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Cuffaro L, Carvalho V, Di Liberto G, Klinglehoefer L, Sauerbier A, Garcia-Azorin D, Tábuas-Pereira M, Vashchenko N, Moro E, Bassetti CLA. Neurology training and research in the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of the Resident and Research Fellow Section of the European Academy of Neurology. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:3437-3442. [PMID: 33368826 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has disrupted residency programmes due to university and hospitals' priorities to face this emergency at all cost. Most research projects and clinical trials were temporarily stopped or postponed. The Resident and Research Fellow Section (RRFS) of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) has decided to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurology training. METHODS All EAN RRFS members were invited to fill out an online questionnaire of 40 items concerning their clinical involvement during the COVID-19 emergency, and the impact of the pandemic on their training (Appendix S1). RESULTS Of the 227 RRFS members who completed the questionnaire, 222 were from Europe, and of those 111 were from Portugal, Italy or France. Responders highlighted that severe restrictions have been imposed to face this pandemic, including reduction of inpatient beds, prohibition of in-person visits and limitation to hospital access for patients' relatives. This was accompanied by an increase in email correspondence and phone calls with 50% of countries allowing telemedicine to reach outpatients. Seventy-nine per cent of the respondents felt that the pandemic will probably have a serious impact on their training and career. CONCLUSION The pandemic led to a disruption of neurology activities, including medical training and research. The long-run impact of these changes remains unknown, but it will probably change the way neurology practice and training will be organized for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cuffaro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University Hospital of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vanessa Carvalho
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Giovanni Di Liberto
- Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital of Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Sauerbier
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Garcia-Azorin
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Miguel Tábuas-Pereira
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nina Vashchenko
- University Hospital of Neurological Disorders, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of Neurology, CHU of Grenoble, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
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202
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Bhadauria AS, Pathak R, Chaudhary M. A SIQ mathematical model on COVID-19 investigating the lockdown effect. Infect Dis Model 2021; 6:244-257. [PMID: 33437896 PMCID: PMC7789846 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This research paper aims at studying the impact of lockdown on the dynamics of novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan city of China in December 2019. Perceiving the pandemic situation throughout the world, Government of India restricted international passenger traffic through land check post (Liang, 2020) and imposed complete lockdown in the country on 24 March 2020. To study the impact of lockdown on disease dynamics we consider a three-dimensional mathematical model using nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The proposed model has been studied using stability theory of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Basic reproduction ratio is computed and significant parameters responsible to keep basic reproduction ratio less than one are identified. The study reveals that disease vanishes from the system only if complete lockdown is imposed otherwise disease will always persist in the population. However, disease can be kept under control by implementing contact tracing and quarantine measures as well along with lockdown if lockdown is imposed partially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Singh Bhadauria
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, U.P, India
| | - Rachana Pathak
- Department of Applied Science and Humanities(Mathematics), Faculty of Engineering & Technology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, U.P, India
| | - Manisha Chaudhary
- Department of Applied Science, Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior, M.P, India
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203
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Martínez-Piédrola MM, Guadarrama-Ortega D, Pérez-Fernández E, Ortigosa-Barriola A, Parra-García S, Molinares-Juarrero B, Díaz-Cuasante AI. [Strategy for planning and execution of a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study on teaching hospital workers during a pandemic situation]. J Healthc Qual Res 2021; 36:3-11. [PMID: 33384270 PMCID: PMC7709812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2020.11.003] [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: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objetivo Describir el proceso de planificación y ejecución de un estudio masivo de seroprevalencia para SARS-CoV-2 en los profesionales del Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón (HUFA) (España). Método Se efectúa una descripción del plan diseñado y desarrollado en el HUFA para la realización de las extracciones de las muestras para serología en el total de los profesionales que prestan servicio en el hospital, entre el 14 y el 29 de abril del 2020. Se lleva a cabo un análisis descriptivo de la participación de los profesionales en el estudio. De igual manera, se planificaron zonas de extracción, personal sanitario y tiempos de ejecución. Se asignaron 2.326 extracciones a personal sanitario, el resto fueron a trabajadores de las empresas externas. Resultados Participaron en el estudio 2.641 trabajadores (90,5%) de 2.918 candidatos. La categoría profesional que más se analizó globalmente fue la de enfermería con un 28,3% (n = 590). El porcentaje de cumplimiento de la organización de los horarios fue del 28,6%. Se planificó hasta un máximo de 298 extracciones diarias. El día con más afluencia fue el cuarto con 399 extracciones. Conclusiones El hecho de organizar un dispositivo tan grande con un alcance al 100% de los trabajadores que prestan servicio en el hospital, y con una respuesta tan mayoritaria por parte de ellos, ha permitido que el estudio de seroprevalencia realizado obtenga unos resultados con alta fiabilidad. Aunque el porcentaje de participación fue muy alto, el grado de cumplimiento de la planificación fue reducido.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Guadarrama-Ortega
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España.
| | - E Pérez-Fernández
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España
| | - A Ortigosa-Barriola
- Unidad de Diálisis, Extracciones y Donantes de Sangre, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España
| | - S Parra-García
- Unidad de Salud Laboral, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España
| | - B Molinares-Juarrero
- Unidad de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España
| | - A I Díaz-Cuasante
- Dirección de Enfermería, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España
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204
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Park DH, Fuge J, Meltendorf T, Kahl KG, Richter MJ, Gall H, Ghofrani HA, Kamp JC, Hoeper MM, Olsson KM. Impact of SARS-CoV-2-Pandemic on Mental Disorders and Quality of Life in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:668647. [PMID: 34248706 PMCID: PMC8263927 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.668647] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: Covid-19 pandemic may affect mental health and quality of life (QoL) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We assessed changes in anxiety and depression, quality of life (QoL) and self-described impact of Covid-19 in patients with PAH during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This study included 152 patients with PAH from two German referral centers. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D) at two different timepoints before and during the Covid-19 pandemic with a median of 232 days between baseline and follow-up. QoL was assessed using EQ-5D and emPHasis-10. Perceived impact of Covid-19 and related regulations and measures were assessed using a set of specific questions and statements. Results: More than two thirds of patients had an unsuspicious HADS-A and HADS-D. Median scores did not differ from baseline for both HADS-A and HADS-D (p = 0.202; p = 0.621). Overall, no significant changes in HADS-A or HADS-D categories from baseline to follow up were observed (p = 0.07; p = 0.13). QoL did not change between baseline and follow-up. The Covid-19 pandemic had little impact on access to medical care and established PAH therapy. Patients were in agreement with governmental measures and regulations and felt sufficiently safe. Conclusion: First waves of Covid-19 pandemic had little impact on anxiety, depression and QoL in patient with PAH. Established PAH therapy and access to medical care were not affected. Further studies on the impact of prolonged duration of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Hee Park
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Fuge
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Meltendorf
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai G Kahl
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuel J Richter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany.,Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Henning Gall
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany.,Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Hossein A Ghofrani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany.,Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan C Kamp
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Marius M Hoeper
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Karen M Olsson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
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205
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Beneria A, Castell-Panisello E, Sorribes-Puertas M, Forner-Puntonet M, Serrat L, García-González S, Garriga M, Simon C, Raya C, Montes MJ, Rios G, Bosch R, Citoler B, Closa H, Corrales M, Daigre C, Delgado M, Dip ME, Estelrich N, Jacas C, Lara B, Lugo-Marin J, Nieto-Fernández Z, Regales C, Ibáñez P, Blanco E, Ramos-Quiroga JA. End of Life Intervention Program During COVID-19 in Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:608973. [PMID: 34040548 PMCID: PMC8143029 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.608973] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and its consequences have placed our societies and healthcare systems under pressure. Also, a major impact on the individual and societal experience of death, dying, and bereavement has been observed. Factors such as social distancing, unexpected death or not being able to say goodbye, which might predict Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), are taking place. Moreover, hospitals have become a habitual place for End of Life (EOL) situations but not in the usual conditions because, for example, mitigation measures prevent families from being together with hospitalized relatives. Therefore, we implemented an EOL program with a multidisciplinary team involving health social workers (HSW) and clinical psychologists (CP) in coordination with the medical teams and nursing staff. Objectives: We aim to describe an EOL intervention program implemented during COVID-19 in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH). We present its structure, circuit, and functions. Descriptive analyses of the sample and the interventions that required psychological and social attention are reported. Material and methods: The total sample consists of 359 relatives of 219 EOL patients. Inclusion criteria were families cared for during the COVID-19 pandemic with family patients admitted to the HUVH in an EOL situation regardless of whether or not the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19. Results: Our program is based on family EOL care perceptions and the COVID-19 context features that hinder EOL situations. The program attended 219 families, of which 55.3% were COVID-19 patients and 44.7% had other pathologies. The EOL intervention program was activated in most of the EOL situations, specifically, in 85% of cases, and 78% of relatives were able to come and say goodbye to their loved ones. An emotional impact on the EOL team was reported. It is necessary to dignify the EOL situation in the COVID-19 pandemic, and appropriate psychosocial attention is needed to try to minimize future complications in grief processes and mitigate PGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Beneria
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eudald Castell-Panisello
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sorribes-Puertas
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Forner-Puntonet
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Serrat
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara García-González
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Garriga
- Department of Social Work, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Simon
- Department of Social Work, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Consuelo Raya
- Department of Social Work, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria José Montes
- Department of Social Work, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giuliana Rios
- Department of Social Work, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bárbara Citoler
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Closa
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Corrales
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Constanza Daigre
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Delgado
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Emilia Dip
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Estelrich
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Jacas
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Lara
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Lugo-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaira Nieto-Fernández
