patton JT, Whitwell D, Gibbons CLMH, Carr A. What Proportion of Patients with Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Contracted Coronavirus-19 and Died From Surgical Procedures During the Initial Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Results From the Multicenter British Orthopaedic Oncology Society Observational Study. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2021; 479:1158-1166. [PMID: 33196585 PMCID: PMC8051862 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delivering uninterrupted cancer treatment to patients with musculoskeletal tumors has been essential during the rapidly evolving coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as delays in management can be detrimental. Currently, the risk of contracting COVID-19 in hospitals when admitted for surgery and the susceptibility due to adjuvant therapies and associated mortality due to COVID-19 is unknown, but knowledge of these potential risks would help treating clinicians provide appropriate cancer care. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) What is the risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19 in patients with musculoskeletal tumors admitted for surgery during the initial period of the pandemic? (2) What is the associated mortality in patients with musculoskeletal tumors who have contracted COVID-19? (3) Are patients with musculoskeletal tumors who have had neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy or radiation) preoperatively at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19? (4) Is a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade in patients with musculoskeletal tumors associated with an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 when admitted to the hospital for surgery? METHODS This retrospective, observational study analyzed patients with musculoskeletal tumors who underwent surgery in one of eight specialist centers in the United Kingdom, which included the five designated cancer centers in England, one specialist soft tissue sarcoma center, and two centers from Scotland between March 12, 2020 and May 20, 2020. A total of 347 patients were included, with a median (range) age of 53 years (10 to 94); 60% (207 of 347) were men, and the median ASA grade was II (I to IV). These patients had a median hospital stay of 8 days (0 to 53). Eighteen percent (61 of 347) of patients had received neoadjuvant therapy (8% [27] chemotherapy, 8% [28] radiation, 2% [6] chemotherapy and radiation) preoperatively. The decision to undergo surgery was made in adherence with United Kingdom National Health Service and national orthopaedic oncology guidelines, but specific data with regard to the number of patients within each category are not known. Fifty-nine percent (204 of 347) were negative in PCR testing done 48 hours before the surgical procedure; the remaining 41% (143 of 347) were treated before preoperative PCR testing was made mandatory, but these patients were asymptomatic. All patients were followed for 30 days postoperatively, and none were lost to follow-up during that period. The primary outcome of the study was contracting COVID-19 in the hospital after admission. The secondary outcome was associated mortality after contracting COVID-19 within 30 days of the surgical procedure. In addition, we assessed whether there is any association between ASA grade or neoadjuvant treatment and the chances of contracting COVID-19 in the hospital. Electronic patient record system and simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze both outcomes. RESULTS Four percent (12 of 347) of patients contracted COVID-19 in the hospital, and 1% (4 of 347) of patients died because of COVID-19-related complications. Patients with musculoskeletal tumors who contracted COVID-19 had increased mortality compared with patients who were asymptomatic or tested negative (odds ratio 55.33 [95% CI 10.60 to 289.01]; p < 0.001).With the numbers we had, we could not show that adjuvant therapy had any association with contracting COVID-19 while in the hospital (OR 0.94 [95% CI 0.20 to 4.38]; p = 0.93). Increased ASA grade was associated with an increased likelihood of contracting COVID-19 (OR 58 [95% CI 5 to 626]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our results show that surgeons must be mindful and inform patients that those with musculoskeletal tumors are at risk of contracting COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital and some may succumb to it. Hospital administrators and governmental agencies should be aware that operations on patients with lower ASA grade appear to have lower risk and should consider restructuring service delivery to ensure that procedures are performed in designated COVID-19-restricted sites. These measures may reduce the likelihood of patients contracting the virus in the hospital, although we cannot confirm a benefit from this study. Future studies should seek to identify factors influencing these outcomes and also compare surgical complications in those patients with and without COVID-19. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic study.
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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the oncologic care continuum: urgent need to restore patients care to pre-COVID-19 era. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2021. [PMCID: PMC8060543 DOI: 10.1017/s1460396921000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death, and it is estimated that over 18·1 million new cases are diagnosed annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted almost every aspect of the provision and management of cancer care worldwide. The time-critical nature of COVID-19 diagnosis and the large number of patients requiring hospitalisation necessitated the rerouting of already limited resources available for cancer services and programmes to the care of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the stringent social distancing, restricted in-hospital visits and lockdown measures instituted by various governments resulted in the disruption of the oncologic continuum including screening, diagnostic and prevention programmes, treatments and follow-up services as well as research and clinical trial programmes.