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christina Regales
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Ibáñez
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eunice Blanco
- Department of Social Work, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
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206
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Moraleda-Cibrián M, Ahmed O, Albares-Tendero J, Chung S. Validity and Reliability of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6) Scale to Measure Viral Anxiety of Healthcare Workers in Spain During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:796225. [PMID: 35177997 PMCID: PMC8846288 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.796225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the validity and applicability of the Spanish version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scale, which can be usually applied to the general population, to healthcare workers to briefly measure their anxiety responses to the viral epidemic. A total of 135 healthcare workers participated in this online survey from January to July 2021. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics were gathered, and their psychiatric symptoms were rated using SAVE-6, Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GDAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the validity of the scales. The single-structure model of the SAVE-6 scale was adopted based on the results of the parallel analysis. We decided on the SAVE-6 scale, as it proved to be a good fit to measure healthcare workers' anxiety response to the viral epidemic. SAVE-6 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.827 and McDonald's omega = 0.834) and good convergent validity with Goldberg anxiety (r = 0.434, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.193, p = 0.043) scores, and PSQI score (r = 0.262, p = 0.002). The Spanish version of SAVE-6 is a reliable and valid rating scale to assess the anxiety response of healthcare workers specifically to the viral epidemic as a brief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.,Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Seockhoon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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207
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Hamida RS, Shami A, Ali MA, Almohawes ZN, Mohammed AE, Bin-Meferij MM. Kefir: A protective dietary supplementation against viral infection. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 133:110974. [PMID: 33186795 PMCID: PMC7655491 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a recently discovered coronavirus termed 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2' (SARS-CoV-2). Several scholars have tested antiviral drugs and compounds to overcome COVID-19. 'Kefir' is a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt that is made from kefir grains. Kefir and its probiotic contents can modulate the immune system to suppress infections from viruses (e.g., Zika, hepatitis C, influenza, rotaviruses). The antiviral mechanisms of kefir involve enhancement of macrophage production, increasing phagocytosis, boosting production of cluster of differentiation-positive (CD4+), CD8+, immunoglobulin (Ig)G+ and IgA+ B cells, T cells, neutrophils, as well as cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon gamma-γ). Kefir can act as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing expression of IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, and interferon-γ. Hence, kefir might be a significant inhibitor of the 'cytokine storm' that contributes to COVID-19. Here, we review several studies with a particular emphasis on the effect of kefir consumption and their microbial composition against viral infection, as well as discussing the further development of kefir as a protective supplementary dietary against SARS-CoV-2 infection via modulating the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Samir Hamida
- Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Ashwag Shami
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohamed Abdelaal Ali
- Biotechnology Unit, Department of Plant Production, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Zakiah Nasser Almohawes
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Afrah E Mohammed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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208
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Tariq A, Undurraga EA, Laborde CC, Vogt-Geisse K, Luo R, Rothenberg R, Chowell G. Transmission dynamics and control of COVID-19 in Chile, March-October, 2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009070. [PMID: 33481804 PMCID: PMC7857594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the detection of the first case of COVID-19 in Chile on March 3rd, 2020, a total of 513,188 cases, including ~14,302 deaths have been reported in Chile as of November 2nd, 2020. Here, we estimate the reproduction number throughout the epidemic in Chile and study the effectiveness of control interventions especially the effectiveness of lockdowns by conducting short-term forecasts based on the early transmission dynamics of COVID-19. Chile's incidence curve displays early sub-exponential growth dynamics with the deceleration of growth parameter, p, estimated at 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7, 0.8) and the reproduction number, R, estimated at 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6, 1.9). Our findings indicate that the control measures at the start of the epidemic significantly slowed down the spread of the virus. However, the relaxation of restrictions and spread of the virus in low-income neighborhoods in May led to a new surge of infections, followed by the reimposition of lockdowns in Greater Santiago and other municipalities. These measures have decelerated the virus spread with R estimated at ~0.96 (95% CI: 0.95, 0.98) as of November 2nd, 2020. The early sub-exponential growth trend (p ~0.8) of the COVID-19 epidemic transformed into a linear growth trend (p ~0.5) as of July 7th, 2020, after the reimposition of lockdowns. While the broad scale social distancing interventions have slowed the virus spread, the number of new COVID-19 cases continue to accrue, underscoring the need for persistent social distancing and active case detection and isolation efforts to maintain the epidemic under control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Tariq
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Eduardo A. Undurraga
- Escuela de Gobierno, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
- Millennium Initiative for Collaborative Research in Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
- Research Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (CIGIDEN), Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Carla Castillo Laborde
- Centro de Epidemiología y Políticas de Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Katia Vogt-Geisse
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Ruiyan Luo
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Richard Rothenberg
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gerardo Chowell
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Temiz MZ, Yürük E, Kandıralı E, Semerciöz A, Müslümanoğlu AY. The urological practice and contribution to the general health system of the EBU accredited urology clinic during the first month of COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis from a tertiary center declared as a national COVID-19 pandemic hospital in Turkey. Turk J Urol 2021; 47:43-50. [PMID: 33052838 PMCID: PMC7815232 DOI: 10.5152/tud.2020.20362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the overall healthcare performance of our re-organized urology clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective review of our department data was conducted between March 20, 2020, and April 16, 2020. All consecutive patients who received healthcare in both urology and emergency COVID-19 clinics by urologists during this period were included. We classified our healthcare into 4 categories: 1) Standard urological outpatient clinic procedures, 2) Urological emergency procedures, 3) Standard inpatient treatment clinic procedures and specific inpatient treatment clinic procedures for COVID-19 suspected cases, and 4) Specific emergency clinic procedures for COVID-19. Epidemiologic data and patient characteristics were analyzed using independent t test and chi-square test. RESULTS Overall, the data of 990 patients were evaluated. Of these patients, 344 were seen in standard urology outpatient clinic and 212 were transferred from COVID-19 emergency clinic and hospitalized because of suspected COVID-19 infection. In the COVID-19 emergency clinic, 361 patients were seen by urologists in different shifts. Our workload was on behalf of COVID-19 cases. In our COVID-19 experience, there were no statistically significant differences between our suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients in terms of mean age, sex and age periods (p=0.30, p=0.77, and p=0.78, respectively). CONCLUSION We successfully contributed to the national COVID-19 management program. In our opinion, each department should create a customized action plan instead of a standardized approach during the COVID-19 pandemic or potential public emergencies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Zafer Temiz
- Department of Urology, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Yürük
- BHT Clinic, İstanbul Tema Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Engin Kandıralı
- Department of Urology, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Atilla Semerciöz
- Department of Urology, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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210
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Accarino G, Lorenzetti S, Aloisio G. Assessing correlations between short-term exposure to atmospheric pollutants and COVID-19 spread in all Italian territorial areas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115714. [PMID: 33120339 PMCID: PMC7561302 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The spread of SARS-CoV-2, the beta coronavirus responsible for the current pneumonia pandemic outbreak, has been speculated to be linked to short-term and long-term atmospheric pollutants exposure. The present work has been aimed at analyzing the atmospheric pollutants concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, NO2) and spatio-temporal distribution of cases and deaths (specifically incidence, mortality and lethality rates) across the whole Italian national territory, down to the level of each individual territorial area, with the goal of checking any potential short-term correlation between these two phenomena. The data analysis has been limited to the first quarter of 2020 to reduce the lockdown-dependent biased effects on the atmospheric pollutant levels as much as possible. The analysis looked at non-linear, monotonic correlations using the Spearman non-parametric correlation index. The statistical significance of the Spearman correlations has also been evaluated. The results of the statistical analysis suggest the hypothesis of a moderate-to-strong correlation between the number of days exceeding the annual regulatory limits of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 atmospheric pollutants and COVID-19 incidence, mortality and lethality rates for all the 107 territorial areas in Italy. A weak-to-moderate correlation seems to exist when considering the 36 territorial areas in four of the most affected regions (Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto). Overall, PM10 and PM2.5 showed a higher non-linear correlation than NO2 with incidence, mortality and lethality rates. As to particulate matters, PM10 profile has been compared with the incidence rate variation that occurred in three of the most affected territorial areas in Northern Italy (i.e., Milan, Brescia, and Bergamo). All areas showed a similar PM10 time trend but a different incidence rate variation, that was less severe in Milan compared with Brescia and Bergamo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Accarino
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce, Italy; Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) Foundation, Via Augusto Imperatore, 16, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Dpt. of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299 - I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Aloisio
- Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) Foundation, Via Augusto Imperatore, 16, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce, Italy.
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211
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Clinical laboratory characteristics of severe patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:184-190. [PMID: 32954048 PMCID: PMC7491425 DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify clinical characteristics of severe patients with COVID-19. METHODS The WHO database of publications on COVID-19 and PubMed were searched from inception to March 20, 2020 and all valuable studies were analyzed using Stata 15.0. RESULTS We selected forty-four studies with 13,497 patients. In the comparison of severe and non-severe groups, age over 50 (OR = 4.090; 95% CI = 2.422-6.907, P = 0.000) and underlying disease (OR = 3.992; 95% CI = 2.631-6.507, P = 0.000) are risk factors. Female gender (OR = 0.740; 95% CI = 0.622-0.881, P = 0.001) is a protective factor. Characteristics like dyspnea (OR = 4.914; 95% CI = 3.069-7.867, P = 0.000), lymphopenia (OR = 5.528; 95% CI = 3.484-8.772, P = 0.000), thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.623; 95% CI = 1.034-12.691, P = 0.044), elevated C-reactive protein (OR = 5.217; 95% CI = 2.459-11.070, P = 0.000) and D-dimer (OR = 3.780; 95% CI = 1.481-9.648, P = 0.005) were more frequently in severe cases. Diffuse lesions and consolidation (OR = 4.680; 95% CI = 3.183-6.881, P = 0.000) in imaging was considered reliable. CONCLUSIONS Men older than 50 with underlying disease are susceptible to develop severe pneumonia while female gender is protective. The typical symptom of severe pneumonia was dyspnea, but high fever, headache and diarrhea were not significantly different among patients with varying degrees of severity. Lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated C-reactive protein and D-dimer occurred more frequently in severe patients and yet leukopenia is not a characteristic laboratory indicator. Diffuse lesions and consolidation are important imaging features to distinguish severe pneumonia.