Materials and Methods:
We searched several databases from October 2020 to January 2021 for relevant studies published in English between 2020 and 2021 and reporting on the impact of COVID-19 on the cancer care continuum. This narrative review paper describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cancer patient care continuum from screening and prevention to treatments and ongoing management of patients.
Conclusions:
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted cancer care and the management of cancer services and patients. Nevertheless, the oncology healthcare communities worldwide have done phenomenal work with joint and collaborative efforts, utilising best available evidence-based guidelines to continue to give safe and effective treatments for cancer patients while maintaining the safety of patients, healthcare professionals and the general population. Nevertheless, several healthcare centres are now faced with significant challenges with the management of the backlog of screening, diagnosis and treatment cases. It is imperative that governments, leaders of healthcare centres and healthcare professionals take all necessary actions and policies focused on minimising further system-level delays to cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment initiation and clearing of all backlogs cases from the COVID-19 pandemic in order to mitigate the negative impact on cancer outcomes.
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Kaiser FK, Wiens M, Schultmann F. Use of digital healthcare solutions for care delivery during a pandemic-chances and (cyber) risks referring to the example of the COVID-19 pandemic. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 11:1125-1137. [PMID: 33875933 PMCID: PMC8046498 DOI: 10.1007/s12553-021-00541-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During pandemics, regular service provisioning processes in medical care may be disrupted. Digital health promises many opportunities for service provisioning during a pandemic. However, a broad penetration of medical processes with information technology also has drawbacks. Within this work, the authors use the COVID-19 pandemic to analyze the chances and the risks that may come with using digital health solutions for medical care during a pandemic. Therefore, a multi-methods approach is used. First we use a systematic literature review for reviewing the state of the art of digital health applications in healthcare. Furthermore, the usage of digital health applications is mapped to the different processes in care delivery. Here we provide an exemplary process model of oncological care delivery. The analysis shows that including digital health solutions may be helpful for care delivery in most processes of medical care provisioning. However, research on digital health solutions focuses strongly on some few processes and specific disciplines while other processes and medical disciplines are underrepresented in literature. Last, we highlight the necessity of a comprehensive risk-related debate around the effects that come with the use of digital healthcare solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Klaus Kaiser
- Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Marcus Wiens
- Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Frank Schultmann
- Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Bandinelli L, Ornell F, von Diemen L, Kessler FHP. The Sum of Fears in Cancer Patients Inside the Context of the COVID-19. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:557834. [PMID: 33897477 PMCID: PMC8058213 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.557834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic resulting from COVID-19 has led to the collapse of the health system in dozens of countries. Parallel to clinical risk, the appearance or intensification of psychiatric symptoms has also been documented. The identification of groups at risk is essential for the establishment of preventive and therapeutic strategies. Cancer patients appear to be especially vulnerable both from a clinical and psychiatric perspective. Problems related to contamination and the cancer treatments themselves are intertwined, causing a sum of patients' fears to arise, which can cause mental effects. This study aims to review and investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of cancer patients and indicate possible support strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Bandinelli
- Postgraduate Program in Psychology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Ornell
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research and Collaborating Center on Alcohol and Drugs, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lisia von Diemen
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research and Collaborating Center on Alcohol and Drugs, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Queen's University Department of Psychiatry, Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Felix Henrique Paim Kessler