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Ares Castro-Conde B, López Mouriño VM, Sanz Falque I, López Castro J. COVID 19 and the new challenges in health management: The pilot experience of the Internal Medicine Department of a Regional hospital. J Healthc Qual Res 2021; 36:54-55. [PMID: 33358445 PMCID: PMC7699302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Ares Castro-Conde
- FEA de Geriatría Adscrita a S. de Medicina Interna, Hospital Público de Monforte, Lugo, Spain
| | - V M López Mouriño
- Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio, Hospital Público de Monforte, Lugo, Spain
| | | | - J López Castro
- S. de Medicina Interna, Hospital Público de Monforte, Lugo, Spain.
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Association Between Preventive Behaviour and Anxiety at the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovenia. Zdr Varst 2020; 60:17-24. [PMID: 33488818 PMCID: PMC7780767 DOI: 10.2478/sjph-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The first large outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe occurred in Northern Italy in February 2020. The relatively fast spread of the infection to Slovenia was expected, and preventive measures for its suppression were widely discussed. Methods An online questionnaire was designed to evaluate adherence to preventive measures and the extent to which the taking of preventive measures was associated with people's anxiety level, psychological burden, their perceived vulnerability to disease, germ aversion and a number of demographic characteristics in the early stage of Covid-19 spread. The survey was active for 24 hours (13-14 March 2020). There were 12,307 responses and 7,764 questionnaires were completed in full. Results Higher preventive behaviour was found in individuals who experienced greater psychological distress, were more anxious, and expressed greater perceived infectability and germ aversion. Greater compliance with preventive behaviour was found among women, those sharing a household with people aged over 65, the elderly and those who knew somebody who had been infected. These groups also showed higher anxiety levels, which appeared to be significantly increased in general as a result of the specific situation. Quarantine was evaluated as the most efficient preventive measure, and was respected relatively strictly even before it became an officially announced protective measure. Conclusion This research reveals a strong association between preventive behaviour and anxiety. Anxiety, together with social distancing, may affect physical and psychological health in the population in the long term. Other aspects of public health might therefore be influenced by the measures currently being enforced to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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Sleep During "Lockdown" in the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17239094. [PMID: 33291468 PMCID: PMC7729605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17239094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if the lockdown measures applied due to the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the sleep of the general population and health professionals in six different countries (Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and Brazil). We used a web-based survey with a short questionnaire of 13 questions, translated into four languages (Greek, German, French, and Portuguese). The questionnaire included information about demographic and professional data, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sleep, degree of abidance in lockdown measures, and data about illness or close contact with active confirmed cases of COVID-19. Initially, 2093 individuals participated. After exclusion of those who did not report their duration of sleep, the final sample comprised 1908 participants (Greek, n = 1271; German, n = 257, French, n = 48; Portuguese, n = 332), aged 42.6 ± 12.7 years, who were considered for further analysis. A main effect of the lockdown week on sleep duration was observed (+0.25 h; 95% confidence intervals, CI, 0.17, 0.32; p < 0.001), with the total sleep time of the lockdown week being longer than that under normal conditions. A week*occupation interaction on sleep duration was demonstrated (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.012). Sleep duration remained stable in health professionals (−0.18 h; 95% CI −0.36, 0.01; p = 0.063), whereas it increased in other occupations by 0.31 h (95% CI, 0.24, 0.39; p < 0.001). In terms of sleep quality, 15% of participants characterized their sleep as bad and 37.9% as average during the lockdown week. Almost 1 in 3 individuals (31.3%) reported worse quality of sleep during the lockdown week than under normal conditions. Sleep during the lockdown week was characterized as good by 47.1%, but only 38% of the health professionals group. In conclusion, the COVID−19 pandemic and lockdown affected sleep in different ways, depending on age, level of education, occupation, and country of residence.
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Ylli A, Wu YY, Burazeri G, Pirkle C, Sentell T. The lower COVID-19 related mortality and incidence rates in Eastern European countries are associated with delayed start of community circulation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243411. [PMID: 33270782 PMCID: PMC7714339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this analysis was to assess the variations in COVID-19 related mortality in relation to the time differences in the commencement of virus circulation and containment measures in the European Region. METHODS The data for the current analysis (N = 50 countries) were retrieved from the John Hopkins University dataset on the 7th of May 2020, with countries as study units. A piecewise regression analysis was conducted with mortality and cumulative incidence rates introduced as dependent variables and time interval (days from the 22nd of January to the date when 100 first cases were reported) as the main predictor. The country average life expectancy at birth and outpatient contacts per person per year were statistically adjusted for in the regression model. RESULTS Mortality and incidence were strongly and inversely intercorrelated with days from January 22, respectively -0.83 (p<0.001) and -0.73 (p<0.001). Adjusting for average life expectancy and outpatients contacts per person per year, between days 33 to 50 from the 22nd of the January, the average mortality rate decreased by 30.1/million per day (95% CI: 22.7, 37.6, p<0.001). During interval 51 to 73 days, the change in mortality was no longer statistically significant but still showed a decreasing trend. A similar relationship with time interval was found for incidence. Life expectancy and outpatients contacts per person per year were not associated with mortality rate. CONCLUSION Countries in Europe that had the earliest COVID-19 circulation suffered the worst consequences in terms of health outcomes, specifically mortality. The drastic social isolation measures, quickly undertaken in response to those initial outbreaks appear effective, especially in Eastern European countries, where community circulation started after March 11th. The study demonstrates that efforts to delay the early spread of the virus may have saved an average 30 deaths daily per one million inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Ylli
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
- Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Yan Yan Wu
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Honolulu at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Genc Burazeri
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
- Department of International Health, School CAPHRI (Care and Public Health Research Institute), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Pirkle
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Honolulu at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Tetine Sentell
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Honolulu at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
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Patel U, Malik P, Mehta D, Shah D, Kelkar R, Pinto C, Suprun M, Dhamoon M, Hennig N, Sacks H. Early epidemiological indicators, outcomes, and interventions of COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. J Glob Health 2020; 10:020506. [PMID: 33110589 PMCID: PMC7567430 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.020506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic that brought the whole world to a standstill, has led to financial and health care burden. We aimed to evaluate epidemiological characteristics, needs of resources, outcomes, and global burden of the disease. METHODS Systematic review was performed searching PubMed from December 1, 2019, to March 25, 2020, for full-text observational studies that described epidemiological characteristics, following MOOSE protocol. Global data were collected from the JHU-Corona Virus Resource Center, WHO-COVID-2019 situation reports, KFF.org, and Worldometers.info until March 31, 2020. The prevalence percentages were calculated. The global data were plotted in excel to calculate case fatality rate (CFR), predicted CFR, COVID-19 specific mortality rate, and doubling time for cases and deaths. CFR was predicted using Pearson correlation, regression models, and coefficient of determination. RESULTS From 21 studies of 2747 patients, 8.4% of patients died, 20.4% recovered, 15.4% were admitted to ICU and 14.9% required ventilation. COVID-19 was more prevalent in patients with hypertension (19.3%), smoking (11.3%), diabetes mellitus (10%), and cardiovascular diseases (7.4%). Common complications were pneumonia (82%), cardiac complications (26.4%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (15.7%), secondary infection (11.2%), and septic shock (4.3%). Though CFR and COVID-19 specific death rates are dynamic, they were consistently high for Italy, Spain, and Iran. Polynomial growth models were best fit for all countries for predicting CFR. Though many interventions have been implemented, stern measures like nationwide lockdown and school closure occurred after very high infection rates (>10cases per 100 000population) prevailed. Given the trend of government measures and decline of new cases in China and South Korea, most countries will reach the peak between April 1-20, if interventions are followed. CONCLUSIONS A collective approach undertaken by a responsible government, wise strategy implementation and a receptive population may help contain the spread of COVID-19 outbreak. Close monitoring of predictive models of such indicators in the highly affected countries would help to evaluate the potential fatality if the second wave of pandemic occurs. The future studies should be focused on identifying accurate indicators to mitigate the effect of underestimation or overestimation of COVID-19 burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvish Patel
- Department of Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Preeti Malik
- Department of Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Deep Mehta
- Clinical Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Dhaivat Shah
- Clinical Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Raveena Kelkar
- Clinical Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Candida Pinto
- Department of Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Maria Suprun
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy, and Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Mandip Dhamoon
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Nils Hennig
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Henry Sacks
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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The COVID-19 pandemic: implications for patients undergoing immunomodulating or immunosuppressive treatments in dermatology. Eur J Dermatol 2020; 30:757-758. [PMID: 33270022 PMCID: PMC7880647 DOI: 10.1684/ejd.2020.3775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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218
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Riccardo F, Ajelli M, Andrianou XD, Bella A, Del Manso M, Fabiani M, Bellino S, Boros S, Urdiales AM, Marziano V, Rota MC, Filia A, D'Ancona F, Siddu A, Punzo O, Trentini F, Guzzetta G, Poletti P, Stefanelli P, Castrucci MR, Ciervo A, Di Benedetto C, Tallon M, Piccioli A, Brusaferro S, Rezza G, Merler S, Pezzotti P. Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases and estimates of the reproductive numbers 1 month into the epidemic, Italy, 28 January to 31 March 2020. Euro Surveill 2020. [PMID: 33303064 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.08.20056861v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundOn 20 February 2020, a locally acquired coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case was detected in Lombardy, Italy. This was the first signal of ongoing transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the country. The number of cases in Italy increased rapidly and the country became the first in Europe to experience a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.AimOur aim was to describe the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of the first COVID-19 cases in Italy amid ongoing control measures.MethodsWe analysed all RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to the national integrated surveillance system until 31 March 2020. We provide a descriptive epidemiological summary and estimate the basic and net reproductive numbers by region.ResultsOf the 98,716 cases of COVID-19 analysed, 9,512 were healthcare workers. Of the 10,943 reported COVID-19-associated deaths (crude case fatality ratio: 11.1%) 49.5% occurred in cases older than 80 years. Male sex and age were independent risk factors for COVID-19 death. Estimates of R0 varied between 2.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.18-2.83) in Tuscany and 3.00 (95% CI: 2.68-3.33) in Lazio. The net reproduction number Rt in northern regions started decreasing immediately after the first detection.ConclusionThe COVID-19 outbreak in Italy showed a clustering onset similar to the one in Wuhan, China. R0 at 2.96 in Lombardy combined with delayed detection explains the high case load and rapid geographical spread. Overall, Rt in Italian regions showed early signs of decrease, with large diversity in incidence, supporting the importance of combined non-pharmacological control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Riccardo
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Marco Ajelli
- These authors contributed equally
- Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, United States
- Laboratory for the Modeling of Biological and Socio-technical Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, United States
| | - Xanthi D Andrianou
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Martina Del Manso
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Mateo Urdiales
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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Leaune E, Samuel M, Oh H, Poulet E, Brunelin J. Suicidal behaviors and ideation during emerging viral disease outbreaks before the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic rapid review. Prev Med 2020; 141:106264. [PMID: 33017599 PMCID: PMC7531915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic is the most severe pandemic of the 21st century, on track to having a rising death toll. Beyond causing respiratory distress, COVID-19 may also cause mortality by way of suicide. The pathways by which emerging viral disease outbreaks (EVDOs) and suicide are related are complex and not entirely understood. We aimed to systematically review the evidence on the association between EVDOs and suicidal behaviors and/or ideation. An electronic search was conducted using five databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Scopus in April 2020. A rapid systematic review was carried out, which involved separately and independently extracting quantitative data of selected articles. The electronic search yielded 2480 articles, of which 9 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the data were collected in Hong Kong (n = 3) and the USA (n = 3). Four studies reported a slight but significant increase in deaths by suicide during EVDOs. The increase in deaths by suicide was mainly reported during the peak epidemic and in older adults. Psychosocial factors such as the fear of being infected by the virus or social isolation related to quarantine measures were the most prominent factors associated with deaths by suicide during EVDOs. Overall, we found scarce and weak evidence for an increased risk of deaths by suicide during EVDOs. Our results inform the need to orient public health policies toward suicide prevention strategies targeting the psychosocial effects of EVDOs. High-quality research on suicide risk and prevention are warranted during the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Leaune
- Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France; INSERM, U1028; CNRS, UMR5292; Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Psychiatric Disorders: from Resistance to Response - PSYR2 Team, Lyon F-69000, France; University Lyon 1, Villeurbanne F-69000, France.
| | - Maeva Samuel
- Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France; University Lyon 1, Villeurbanne F-69000, France
| | - Hans Oh
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emmanuel Poulet
- Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France; INSERM, U1028; CNRS, UMR5292; Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Psychiatric Disorders: from Resistance to Response - PSYR2 Team, Lyon F-69000, France; University Lyon 1, Villeurbanne F-69000, France; Department of Emergency Psychiatry, University Hospital Edouard Herriot, Hospices civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Brunelin
- Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France; INSERM, U1028; CNRS, UMR5292; Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Psychiatric Disorders: from Resistance to Response - PSYR2 Team, Lyon F-69000, France
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Riccardo F, Ajelli M, Andrianou XD, Bella A, Del Manso M, Fabiani M, Bellino S, Boros S, Urdiales AM, Marziano V, Rota MC, Filia A, D'Ancona F, Siddu A, Punzo O, Trentini F, Guzzetta G, Poletti P, Stefanelli P, Castrucci MR, Ciervo A, Di Benedetto C, Tallon M, Piccioli A, Brusaferro S, Rezza G, Merler S, Pezzotti P. Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases and estimates of the reproductive numbers 1 month into the epidemic, Italy, 28 January to 31 March 2020. Euro Surveill 2020; 25:2000790. [PMID: 33303064 PMCID: PMC7730489 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.49.2000790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundOn 20 February 2020, a locally acquired coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case was detected in Lombardy, Italy. This was the first signal of ongoing transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the country. The number of cases in Italy increased rapidly and the country became the first in Europe to experience a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.AimOur aim was to describe the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of the first COVID-19 cases in Italy amid ongoing control measures.MethodsWe analysed all RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to the national integrated surveillance system until 31 March 2020. We provide a descriptive epidemiological summary and estimate the basic and net reproductive numbers by region.ResultsOf the 98,716 cases of COVID-19 analysed, 9,512 were healthcare workers. Of the 10,943 reported COVID-19-associated deaths (crude case fatality ratio: 11.1%) 49.5% occurred in cases older than 80 years. Male sex and age were independent risk factors for COVID-19 death. Estimates of R0 varied between 2.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.18-2.83) in Tuscany and 3.00 (95% CI: 2.68-3.33) in Lazio. The net reproduction number Rt in northern regions started decreasing immediately after the first detection.ConclusionThe COVID-19 outbreak in Italy showed a clustering onset similar to the one in Wuhan, China. R0 at 2.96 in Lombardy combined with delayed detection explains the high case load and rapid geographical spread. Overall, Rt in Italian regions showed early signs of decrease, with large diversity in incidence, supporting the importance of combined non-pharmacological control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Riccardo
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Marco Ajelli
- These authors contributed equally
- Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, United States
- Laboratory for the Modeling of Biological and Socio-technical Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, United States
| | - Xanthi D Andrianou
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Martina Del Manso
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Mateo Urdiales
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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COVID-19 containment in the Caribbean: The experience of small island developing states. RESEARCH IN GLOBALIZATION 2020; 2:100019. [PMCID: PMC7402372 DOI: 10.1016/j.resglo.2020.100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Small island developing states (SIDS) have limited absolute resources for responding to national disasters, including health emergencies. Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Caribbean on 1st March 2020, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been widely used to control the resulting COVID-19 outbreak. We document the variety of government measures introduced across the Caribbean and explore their impact on aspects of outbreak control. Methods Drawing on publically available information, we present confirmed cases and confirmed deaths to describe the extent of the Caribbean outbreak. We document the range of outbreak containment measures implemented by national Governments, focussing on measures to control movement and gatherings. We explore the temporal association of containment measures with the start of the outbreak in each country, and with aggregated information on human movement, using smartphone positioning data. We include a set of comparator countries to provide an international context. Results As of 25th May, the Caribbean reported 18,755 confirmed cases and 631 deaths. There have been broad similarities but also variation in the number, the type, the intensity, and particularly the timing of the NPIs introduced across the Caribbean. On average, Caribbean governments began controlling movement into countries 27 days before their first confirmed case and 23 days before comparator countries. Controls on movement within country were introduced 9 days after the first case and 36 days before comparators. Controls on gatherings were implemented 1 day before the first confirmed case and 30 days before comparators. Confirmed case growth rates and numbers of deaths have remained low across much the Caribbean. Stringent Caribbean curfews and stay-at-home orders coincided with large reductions in community mobility, regularly above 60%, and higher than most international comparator countries. Conclusion Stringent controls to limit movement, and specifically the early timing of those controls has had an important impact on containing the spread of COVID-19 across much of the Caribbean. Very early controls to limit movement into countries may well be particularly effective for small island developing states. With much of the region economically reliant on international tourism, and with steps to open borders now being implemented, it is critical that the region draws on a solid evidence-base to balance the competing demands of economic wellbeing and public health.
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Sulaiman T, Algharawi AA, Idrees M, Alzaidy RH, Faris K, Cullingford G, Rasheed J. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with COVID-19 and the effect on the severity of the disease. JGH Open 2020; 4:1162-1166. [PMID: 33043143 PMCID: PMC7537315 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aim COVID-19 is a new pandemic disease recognized by the World Health Organization. It mainly affects the respiratory system, but it can also affect other systems. The gastrointestinal system has been found to be affected in many patients. This study investigated the COVID-19-related gastrointestinal manifestations and the effect of gastrointestinal involvement on the course and outcome of the disease. Methods This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted on 140 COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction-positive symptomatic individuals admitted to Al-Shafa Hospital - Medical City Complex in Baghdad, Iraq during the period 2 March 2020 to 12 May 2020. Demographic data and clinical presentation and laboratory data were extracted from the case sheets of the patients and were also obtained from direct communication with the patients, their families, and medical staff. Results Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms alone were detected in 23.6% of the patients; 44.3% of the patients presented with only respiratory symptoms, and 32.1% presented with both respiratory and GI symptoms. Patients with only GI symptoms had less severe disease compared with those who had both GI and respiratory symptoms, who had more severe disease with higher mortality. Overall mortality was 8.6%, with no mortality in the GI symptoms alone group. The highest severity and mortality were in patients with both GI and respiratory symptoms (48.39 and 13.33%, respectively). Conclusions COVID-19-related gastrointestinal symptoms are common, and their presence alone carries a better prognosis, but their presence with respiratory symptoms is associated with higher morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharwat Sulaiman
- Department of SurgeryCollege of Medicine, University of BaghdadBaghdadIraq
| | | | - Marwan Idrees
- General SurgeryFiona Stanley HospitalPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | | | | | - Graham Cullingford
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jawad Rasheed
- Medical administrationBaghdad Teaching HospitalBaghdadIraq
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van Halem K, Bruyndonckx R, van der Hilst J, Cox J, Driesen P, Opsomer M, Van Steenkiste E, Stessel B, Dubois J, Messiaen P. Risk factors for mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic in Belgium: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:897. [PMID: 33246431 PMCID: PMC7691970 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05605-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Belgium was among the first countries in Europe with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Since the first diagnosis on February 3rd, the epidemic has quickly evolved, with Belgium at the crossroads of Europe, being one of the hardest hit countries. Although risk factors for severe disease in COVID-19 patients have been described in Chinese and United States (US) cohorts, good quality studies reporting on clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcome of European COVID-19 patients are still scarce. Methods This study describes the clinical characteristics, complications and outcomes of 319 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, admitted to a tertiary care center at the start of the pandemic in Belgium, and aims to identify the main risk factors for in-hospital mortality in a European context using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Most patients were male (60%), the median age was 74 (IQR 61–83) and 20% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, of whom 63% needed invasive mechanical ventilation. The overall case fatality rate was 25%. The best predictors of in-hospital mortality in multivariate analysis were older age, and renal insufficiency, higher lactate dehydrogenase and thrombocytopenia. Patients admitted early in the epidemic had a higher mortality compared to patients admitted later in the epidemic. In univariate analysis, patients with obesity did have an overall increased risk of death, while overweight on the other hand showed a trend towards lower mortality. Conclusions Most patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first weeks of the epidemic in Belgium were admitted with severe disease and the overall case fatality rate was high. The identified risk factors for mortality are not easily amenable at short term, underscoring the lasting need of effective therapeutic and preventative measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-020-05605-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn van Halem
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Data Science Institute (DSI), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jeroen van der Hilst
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Janneke Cox
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Paulien Driesen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Matthias Opsomer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Eveline Van Steenkiste
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Björn Stessel
- Department of Intensive care Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Peter Messiaen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
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Data-Driven Approach to Understand the Mobility Patterns of the Portuguese Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12229775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019. Since then, it has spread to several countries, becoming classified as a pandemic. So far, there is no definitive treatment or vaccine, so the best solution is to prevent transmission between individuals through social distancing. However, it is not easy to measure the effectiveness of these distance measures. Therefore, this study uses data from Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports to understand the Portuguese population’s mobility patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the Rt value was modeled for Portugal. In addition, the changepoint was calculated for the population mobility patterns. Thus, the mobility pattern change was used to understand the impact of social distance measures on the dissemination of COVID-19. As a result, it can be stated that the initial Rt value in Portugal was very close to 3, falling to values close to 1 after 25 days. Social isolation measures were adopted quickly. Furthermore, it was observed that public transport was avoided during the pandemic. Finally, until the emergence of a vaccine or an effective treatment, this is the new normal, and it must be understood that new patterns of mobility, social interaction, and hygiene must be adapted to this reality.