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research and Collaborating Center on Alcohol and Drugs, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced endocrinologists to utilize telemedicine to care for their patients. There is limited information on the experience of endocrinologists in managing patients with thyroid cancer virtually. We sent a 9-item questionnaire to endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons at our institution to better understand the barriers and benefits of caring for patients with thyroid cancer via telemedicine, as well as how we can incorporate telemedicine into our future care of patients with this malignancy. Among the 9 physicians who responded, the majority listed technological issues with the virtual platform as a challenge in caring for patients with thyroid cancer remotely. Additional barriers included difficulty in expressing empathy, decreased ability to coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team, and lack of the physical examination. Benefits included compliance with social distancing measures and convenience for patients with American Thyroid Association (ATA) low-risk thyroid cancer who presented for follow-up visits. Overall, physicians were satisfied or strongly satisfied with caring for patients with thyroid cancer remotely, especially low-risk patients on long-term follow-up. That said, they recommend that some patients be seen in person after the pandemic, including symptomatic patients and ATA high-risk patients. While the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed endocrinologists to manage patients with thyroid cancer remotely, the providers have faced challenges, some of which can be improved upon. Further studies will help determine how telemedicine affects patient outcomes, including satisfaction, disease progression, and survival, which will inform how we may incorporate this practice into our future care of patients with thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumedha V Chablani
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mona M Sabra
- Endocrinology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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76
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Belloni S, Arrigoni C, Dellafiore F, Biagioli V, Piredda A, Caruso R. Symptom-Level Description of Nursing Perceptions About Unwarranted Clinical Variation, Inequality in Access to Cancer Services, Specific-Symptom Knowledge: An Italian Web-Based Survey. Semin Oncol Nurs 2021; 37:151138. [PMID: 33814244 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2021.151138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the cancer nurses' views regarding the relevance of cancer symptom-specific knowledge, unwarranted clinical variation, and inequities in access to cancer services. Describing how nurses perceive these aspects could help identify research priorities and a practical framework to prioritize clinical practice guidelines. DATA SOURCES A web-based survey was performed using a convenience sample of 810 nurses employed in cancer settings and cross-sectional data collection. The survey adopted a previously validated questionnaire investigating 14 symptoms. CONCLUSION This study revealed which cancer symptoms require priority attention to define evidence-grounded guidance for decreasing unwarranted clinical variation and inequities in access to cancer services. Future multiprofessional and multinational studies are recommended to provide an in-depth description of the investigated phenomena. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Participants reported higher mean scores in pain-specific knowledge than other symptoms. Social functioning alterations and psychological disorders seem to be highly susceptible to unwarranted clinical variation and inequities in access to cancer services. This information could drive tailored interventions to improve nursing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Belloni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Arrigoni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Hygiene, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Dellafiore
- Health Professions Research and Development Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Piredda
- Italian Association of Cancer Nurses, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosario Caruso
- Health Professions Research and Development Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy.
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Psychological distress among cancer survivors during implementation of a nationwide Movement Control Order over the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:6087-6097. [PMID: 33796935 PMCID: PMC8016501 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress and its associated factors among cancer survivors in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An anonymous Internet-based study was conducted between 23 April and 26 June 2020. During the study period, the country underwent phase 3 and phase 4 of the Movement Control Order (MCO), Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), and Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). Psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which is a 14-item self-assessment scale for measuring distress (total HADS score; HADS-T) with two subscales, namely, anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). Perceived threat of infection was measured based on the health belief model. Results From a total of 631 responses received, the proportion of participants with anxiety and depression symptoms (above threshold score of 8 on HADS-A and HADS-D) was 29.0 and 20.9%, respectively. Psychological distress (HADS-T > 16) was reported in 22.3% of the respondents. A total of 16.5% had combined anxiety and depression symptoms. The highest HADS-A (6.10; 95% CI 5.64–6.56), HADS-D (5.61; 95% CI 5.14–6.08), and HADS-T (11.71; 95% CI 10.84–12.58) scores were reported among respondents during phase 4 of the MCO. Partial least square-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) revealed that self-perceived health status, perceived susceptibility, and severity of COVID-19 have the greatest effect, leading to higher HADS-A, HADS-D, and HADS-T scores. Conclusion Heightened psychological distress was evident in cancer survivors particularly during the enforcement of the MCO over COVID-19. Providing support to address cancer survivors’ psychological and emotional needs during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential.