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225
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Witt M, Heuer C, Miethke L, Preuß J, Rehfeld JS, Schüling T, Blume C, Thoms S, Stahl F. Nachweismethoden von SARS‐CoV‐2. CHEM UNSERER ZEIT 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ciuz.202000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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226
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Van Goethem N, Vilain A, Wyndham-Thomas C, Deblonde J, Bossuyt N, Lernout T, Rebolledo Gonzalez J, Quoilin S, Melis V, Van Beckhoven D. Rapid establishment of a national surveillance of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Belgium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 78:121. [PMID: 33292566 PMCID: PMC7673251 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-020-00505-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, caused by a novel coronavirus, it was of great importance to rapidly collect as much accurate information as possible in order to characterize the public health threat and support the health authorities in its management. Hospital-based surveillance is paramount to monitor the severity of a disease in the population. Methods Two separate surveillance systems, a Surge Capacity survey and a Clinical survey, were set up to collect complementary data on COVID-19 from Belgium’s hospitals. The Surge Capacity survey collects aggregated data to monitor the hospital capacity through occupancy rates of beds and medical devices, and to follow a set of key epidemiological indicators over time. Participation is mandatory and the daily data collection includes prevalence and incidence figures on the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital. The Clinical survey is strongly recommended by health authorities, focusses on specific patient characteristics and relies on individual patient data provided by the hospitals at admission and discharge. Conclusions This national double-level hospital surveillance was implemented very rapidly after the first COVID-19 patients were hospitalized and revealed to be crucial to monitor hospital capacity over time and to better understand the disease in terms of risk groups and outcomes. The two approaches are complementary and serve different needs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-020-00505-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Van Goethem
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institut de recherche expérimentale et clinique, Faculty of Public Health, Université catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-champs 30, 1200, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium.
| | - Aline Vilain
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chloé Wyndham-Thomas
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jessika Deblonde
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Bossuyt
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tinne Lernout
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Javiera Rebolledo Gonzalez
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Quoilin
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Melis
- Directorate Healthcare, Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van Beckhoven
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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Andrzejowski PA, Howard A, Vun JSH, Manzoor N, Patsiogiannis N, Kanakaris NK, Giannoudis PV. COVID-19: The First 30 Days at a UK Level 1 Trauma Centre and Lessons Learnt. Cureus 2020; 12:e11547. [PMID: 33365216 PMCID: PMC7748575 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11547] [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] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims To analyse the learning points from the first 30 days of the COVID-19 lockdown at our institution. Patients & methods Following ethical approval, data were collected prospectively on all patients admitted under orthopaedics between March 23, 2020, and April 22, 2020. This included baseline demographics (sex, age), biochemical (blood tests), radiological (chest X-ray (CXR), computed tomography (CT)), nature and mechanism of injury, comorbidities, regular medication, observations, specific respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, management, operations, time to theatre, and outcome including mortality incidence. The nature of injury and operations performed were compared to the same period of the previous year (2019). Results During the study period, 162 (74 males) patients were admitted, with a mean age of 60.7 (range 1-101, SD 2.1). On admission, 66 (41%) patients were tested for COVID, out of which eight (13.7%) patients tested positive. Subsequently, another four patients tested positive, who developed symptoms after admission. Four out 12 (33%) confirmed COVID patients died. During this period, 4/150 other patients also died of other causes (mortality incidence 2.6%). The average ages of COVID non-survivors vs survivors were 88, SD 1, vs 76, SD 12, respectively; 2/4 had concurrent diabetes and cancer, another cancer alone, and another complex autoimmune disease managed by immunosuppressive medication. Overall admissions significantly reduced by almost 50% compared with the previous year (162 vs 373, p=<0.05), including cases of polytrauma (15 vs 33). Time to surgery was increased by an average of one day, mainly due to time taken for COVID-19 swab results to come back, and in positive patients, this was an average of 2.75 days (0-13). Lymphopenia was a useful biomarker of COVID, with levels significantly different between groups (p=<0.05). Of the clinical symptoms assessed, 8/12 patients experienced positive chest symptoms or pyrexia but only four had positive CXR changes. Discussion & lessons learnt Eight out of 12 patients who contracted COVID-19 survived without needing intensive care. Non-survivors were older with significant comorbidities. Lymphopenia is a good biomarker of the disease, but suspicious CXR was not sensitive for excluding it. Trauma volume reduced. We have highlighted significant changes to expect should there be a second wave of the virus. Key lessons learnt were that reduction in trauma volume and cessation of elective operating allowed for redeployment, including taking over the minor injury unit; more senior, consultant decision-makers 'at the front door' reduced unnecessary admissions. Increased use of conservative practice was effective at reducing operations required. Expedited COVID swab test processing allowed early de-escalation of isolation, reducing time to surgery. We expect approximately 12% of the typical orthopaedic population to be admitted with COVID, and up to 33% of these patients to die within 28 days of contracting the virus. The vast majority of patients, however, can be managed appropriately with ward-level care. An early decision on escalation and resuscitation status in the emergency department improves patient flow significantly. Remote working was effective and could be extended in the future. We have highlighted the significant changes to expect should there be a second wave of the virus and effective solutions for managing the problems that arise, which could be useful for other units.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Howard
- Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, GBR
| | | | - Nauman Manzoor
- Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, GBR
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STAT2 signaling restricts viral dissemination but drives severe pneumonia in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5838. [PMID: 33203860 PMCID: PMC7672082 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. In search for key targets of effective therapeutics, robust animal models mimicking COVID-19 in humans are urgently needed. Here, we show that Syrian hamsters, in contrast to mice, are highly permissive to SARS-CoV-2 and develop bronchopneumonia and strong inflammatory responses in the lungs with neutrophil infiltration and edema, further confirmed as consolidations visualized by micro-CT alike in clinical practice. Moreover, we identify an exuberant innate immune response as key player in pathogenesis, in which STAT2 signaling plays a dual role, driving severe lung injury on the one hand, yet restricting systemic virus dissemination on the other. Our results reveal the importance of STAT2-dependent interferon responses in the pathogenesis and virus control during SARS-CoV-2 infection and may help rationalizing new strategies for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Clinical presentations, laboratory and radiological findings, and treatments for 11,028 COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19765. [PMID: 33188232 PMCID: PMC7666204 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74988-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the comorbidities, symptoms, clinical characteristics and treatment of COVID-19 patients. Epidemiological studies published in 2020 (from January–March) on the clinical presentation, laboratory findings and treatments of COVID-19 patients were identified from PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Studies published in English by 27th March, 2020 with original data were included. Primary outcomes included comorbidities of COVID-19 patients, their symptoms presented on hospital admission, laboratory results, radiological outcomes, and pharmacological and in-patient treatments. 76 studies were included in this meta-analysis, accounting for a total of 11,028 COVID-19 patients in multiple countries. A random-effects model was used to aggregate estimates across eligible studies and produce meta-analytic estimates. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (18.1%, 95% CI 15.4–20.8%). The most frequently identified symptoms were fever (72.4%, 95% CI 67.2–77.7%) and cough (55.5%, 95% CI 50.7–60.3%). For pharmacological treatment, 63.9% (95% CI 52.5–75.3%), 62.4% (95% CI 47.9–76.8%) and 29.7% (95% CI 21.8–37.6%) of patients were given antibiotics, antiviral, and corticosteroid, respectively. Notably, 62.6% (95% CI 39.9–85.4%) and 20.2% (95% CI 14.6–25.9%) of in-patients received oxygen therapy and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, respectively. This meta-analysis informed healthcare providers about the timely status of characteristics and treatments of COVID-19 patients across different countries. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020176589
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Shojaee S, Eslami P, Dooghaie Moghadam A, Pourhoseingholi MA, Ashtari S, Vahedian-Azimi A, Zali MR. A cluster analysis of epidemiological and clinical factors associated with the accumulation process of the burden of COVID-19 in European countries. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 92:e2021022. [PMID: 33682803 PMCID: PMC7975970 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92i1.10090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim of the work European COVID-19 statistics showed differentiation between mortality and new cases. Some studies suggested several factors including migration, cancer incidence, life expectancy and health system capacity maybe associated with differentiations. Up to now, impact of those factors in different European societies is not discussed and compared. Aim of the present study was to perform the cluster analysis in European countries in attention to clinical and epidemiological factors due to covid-19. Methods We collected some appropriate extreme data of COVID-19 to access the situations by ANOVA post-hoc test in 3 scenarios, as well as to estimate regression coefficients in simple linear regression, and a cluster analysis using average linkage. Covid-19 Statistics were considered in all analyses until April 24, 2020. Results Among 39 European countries, several countries reported highest rate of confirmed cases included of Italy (current statues=2270.52) and Spain (current status=2616.24). The highest rate of mortality was seen in France (current status=242.16), Italy (current status=305.52). Life expectancy (female) (P=0.01, 95%Cl=1521.27,15264.58), migration (P<0.001, 95%Cl=41.42,96.72) had significant association with confirmed cases and death. Overall cancer death (P<0.001, 95%Cl=0.36,0.68; P<0.001, 95%Cl=0.01,0.07) and lung cancer death (P<0.001, 95%Cl=1.97,3.56; P<0.001, 95%Cl=0.09,0.37) associated with confirmed cases and mortality, too. We were also determined 5 clusters which more than 30 countries were categorized in the first cluster. Conclusions Demographic factors, including population, life expectancy and migration, underlying disorders, such as several types of cancers, especially lung cancers lead to various distribution of COVID-19 in terms of prevalence and mortality, across European counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Shojaee
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran..
| | - Pegah Eslami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .
| | - Arash Dooghaie Moghadam
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .
| | - Mohamad Amin Pourhoseingholi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran..
| | - Sara Ashtari
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .
| | - Amir Vahedian-Azimi
- Trauma research center, Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran..
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .
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Mair M, Singhavi H, Pai A, Singhavi J, Gandhi P, Conboy P, Baker A, Das S. A Meta-Analysis of 67 Studies with Presenting Symptoms and Laboratory Tests of COVID-19 Patients. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:1254-1265. [PMID: 33068023 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The objective of this meta-analysis was to look at the pooled prevalence of symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging of all COVID-19 infected patients. This will allow better identification of potential COVID-19 patients and take appropriate precautions. STUDY DESIGN Meta analysis. METHODS We searched three databases, PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid to identify studies published between Dec-2019 and May-2020. All studies reporting upper-aerodigestive symptoms of COVID-19 infection were included. The meta-analysis was conducted following meta-analyses of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, which have evaluated the pooled prevalence of 14 symptoms and nine laboratory investigations. RESULTS Based on inclusion criteria, 67 publications consisting of 8302 patients were included. Among adults, the pooled proportion of hypertensive and diabetic patients was 18% and 7%. Cough (53% [0.46-0.61]), anosmia (38% [0.19-0.58]), loss/distortion of taste (31% [0.17-0.45]), and nasal obstruction (26% [0.12-0.39]) were the most common ear, nose & throat (ENT) symptoms. Fever (69% [0.62-0.76]) and fatigue (31% [0.26-0.37]) were the commonest generalized symptoms. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were raised in 56% (0.41-0.71) and 49% (0.21-0.77), respectively. Interestingly, lymphopenia (41% [0.30-0.53]) and leucopenia (22% [0.16-0.29]) were more common than lymphocytosis (33% [0.02-0.64]) and leucocytosis (12% [0.09-0.16]). Fever (69% vs. 44%), cough (53% vs. 33%), and dyspnea (20% vs. 4%) were more common in adults as compared to the pediatric population. Diarrhea was more common among the pediatric cases (12%) versus (9%). The pooled estimate of fatality was 4%. CONCLUSIONS The most commonly experienced ENT symptom was cough followed by anosmia and dysguesia. Raised ESR and CRP with leukopenia and lymphopenia are common laboratory findings. Majority of the infected patients had abnormal computed tomography findings. COVID infection is less severe in pediatric patients. Laryngoscope, 131:1254-1265, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Mair
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Hitesh Singhavi
- Department of Head and Neck Services/Department of Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Ameya Pai
- Head and Neck Services, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Jinesh Singhavi
- Department of Head and Neck Services/Department of Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Prachi Gandhi
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital of Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Conboy
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Baker
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Sudip Das
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, United Kingdom
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O’Kelly B, Cronin C, Connolly SP, Cullen W, Avramovic G, McHugh T, O’Connor E, Cotter A, Doran P, McGinty T, O’Callaghan DS, Gaine S, Sheehan G, Brazil E, Marsh B, Lambert JS. What is the clinical course of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 treatment Ireland: a retrospective cohort study in Dublin’s North Inner City (the ‘Mater 100’). HRB Open Res 2020. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13138.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ireland has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While several cohorts from China have been described, there is little data describing the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Irish patients with COVID-19. To improve our understanding of this infection we performed a retrospective review of patient data to examine the clinical characteristics of patients admitted for COVID-19 hospital treatment. Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data on the first 100 patients admitted to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for in-patient COVID-19 treatment after onset of the outbreak in March 2020 was extracted from patient records. Results: The median age was 45 years (interquartile range [IQR] =34-64 years), 58% were male, and 63% were Irish nationals. Patients had symptoms for a median of five days before diagnosis (IQR=2.5-7 days), most commonly cough (72%), fever (65%), dyspnoea (37%), fatigue (28%), myalgia (27%) and headache (24%). Of all cases, 54 had at least one pre-existing chronic illness (most commonly hypertension, diabetes mellitus or asthma). At initial assessment, the most common abnormal findings were: C-reactive protein >7.0mg/L (74%), ferritin >247μg/L (women) or >275μg/L (men) (62%), D-dimer >0.5μg/dL (62%), chest imaging (59%), NEWS Score (modified) of ≥3 (55%) and heart rate >90/min (51%). Supplemental oxygen was required by 27 patients, of which 17 were admitted to the intensive care unit - 14 requiring ventilation. Antiviral therapy was administered to 40 patients (most commonly hydroxychloroquine or lopinavir/ritonavir). Four died, 17 were admitted to intensive care, and 74 were discharged home, with nine days the median hospital stay (IQR=6-11). Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the consensus of COVID-19 as an acute life-threatening disease and highlights the importance of laboratory (ferritin, C-reactive protein, D-dimer) and radiological parameters, in addition to clinical parameters. Further cohort studies followed longitudinally are a priority.
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233
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Haslbauer JD, Perrina V, Matter M, Dellas A, Mihatsch MJ, Tzankov A. Retrospective Post-mortem SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR of Autopsies with COVID-19-Suggestive Pathology Supports the Absence of Lethal Community Spread in Basel, Switzerland, before February 2020. Pathobiology 2020; 88:95-105. [PMID: 33161409 DOI: 10.1159/000512563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread around the world. While the first case was recorded in Hubei in December 2019, the extent of early community spread in Central Europe before this period is unknown. A high proportion of asymptomatic cases and undocumented infections, high transmissibility, and phylogenetic genomic diversity have engendered the controversial possibility of early international community spread of SARS-CoV-2 before its emergence in China. METHODS To assess the early presence of lethal COVID-19 in Switzerland, we retrospectively performed an analysis of deaths at University Hospital Basel between October 2019 and February 2020 (n = 310), comparing the incidence of clinical causes of death with March 2020 (n = 72), the month during which the first lethal COVID-19 cases in Basel were reported. Trends of COVID-19-suggestive sequelae, such as bronchopneumonia with organization, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or pulmonary embolisms (PE) were evaluated. In cases where autopsy was performed (n = 71), analogous analyses were conducted on the cause of death and pulmonary histological findings. Eight cases with a COVID-19-suggestive clinical history and histopathology between October 2019 and February 2020, and 3 cases before October 2019, were selected for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. RESULTS A statistically significant rise in pulmonary causes of death was observed in March 2020 (p = 0.03), consistent with the reported emergence of lethal COVID-19 in Switzerland. A rise in lethal bronchopneumonia was observed between December 2019 and January 2020, which was likely seasonal. The incidence of lethal ARDS and PE was uniformly low between October 2019 and February 2020. All autopsy cases analyzed by means of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR yielded negative results. CONCLUSION Our data suggest the absence of early lethal community spread of COVID-19 in Basel before its initial reported emergence in Switzerland in March 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Dionne Haslbauer
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Perrina
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Matter
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Athanassios Dellas
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Mihatsch
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,
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234
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Rathnayake D, Clarke M, Jayasinghe VI. Health system performance and health system preparedness for the post-pandemic impact of COVID-19: A review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/20479700.2020.1836732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimuthu Rathnayake
- Centre of Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
- Institute of Clinical Science, Block A, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Mike Clarke
- Centre of Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
- Institute of Clinical Science, Block A, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK
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235
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Lalaoui R, Bakour S, Raoult D, Verger P, Sokhna C, Devaux C, Pradines B, Rolain JM. What could explain the late emergence of COVID-19 in Africa? New Microbes New Infect 2020; 38:100760. [PMID: 32983542 PMCID: PMC7508045 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At the end of November 2019, a novel coronavirus responsible for respiratory tract infections emerged in China. Despite drastic containment measures, this virus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread in Asia and Europe. The pandemic is ongoing with a particular hotspot in southern Europe and America in spring 2020. Many studies predicted an epidemic in Africa similar to that currently seen in Europe and the USA. However, reported data do not confirm these predictions. Several hypotheses that could explain the later emergence and spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in African countries are being discussed, including the lack of health-care infrastructure capable of clinically detecting and confirming COVID-19 cases, the implementation of social distancing and hygiene, international air traffic flows, the climate, the relatively young and rural population, the genetic polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, cross-immunity and the use of antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Lalaoui
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - S. Bakour
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - D. Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - P. Verger
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Southeastern Health Regional Observatory, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - C. Sokhna
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - C. Devaux
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - B. Pradines
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Unité parasitologie et entomologie, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Marseille, France
- Centre national de référence du paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - J.-M. Rolain
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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236
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Lazaridis C, Vlachogiannis NI, Bakogiannis C, Spyridopoulos I, Stamatelopoulos K, Kanakakis I, Vassilikos V, Stellos K. Involvement of cardiovascular system as the critical point in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prognosis and recovery. Hellenic J Cardiol 2020; 61:381-395. [PMID: 32534109 PMCID: PMC7286275 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has already caused more than 300,000 deaths worldwide. Several studies have elucidated the central role of cardiovascular complications in the disease course. Herein, we provide a concise review of current knowledge regarding the involvement of cardiovascular system in the pathogenesis and prognosis of COVID-19. We summarize data from 21 studies involving in total more than 21,000 patients from Asia, Europe, and the USA indicating that severe disease is associated with the presence of myocardial injury, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Additionally, we present the clinical and laboratory differences between recovered and deceased patients highlighting the importance of cardiac manifestations. For the infected patients, underlying cardiovascular comorbidities and particularly existing cardiovascular disease seem to predispose to the development of cardiovascular complications, which are in turn associated with higher mortality rates. We provide mechanistic insights into the underlying mechanisms including direct myocardial damage by the virus and the consequences of the hyperinflammatory syndrome developed later in the disease course. Finally, we summarize current knowledge on therapeutic modalities and recommendations by scientific societies and experts regarding the cardiovascular management of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Lazaridis
- Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; Third Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nikolaos I Vlachogiannis
- Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Constantinos Bakogiannis
- Third Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioakim Spyridopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kanakakis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilios Vassilikos
- Third Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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237
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Wang SSY. Journey to the East: COVID-19 Lessons From the East. Asia Pac J Public Health 2020; 32:513-514. [DOI: 10.1177/1010539520956442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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238