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78
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Myers Virtue S, Howrey HL, Duffy NM, Wallace M. Shifting psychosocial oncology care to telepsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychosoc Oncol 2021; 39:416-427. [PMID: 33792503 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2021.1894526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) rapidly shifted psychosocial services to telepsychology, including psychosocial oncology (PSO) practices. PSO providers work with patients undergoing treatment, experiencing treatment delays and/or immuno-suppression in the context of a global pandemic. There is evidence to support the acceptability of telepsychology among cancer patients and an emerging need for data to inform the design and provision of telepsychology PSO care during the pandemic and beyond. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This study examined engagement in telepsychology PSO care at an outpatient community cancer center. METHODS The current study analyzed practice data from a PSO department from March 2020 through September 2020. The sample included 354 patients (91 established; 263 newly referred). Descriptive, correlational, and comparative analyses were conducted. RESULTS Among established patients, 93% continued with telepsychology PSO care after the pandemic and 94% completed at least one telepsychology appointment. Among newly referred patients, 50.6% scheduled a telepsychology appointment, consistent with the scheduling rate for the proceeding calendar year (50%). Across patients scheduling telepsychology PSO appointments (N = 194), 68 initially engaged in phone-based services with 20 converting to video, for a total of 127 (76.5%) patients utilizing video-based PSO services. Common reasons for phone-based services included 'patient preference' (N = 14), 'lack of access' (N = 9), and 'technology barriers' (N = 8). During this timeframe, 18% had at least one no-show, which is significantly less than the preceding year (23%). Phone-based patients were significantly older (p =.007). A greater proportion of males engaged in phone-based services compared to females (p = .006). CONCLUSIONS Telepsychology PSO engages new and existing patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. There may be an increased demand for services and increased utilization in the context of the pandemic and the availability of telepsychology. There are disparities and access issues that should be considered and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Myers Virtue
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, ChristianaCare, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Hillary L Howrey
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, ChristianaCare, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Nicole M Duffy
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, ChristianaCare, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Meaghan Wallace
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, ChristianaCare, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Department of Biology, Boston College, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
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79
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Bigelow SM, Hart E, Shaban T, Rao P, Khan AA, Baskaron M, Baker P, Schwartz TA, Mayer DK. A new proactive virtual resource center navigation model identifies patient risk factors to reduce barriers to cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:6069-6077. [PMID: 33788005 PMCID: PMC8009761 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated cancer treatment disparities, including accessibility to resources. We describe the process and outcomes of a new proactive, virtual nurse-led, resource center navigation model enhanced by using volunteer patient navigators. Using known patient risk factors, this model provides interventions to reduce barriers to care, with an emphasis on non-English-speaking populations. Methods Patients were included if they (1) were in active cancer treatment and (2) had one or more known risk factors: distance from cancer hospital, needing complex care, 65 years or older, malignant hematological diagnosis, new treatment start, lives alone, non-English speaker, or a new hospital discharge. Nurse navigators triaged referrals to appropriate team members who identified and addressed barriers to care. Results The program engaged with 586 adult cancer patients over 1459 encounters. The most common risk factors included distance (59.7%), complex care (48.8%), and new treatment start (43.5%). The most common interventions were core education (69.4%), emotional support (61.2%), and education (35.7%). Statistical differences were found between Spanish-speaking (n = 118) and non-Spanish-speaking patients (n = 468). While Spanish-speaking patients had fewer risk factors (1.95 vs. 2.80, p ≤ .0001), they had nearly double the number of visits (4.27 vs. 2.04, p ≤ .0001) and 69% more interventions (8.26 vs. 4.90, p ≤ .0001). Many patients (42.7%) required follow-up visits. Conclusion We successfully established a new navigation model for the resource center during the pandemic that identified and reduced barriers to care, particularly in the Spanish-speaking population. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-021-06147-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M Bigelow
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Hart
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tina Shaban
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Preeyanka Rao
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ali Ahmad Khan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marianne Baskaron
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Pamela Baker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Todd A Schwartz
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deborah K Mayer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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80
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Hulbert-Williams NJ, Leslie M, Hulbert-Williams L, Smith E, Howells L, Pinato DJ. Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on supportive care needs, psychological distress and quality of life in UK cancer survivors and their support network. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2021; 30:e13442. [PMID: 33764611 PMCID: PMC8250124 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The COVID‐19 pandemic is having considerable impact on cancer care, including restricted access to hospital‐based care, treatment and psychosocial support. We investigated the impact on unmet needs and psychosocial well‐being. Methods One hundred and forty four participants (77% female), including people with cancer and their support networks, were recruited. The most prevalent diagnosis was breast cancer. Forty‐one participants recruited pre‐pandemic were compared with 103 participants recruited during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We measured participants' unmet supportive care needs, psychological distress and quality of life. Results Half of our patient respondents reported unexpected changes to treatment following pandemic onset, with widespread confusion about their longer‐term consequences. Although overall need levels have not increased, specific needs have changed in prominence. People with cancer reported significantly reduced anxiety (p = 0.049) and improved quality of life (p = 0.032) following pandemic onset, but support network participants reported reduced quality of life (p = 0.009), and non‐significantly elevated anxiety, stress and depression. Conclusion Psychological well‐being of people with cancer has not been detrimentally affected by pandemic onset. Reliance on home‐based support to compensate for the lost availability of structured healthcare pathways may, however, explain significant and detrimental effects on the well‐being and quality of life of people in their support and informal care networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Leslie
- Centre for Contextual Behavioural Science, School of Psychology, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Lee Hulbert-Williams
- Centre for Contextual Behavioural Science, School of Psychology, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Eilidh Smith
- Centre for Contextual Behavioural Science, School of Psychology, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | | | - David J Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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Costantini A, Mazzotti E, Serpentini S, Piattelli A, Scarponi D, De Benedetta G, Bellani M. COVID-19 pandemic distress among a sample of Italian psycho-oncologists: risk of isolation and loneliness. TUMORI JOURNAL 2021; 108:77-85. [PMID: 33588706 PMCID: PMC7890420 DOI: 10.1177/0300891621992129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To measure the prevalence and characteristics of distress and hope for the future among psycho-oncologists, who faced the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency along with other healthcare workers. Methods: A web-based study was conducted among members of the Italian Society of Psycho-Oncology between May 29 and June 5, 2020. Results: A total of 237 members, aged 28–72 years, completed the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R), and HOPE questionnaires; 86.92% were female, 58.65% worked in hospitals, 21.10% were exposed to COVID-19, 11.39% experienced peritraumatic distress, and 3.38% had posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Peritraumatic distress was associated with living alone (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–8.13), using sleep remedies (AOR 3.79; 95% CI 1.41–10.21), and the perception of being avoided by family or friends because of work (AOR 2.69; 95% CI 1.02–7.11); high HOPE-Agency scores were associated with the absence of peritraumatic stress (AOR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16–0.96) after adjustment for age and sex. Conclusions: Psycho-oncologists showed greater resilience than other healthcare workers as they are trained to help others, but also to review their own values and behavior in light of stressful events. Of interest is the association between peritraumatic distress and social isolation, real or perceived. Healthcare institutions should pay attention to the mental well-being of their employees by promoting distress screening using simple tools such as the CPDI and implementing support interventions. Psycho-oncology associations should introduce policies aimed at developing a sense of social connectedness by providing an interactive system of orientation and scientific reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Costantini
- Psycho-Oncology Departmental Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Mazzotti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Samantha Serpentini
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS Comprehensive Cancer Center, Padua, Italy
| | - Angela Piattelli
- UOC Oncologia-Dipartimento Oncoematologico, Azienda Ospedaliera Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Dorella Scarponi
- Paediatric Unit, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marco Bellani
- Psycho-oncology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Metawea MI, Yousif WI, Moheb I. COVID 19 and liver: An A-Z literature review. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:146-152. [PMID: 32988758 PMCID: PMC7494329 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the priorities of the whole medical society. During the clinical course of COVID-19, it has been observed that hepatic injury occurs in a significant proportion of patients, particularly in those with severe or critical illness. In this literature review, we summarize the most recent studies, which covered the pathophysiology of COVID-19 induced liver injury including; hepatic pathological findings, therapy related liver damage, and the effects of the viral infection on pre-existing liver diseasesin context of the most recent recommendations. Conclusions: This review sheds light on the impact of COVID-19 infection on the liver, as well as the prognostic effect of liver laboratory markers on disease outcome. Temporal variations in liver parameters during disease course as well as different patterns of derangement are depicted. More intensive surveillance and individualized therapeutic approaches should be tailored for immunocompromised patients with advanced liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplant patients. Despite the limited studies on COVID-19 infected patients with preexisting liver disease, this comprehensive overview provides a perspective on the management of liver disease during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Islam Moheb
- MD. Hepatology department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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83
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Tsamakis K, Tsiptsios D, Ouranidis A, Mueller C, Schizas D, Terniotis C, Nikolakakis N, Tyros G, Kympouropoulos S, Lazaris A, Spandidos DA, Smyrnis N, Rizos E. COVID-19 and its consequences on mental health (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:244. [PMID: 33603852 PMCID: PMC7851613 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As one year is approaching since the beginning of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is important to acknowledge the detrimental effect that it is having on mental health at the individual, societal and public health levels. The current review presents the direct and indirect psychological impact of COVID-19 on the general public, as well as on vulnerable groups, including the elderly, the young, healthcare professionals, people with pre-existing mental health issues, those infected by COVID-19, homeless people and refugees. Important findings are discussed in the present review, including the social stigma in older people associated with portraying COVID-19 as the disease of the elderly, and the limited psychological impact of COVID-19 in the severely mentally ill, alongside the response of the mental healthcare systems globally to this unparalleled public health crisis. The important lessons to be learnt so far can help formulate individual mental health recommendations, as well as improved intervention and prevention public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tsamakis