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Ibrahim NK. Epidemiologic surveillance for controlling Covid-19 pandemic: types, challenges and implications. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1630-1638. [PMID: 32855090 PMCID: PMC7441991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the study was to determine the types, challenges and implications of surveillance methods for controlling Covid-19 pandemic. An integrative article review was done. The source of data were documents from WHO, Euro-surveillance, CDC, Saudi CDC, MOH, and journals from PubMed, Medline, etc. The inclusion searching criteria were surveillance, Covid-19, types, benefits and challenges, during the period 2005-2020. Published studies, reviews and guidelines that determined these criteria were collected. Data extraction and analysis were completed for all included articles. A critical appraisal was done based on the University of Michigan Practice Guideline's levels of evidence. The final sample for the integrative review comprised 30 studies. Results revealed that types of Covid-9 surveillance includes routine surveillance (comprehensive, case-based, and aggregated weakly methods), active, wildlife, syndromic, sentinel and sentinel-syndromic methods. Laboratory and hospital-based surveillance are another important types. Help-lines, surveys, participatory electronic, digital and event-based surveillance are relatively new cost-effective methods. Many surveillance indicators can be calculated. Timely and accurate of surveillance data is an essential element for effective Covid-19 interventions. Regarding challenges, the quality of surveillance in developing countries is constrained by resources and training. The main limitations of surveillance are under-ascertainment/under-reporting, lack of timeliness and completeness of surveillance data. In conclusion, surveillance is a cornerstones for controlling Covid-19 pandemic. Enhancing Covid-19 surveillance is vital for rapid cases detection, containing spread & ending pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Khamis Ibrahim
- Professor of Epidemiology at Community Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Professor of Epidemiology at Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt.
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239
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Ibrahim OR, Suleiman BM, Abdullahi SB, Oloyede T, Sanda A, Gbadamosi MS, Yusuf BO, Iliyasu RY, Ibrahim LM, Danladi Dawud A, Bashir SS, Okonta NE, Umar WF, Tekobo AG, Abubakar MS, Aminu BT, Ibrahim SO, Olaosebikan R, Mokuolu OA. Epidemiology of COVID-19 and Predictors of Outcome in Nigeria: A Single-Center Study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2376-2381. [PMID: 33124545 PMCID: PMC7695094 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a paucity of information regarding the epidemiology and outcome of COVID-19 from low/middle-income countries, including from Nigeria. This single-center study described the clinical features, laboratory findings, and predictors of in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted between April 10, 2020 and June 10, 2020 were included. Forty-five patients with a mean age of 43 (16) years, predominantly male (87%), presented with fever (38%), cough (29%), or dyspnea (24%). In-hospital mortality was 16%. The independent predictors of mortality were hypoxemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3–5.1) and creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL (aOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.9–9.8).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Taofeek Oloyede
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Katsina, Nigeria
| | - Abdallah Sanda
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal Medical Center, Katsina, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Adamu Danladi Dawud
- Department of Disease Control and Immunization, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sulaiman Saidu Bashir
- Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Amadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Bashir Taiye Aminu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Katsina, Nigeria
| | | | - Rasaq Olaosebikan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Pharmacology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Olugbenga Ayodeji Mokuolu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
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240
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Pasha SB, Swi A, Hammoud GM. Gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 infection: Lessons for practitioners. World J Meta-Anal 2020; 8:348-374. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v8.i5.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Originating from Wuhan in China, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread globally within months and was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization in March 2020, making it one of the biggest healthcare calamities of our time. As more data on COVID-19 infection became available, what was initially thought to be a simple respiratory illness was found to be more complex. Many extra-pulmonary manifestations are now frequently reported for COVID-19 in available literature, most commonly gastrointestinal and hepatopancreato-biliary manifestations. Due to early scarcity of data, extra pulmonary manifestations were initially overlooked and may have contributed to nosocomial spread of the infection. Practitioners, especially gastroenterologists, who frequently encounter patients with these symptoms, need to be aware of them. This can not only help minimize the nosocomial spread, ensure safety of provider but also help conserve already stretched-thin healthcare resources. A tremendous amount of COVID-19 related literature is getting added to the growing pool every day, making it difficult for providers to follow. The aim of our review is to summarize the available evidence for gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary manifestations of COVID-19. We here briefly discussed the possible pathophysiologic mechanism for these manifestations and summarized the recommendations put forward by multiple gastrointestinal societies regarding safe and effective clinical practice during the ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed B Pasha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Ahmed Swi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Ghassan M Hammoud
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
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241
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Kaptein SJF, Jacobs S, Langendries L, Seldeslachts L, Ter Horst S, Liesenborghs L, Hens B, Vergote V, Heylen E, Barthelemy K, Maas E, De Keyzer C, Bervoets L, Rymenants J, Van Buyten T, Zhang X, Abdelnabi R, Pang J, Williams R, Thibaut HJ, Dallmeier K, Boudewijns R, Wouters J, Augustijns P, Verougstraete N, Cawthorne C, Breuer J, Solas C, Weynand B, Annaert P, Spriet I, Vande Velde G, Neyts J, Rocha-Pereira J, Delang L. Favipiravir at high doses has potent antiviral activity in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters, whereas hydroxychloroquine lacks activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:26955-26965. [PMID: 33037151 PMCID: PMC7604414 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014441117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly spread around the globe after its emergence in Wuhan in December 2019. With no specific therapeutic and prophylactic options available, the virus has infected millions of people of which more than half a million succumbed to the viral disease, COVID-19. The urgent need for an effective treatment together with a lack of small animal infection models has led to clinical trials using repurposed drugs without preclinical evidence of their in vivo efficacy. We established an infection model in Syrian hamsters to evaluate the efficacy of small molecules on both infection and transmission. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters with a low dose of favipiravir or hydroxychloroquine with(out) azithromycin resulted in, respectively, a mild or no reduction in virus levels. However, high doses of favipiravir significantly reduced infectious virus titers in the lungs and markedly improved lung histopathology. Moreover, a high dose of favipiravir decreased virus transmission by direct contact, whereas hydroxychloroquine failed as prophylaxis. Pharmacokinetic modeling of hydroxychloroquine suggested that the total lung exposure to the drug did not cause the failure. Our data on hydroxychloroquine (together with previous reports in macaques and ferrets) thus provide no scientific basis for the use of this drug in COVID-19 patients. In contrast, the results with favipiravir demonstrate that an antiviral drug at nontoxic doses exhibits a marked protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 in a small animal model. Clinical studies are required to assess whether a similar antiviral effect is achievable in humans without toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne J F Kaptein
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Sofie Jacobs
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lana Langendries
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Seldeslachts
- Biomedical MRI and Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Ter Horst
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens Liesenborghs
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Hens
- Drug Delivery & Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valentijn Vergote
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Heylen
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karine Barthelemy
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1207, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Elke Maas
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carolien De Keyzer
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Bervoets
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jasper Rymenants
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tina Van Buyten
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rana Abdelnabi
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juanita Pang
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Williams
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH London, United Kingdom
| | - Hendrik Jan Thibaut
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kai Dallmeier
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robbert Boudewijns
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jens Wouters
- Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Drug Delivery & Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Verougstraete
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christopher Cawthorne
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Judith Breuer
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Solas
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, Unité des Virus Emergents, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1207, Laboratoire de Pharmacocinétique et Toxicologie, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Birgit Weynand
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery & Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI and Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Joana Rocha-Pereira
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Leen Delang
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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Creput C, Fumeron C, Toledano D, Diaconita M, Izzedine H. COVID-19 in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Prevalence and Asymptomatic Screening During a Period of High Community Prevalence in a Large Paris Center. Kidney Med 2020; 2:716-723.e1. [PMID: 33106788 PMCID: PMC7577867 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale & Objective Due to extensive comorbid conditions, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a poor prognosis in people receiving maintenance hemodialysis. In this article, we describe our experience with 200 maintenance hemodialysis patients in a hemodialysis center that used universal reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing, including 38 COVID-19–positive patients. Study Design Descriptive observational cohort, including the time line of patient diagnoses along with contextual events including precautions, testing, screening algorithms, clinical diagnostics and therapy, and the clinical course of COVID-19–infected patients and their final outcomes. Setting & Participants 200 patients within a single hemodialysis center with 2 dialysis clinics in Paris. Results Among 200 maintenance hemodialysis patients, 38 (19%) had COVID-19 diagnosed; of these, 15 (39.5%) were admitted to the hospital, including 4 who required intensive care unit (ICU) care. There were 8 (21%) deaths. The most common symptom was fever, followed by dry cough, fatigue, and dyspnea. All COVID-19–infected patients had lymphopenia and an increase in C-reactive protein levels. Median time from the onset of respiratory symptoms to ICU admission was 1 to 2 days. Durations of non-ICU hospitalizations and ICU stays were 7 and 13 days, respectively. Limitations Retrospective study, single hemodialysis center. Conclusions Dialysis patients are a highly susceptible population and hemodialysis centers are a high-risk area in a COVID-19 epidemic. “Unexplained” lymphopenia and/or an increase in C-reactive protein level should lead physicians to the diagnosis of COVID-19 and should, when possible, be followed by diagnostic testing with universal reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, as well as the reinforcement of contamination barrier measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hassan Izzedine
- Department of Nephrology, Peupliers Private Hospital, Ramsay Générale de Santé, Paris, France
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243
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Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:3437-3470. [PMID: 33089477 PMCID: PMC7577367 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04801-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronaviruses mainly affect the respiratory system; however, there are reports of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV causing neurological manifestations. We aimed at discussing the various neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to estimate the prevalence of each of them. METHODS We searched the following electronic databases; PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WHO database, and ClinicalTrials.gov . Relevant MeSH terms for COVID-19 and neurological manifestations were used. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case series, and case reports were included in the study. To estimate the overall proportion of each neurological manifestations, the study employed meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model. RESULTS Pooled prevalence of each neurological manifestations are, smell disturbances (35.8%; 95% CI 21.4-50.2), taste disturbances (38.5%; 95%CI 24.0-53.0), myalgia (19.3%; 95% CI 15.1-23.6), headache (14.7%; 95% CI 10.4-18.9), dizziness (6.1%; 95% CI 3.1-9.2), and syncope (1.8%; 95% CI 0.9-4.6). Pooled prevalence of acute cerebrovascular disease was (2.3%; 95%CI 1.0-3.6), of which majority were ischaemic stroke (2.1%; 95% CI 0.9-3.3), followed by haemorrhagic stroke (0.4%; 95% CI 0.2-0.6), and cerebral venous thrombosis (0.3%; 95% CI 0.1-0.6). CONCLUSIONS Neurological symptoms are common in SARS-CoV-2 infection, and from the large number of cases reported from all over the world daily, the prevalence of neurological features might increase again. Identifying some neurological manifestations like smell and taste disturbances can be used to screen patients with COVID-19 so that early identification and isolation is possible.