- Second Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland SR4 7TP, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Ouranidis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Christoph Mueller
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Christos Terniotis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Hospital of Agrinio, Agrinio 30100, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikolakakis
- Second Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Georgios Tyros
- Department of Dermatology, Syggros Hospital, Athens 16121, Greece
| | - Stylianos Kympouropoulos
- Second Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Andreas Lazaris
- Department of Vascular Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Smyrnis
- Second Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Rizos
- Second Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
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84
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Nnaji CA, Moodley J. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnosis, treatment and research in African health systems: a review of current evidence and contextual perspectives. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1170. [PMID: 33680084 PMCID: PMC7929764 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has immensely disrupted health care services globally. The pandemic has been particularly disruptive for cancer services and more so in low-resource settings. In this narrative review, we highlight the reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and research across the African continent. We also explore ways in which identified structural and contextual constraints can be navigated for the re-escalation of oncological activities, while discussing how the pandemic has necessitated the reimagination of how oncology services can be delivered now and in the future. We conducted a literature search of MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Scopus for relevant articles and synthesised the findings thematically. In spite of the dearth of data, available evidence suggests a substantial impact of the pandemic on the various aspects of cancer management in African countries. Aggravating factors include pre-existing health system and cancer management gaps in many countries within the region, which are typically faced with inadequate availability of oncology resources, oncologists and other vital resources; in addition to the acute and lingering consequences of social distancing, movement restrictions and other public health measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus. As the pandemic evolves and movement restrictions are eased, there is a need for the timely and safe return to normal oncological care. This will require a risk-adjusted and multidisciplinary approach, with the aim of mitigating the further impact of the disruption on cancer patients, their families and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwudi A Nnaji
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town; Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.,Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town; Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.,Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.,SAMRC Gynaecology Cancer Research Centre, University of Cape Town, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
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85
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Long Term Respiratory Follow-Up for COVID-19 Patients a Multicenter Study. CURRENT HEALTH SCIENCES JOURNAL 2021; 47:507-515. [PMID: 35444815 PMCID: PMC8987475 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.47.04.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic initiated officially in October 2020. Since then several observations have been made regarding the disease and its symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS We included eighty seven in our observational study. Our main aim was to investigate their long term respiratory follow-up in correlation with their initial radiological and laboratory findings and values. The nose swab PCR test for COVID-19 was used for diagnosis. Patients were monitored at 3 and 6 months after their hospital reception whereas basic parameters of health condition (smoking, PO2, SPO2, WBC, CXR, CRP, intercurrent findings, days of nursing, colchicine administration) in joint with gender and age were recorded. RESULTS Males seem more susceptible to the viral disease than females in a ratio 1,8:1. The parameters FEV1 and FVC (as % relative changes) were not affected, apart from the DLCO to which CRP (in loge+1 transformation) and SPO2 showed a statistically significant effect. CONCLUSION None of these patients were intubated, or admitted to the intensive care unit. The respiratory function is affected by the virus and the effect is reversed within the first three months. Males are more affected and the radiological and laboratory findings are associated with the respiratory functions.
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86
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Luther E, Burks J, Eichberg DG, Basil G, Berry K, Lu V, Shah A, Kaur G, Ivan M, Komotar R. Neuro-oncology practice guidelines from a high-volume surgeon at the COVID-19 epicenter. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 85:1-5. [PMID: 33581778 PMCID: PMC7834482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, physicians have begun adapting their daily practices to prevent transmissions. In this study we aimed to provide surgical neuro-oncologists with practice guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic based on objective data from a high-volume brain tumor surgeon at the current COVID-19 epicenter. METHODS All outpatient visits and surgeries performed by the senior author during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared between the initial quarantine (3/23/20-5/4/20), the plateau period following quarantine (5/5/20-6/27/20), and the second peak (6/28/20-7/20/20). In-person and telemedicine visits were evaluated for crossovers. Surgeries were subdivided based on lesion type and evaluated across the same time period. RESULTS From 3/23/20-7/20/20, 469 clinic visits and 196 surgeries were identified. After quarantine was lifted, face-to-face visits increased (P < 0.01) yet no change in telehealth visits occurred. Of 327 telehealth visits, only 5.8% converted to in-person during the 4-month period with the most cited reason being patient preference (68.4%). Of the 196 surgeries performed during the pandemic, 29.1% occurred during quarantine, 49.0% during the plateau, and 21.9% occurred in the second peak. No COVID negative patients developed symptoms at follow-up. 55.6% were performed on malignant tumors and 31.6% were benign with no difference in case volumes throughout the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Despite exceptional challenges, we have maintained a high-volume surgical neuro-oncology practice at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. We provide the protocols implemented at our institution in order to maximize neuro-oncology care while mitigating risk of COVID-19 exposure to both patients and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Luther
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Joshua Burks
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel G Eichberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gregory Basil
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Katherine Berry
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Victor Lu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ashish Shah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael Ivan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ricardo Komotar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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87
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Haug N, Geyrhofer L, Londei A, Dervic E, Desvars-Larrive A, Loreto V, Pinior B, Thurner S, Klimek P. Ranking the effectiveness of worldwide COVID-19 government interventions. Nat Hum Behav 2020. [PMID: 33199859 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.06.20147199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is critical to inform future preparedness response plans. Here we quantify the impact of 6,068 hierarchically coded NPIs implemented in 79 territories on the effective reproduction number, Rt, of COVID-19. We propose a modelling approach that combines four computational techniques merging statistical, inference and artificial intelligence tools. We validate our findings with two external datasets recording 42,151 additional NPIs from 226 countries. Our results indicate that a suitable combination of NPIs is necessary to curb the spread of the virus. Less disruptive and costly NPIs can be as effective as more intrusive, drastic, ones (for example, a national lockdown). Using country-specific 'what-if' scenarios, we assess how the effectiveness of NPIs depends on the local context such as timing of their adoption, opening the way for forecasting the effectiveness of future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Haug
- Medical University of Vienna, Section for Science of Complex Systems, CeMSIIS, Vienna, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Elma Dervic
- Medical University of Vienna, Section for Science of Complex Systems, CeMSIIS, Vienna, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vittorio Loreto
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Paris, France
- Physics Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Beate Pinior
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Thurner
- Medical University of Vienna, Section for Science of Complex Systems, CeMSIIS, Vienna, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
| | - Peter Klimek
- Medical University of Vienna, Section for Science of Complex Systems, CeMSIIS, Vienna, Austria.
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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88
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Haug N, Geyrhofer L, Londei A, Dervic E, Desvars-Larrive A, Loreto V, Pinior B, Thurner S, Klimek P. Ranking the effectiveness of worldwide COVID-19 government interventions. Nat Hum Behav 2020; 4:1303-1312. [DOI: 10.1038/s41562-020-01009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 655] [Impact Index Per Article: 163.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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89
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Serlachius A, Badawy SM, Thabrew H. Psychosocial Challenges and Opportunities for Youth With Chronic Health Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2020; 3:e23057. [PMID: 33001834 PMCID: PMC7553787 DOI: 10.2196/23057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
School closures, altered access to health services, and economic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic have likely had an impact on the mental and physical well-being of youth worldwide, particularly among those with chronic health conditions (CHCs). A number of challenges and opportunities have emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic for youth with CHCs. Challenges include heightened anxiety, disrupted routines, academic and social stresses associated with school closure, increased risk of domestic violence and abuse, and reduced access to physical and psychosocial support. On the other hand, opportunities include reduced academic and social stress, increased time with families, reduced access to substances, easier access to health care using technology, and opportunities to build resilience. This viewpoint paper highlights both challenges and opportunities for youth with CHCs during the pandemic and offers recommendations for further research and clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Serlachius
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sherif M Badawy
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hiran Thabrew
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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90
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Antikchi MH, Neamatzadeh H, Ghelmani Y, Jafari-Nedooshan J, Dastgheib SA, Kargar S, Noorishadkam M, Bahrami R, Jarahzadeh MH. The Risk and Prevalence of COVID-19 Infection in Colorectal Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 52:73-79. [PMID: 32997314 PMCID: PMC7524641 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00528-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with cancer might be at an increased risk of infection with COVID-19 and a more severe disease course. However, different tumor types have differing susceptibility to the infection and COVID-19 phenotypes. Thus, the risk and prevalence of COVID-19 is not uniform across the different tumor types. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the risk and prevalence of COVID-19 infection in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed up to July 25, 2020, thorough PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, CNKI, CBM, China Science, Wan Fang, and SciELO databases. The risk of COVID-19 infection in CRC patients was performed based on the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results A total of six studies with 204 different cancer patients with COVID-19 and 92 CRC infected patients with COVID-19 were selected. Our results showed that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in CRC patients was 45.1% in the global population. The pooled data showed that there is no a significant risk of infection with COVID-19 in CRC patients in the global population (OR = 0.261, 95% CI 0.099–0.533, p = 0.082). However, when subgroup analysis was performed based on country of origin, we found a significant correlation in Chinese CRC patients (OR = 0.221, 95% CI 0.146–0.319, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions This study results revealed that Chinese CRC patients harbored a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. However, more multicenter, larger sample sizes and high-quality studies are required to verify this meta-analysis result.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Neamatzadeh
- Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Yaser Ghelmani
- Clinical Research Development Center of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Jamal Jafari-Nedooshan
- Department of General Surgery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Seyed Alireza Dastgheib
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shadi Kargar
- Department of General Surgery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahmood Noorishadkam
- Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Reza Bahrami
- Neonatal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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91
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Wang B, Huang Y. Immunotherapy or other anti-cancer treatments and risk of exacerbation and mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1824646. [PMID: 33294299 PMCID: PMC7710316 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1824646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study was designed to investigate whether COVID-19 patients with recently received immunotherapy or other anti-cancer treatments had more severe symptoms and higher mortality. Methods A literature search was performed using the electronic platforms to obtain relevant research studies published up to June 28, 2020. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of research endpoints in each study were calculated and merged. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata 12.0 (Stata Corp LP, College Station, TX). Results A total of 17 studies comprising 3581 cancer patients with COVID-19 were included in this meta-analysis. SARS-CoV-2-infected cancer patients who recently received anti-cancer treatment did not observe a higher risk of exacerbation and mortality (All p-value >0.05). We also found that surgery, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy were not associated with increased risk of exacerbation and mortality (All p-value >0.05). Chemotherapy within 28 d increased the risk of death events (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.10-1.91, P = .008, p-value = 0.015 for test of interaction), and immunotherapy within 90 d increased the risk of exacerbation (OR 2.53,95%1.30-4.91, P = .006, p-value = 0.170 for test of interaction). Conclusion Cancer patients recently under anti-cancer treatment before diagnosed with COVID-19, including surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, were not associated with increased risk of exacerbation and mortality. Chemotherapy within 28 d increased the risk of mortality, and chemotherapy was not associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19. The role of anti-cancer therapy in cancer patients with COVID-19 still needs further exploration, especially chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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92
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Tsamakis K, Dimitrakakis G, Stefanadi E, Tsiptsios D, A. Dimitrakaki I, Mueller C, A. Spandidos D, Stefanadis C, Rizos E. [Comment] The challenges of planetary mental health in the COVID-19 era. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:1843-1844. [PMID: 32782492 PMCID: PMC7401303 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As the focus of the COVID-19 crisis is gradually taken away from emergency healthcare needs, increased attention is warranted on the psychological impact of the pandemic on a global level. Existing guidance on managing the COVID-19 related distress needs to be better informed by upcoming larger-scale research. Applying e-Health can be useful in dealing with the immediate psychological needs, while developing strategies to identify vulnerable populations and shifting the provision of mental health and social care to community services need to be prioritised when looking at the future. Focusing on global mental health during this universal crisis is an opportunity for promoting a more compassionate and less discriminating society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tsamakis
- Second Department of Psychiatry, University of Athens, ‘ATTIKON’ University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Georgios Dimitrakakis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | | | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- Neurophysiology Department, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland SR47TP, UK
| | | | - Christoph Mueller
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Emmanouil Rizos
- Second Department of Psychiatry, University of Athens, ‘ATTIKON’ University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
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93
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Damaskos C, Garmpi A, Georgakopoulou VE, Farmaki P, Diamantis E, Dimitroulis D, Valsami S, Kontzoglou K, Antoniou EA, Damaskou Z, Nikolidakis L, Syllaios A, Marinos G, Trakas N, Garmpis N. COVID-19: do it like Greece. Why Greece is coping with COVID-19 better than other countries? Pan Afr Med J 2020; 35:109. [PMID: 33282064 PMCID: PMC7687507 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.2.24946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Damaskos
- Renal Transplantation Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
- N.S. Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Paraskevi Farmaki
- First Department of Pediatrics, Agia Sofia Children´s Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Diamantis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Dimitroulis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Serena Valsami
- sssDepartment of Hematology Laboratory Blood Bank, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontzoglou
- N.S. Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Antonios Antoniou
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Zoi Damaskou
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Ygeias Melathron” Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Lampros Nikolidakis
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Ygeias Melathron” Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Marinos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Trakas
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- N.S. Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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