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244
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Wang JG, Cui HR, Tang HB, Deng XL. Gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal nucleic acid testing of children with 2019 coronavirus disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17846. [PMID: 33082472 PMCID: PMC7576139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to understand the clinical manifestations and incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in children and discuss the importance of fecal nucleic acid testing.We retrospectively analyzed studies on gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal nucleic acid detection in pediatric COVID-19 patients from January 1, 2020 to August 10, 2020, including prospective clinical studies and case reports. The results of fecal nucleic acid detection were analyzed systematically. Stata12.0 software was used for meta-analysis.The results showed that the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in children with COVID-19 were vomiting and diarrhea, with a total incidence of 17.7% (95% Cl 13.9-21.5%). However, the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in other countries (21.1%, 95% CI 16.5-25.7%) was higher compared to China (12.9%, 95% CI 8-17.7%). In Wuhan, the pooled prevalence was much higher (41.3%, 95% CI 3.2-79.4%) compared to areas outside Wuhan in China (7.1%, 95% CI 4.0-10.3%). The positive rate of fecal nucleic acid testing in COVID-19 children was relatively high at 85.8% (91/106). Additionally, 71.2% (52/73) were still positive for fecal nucleic acid after respiratory tract specimens turned negative. One and two weeks after the respiratory tract specimens turned nucleic acid-negative, 45.2% (33/73) and 34.2% (25/73) patients, respectively, remained fecal nucleic acid-positive. The longest interval between the respiratory tract specimens turning negative and fecal specimens turning negative exceeded 70 days. Conclusions and relevance: gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric COVID-19 are relatively common. Attention should be paid to the detection of fecal nucleic acids in children. Fecal nucleic acid-negative status should be considered as one of the desegregation standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Gan Wang
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530003, China.
| | - Hai-Rong Cui
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Hua-Bo Tang
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530003, China
| | - Xiu-Li Deng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530003, China
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245
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Effect of Tocilizumab in Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case-Control Cohort Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13100317. [PMID: 33080877 PMCID: PMC7603074 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor, administrated during the right timeframe may be beneficial against coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. All patients admitted for severe COVID-19 pneumonia (SpO2 ≤ 96% despite O2-support ≥ 6 L/min) without invasive mechanical ventilation were included in a retrospective cohort study in a primary care hospital. The treatment effect of a single-dose, 400 mg, of tocilizumab was assessed by comparing those who received tocilizumab to those who did not. Selection bias was mitigated using three statistical methods. Primary outcome measure was a composite of mortality and ventilation at day 28. A total of 246 patients were included (106 were treated with tocilizumab). Overall, 105 (42.7%) patients presented the primary outcome, with 71 (28.9%) deaths during the 28-day follow-up. Propensity-score-matched 84 pairs of comparable patients. In the matched cohort (n = 168), tocilizumab was associated with fewer primary outcomes than the control group (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49 (95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.3-0.81), p-value = 0.005). These results were similar in the overall cohort (n = 246), with Cox multivariable analysis yielding a protective association between tocilizumab and primary outcome (adjusted HR = 0.26 (95%CI = 0.135-0.51, p = 0.0001), confirmed by inverse probability score weighting (IPSW) analysis (p < 0.0001). Analyses on mortality only, with 28 days of follow-up, yielded similar results. In this study, tocilizumab 400 mg in a single-dose was associated with improved survival without mechanical ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19.
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246
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Dia N, Lakh NA, Diagne MM, Mbaye KD, Taieb F, Fall NM, Barry MA, Ka D, Fall A, Diallo VMPC, Faye O, Jallow MM, Dieng I, Ndiaye M, Diop M, Bousso A, loucoubar C, Ndiaye MKN, Peyreffite C, Fortes L, Sall AA, Faye O, Seydi M. COVID-19 Outbreak, Senegal, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:2772-2774. [PMID: 33054907 PMCID: PMC7588548 DOI: 10.3201/eid2611.202615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 began later in Africa than in Asia and Europe. Senegal confirmed its first case of coronavirus disease on March 2, 2020. By March 4, a total of 4 cases had been confirmed, all in patients who traveled from Europe.
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247
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Melo-Oliveira ME, Sá-Caputo D, Bachur JA, Paineiras-Domingos LL, Sonza A, Lacerda AC, Mendonça V, Seixas A, Taiar R, Bernardo-Filho M. Reported quality of life in countries with cases of COVID19: a systematic review. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 15:213-220. [PMID: 32951475 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1826315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering the relevance of the quality of life (QoL) and the consequences of the 2019 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to the social distancing, this systematic review aimed to summarize effects of the COVID-19 in the QoL of the studied populations. AREAS COVERED Four databases, the methodological quality and the risk of bias in selected publications were investigated. Seven thousand and fifty-one individuals from Italy, Saudi Arabia, China, and Vietnam. Online system and printed questionnaires were used to assess the QoL, as patients affected by primary antibody deficiencies, residents, people from endemic and no endemic regions, and individuals with COVID-19. Different types of questionnaires are utilized to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The methodological quality of three papers was good with low risk of bias and a decrease in the QoL. EXPERT OPINION The QoL of studies populations where COVID-19 was reported, worsened. Nevertheless, considering some indicators (infant mortality, average income, life expectancy, health coverage, and average schooling years), the standard of life and subsequently the quality of life among the presented countries (China, Vietnam, Italy, and Saudi Arabia) are different. Therefore, the simple comparison of these populations and the conclusions from this comparison must be done carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Melo-Oliveira
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes e Policlínica Piquet Carneiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Danúbia Sá-Caputo
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes e Policlínica Piquet Carneiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Department of Physiotherapy, Faculdade Bezerra de Araújo , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre Bachur
- Department ofPhysiotherapy, Cursos de Medicina e Fisioterapia da Universidade de Franca , Franca, Brazil
| | - Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes e Policlínica Piquet Carneiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Department of Physiotherapy, Faculdade Bezerra de Araújo , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anelise Sonza
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade do Estado Santa Catarina , Samta Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Lacerda
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa Em Saúde- CIPq/Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri-UFVJM , Diamantina, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Mendonça
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa Em Saúde- CIPq/Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri-UFVJM , Diamantina, Brazil
| | - Adérito Seixas
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Universidade Fernando Pessoa , Porto, Portugal
| | - Redha Taiar
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Sebastopol Hospital, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne , Reims, France
| | - Mario Bernardo-Filho
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes e Policlínica Piquet Carneiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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248
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Mohammed M, Muhammad S, Mohammed FZ, Mustapha S, Sha'aban A, Sani NY, Ahmad MH, Bala AA, Ungogo MA, Alotaibi NM, Zainal H. Risk Factors Associated with Mortality Among Patients with Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Africa. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 8:1267-1272. [PMID: 33051749 PMCID: PMC7553376 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00888-3] [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: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China and later spread rapidly to other parts of the world, including Africa. Africa was projected to be devastated by COVID-19. There is currently limited data regarding regional predictors of mortality among patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the independent risk factors associated with mortality among patients with COVID-19 in Africa. METHODS A total of 1028 confirmed cases of COVID-19 from Africa with definite survival outcomes were identified retrospectively from an open-access individual-level worldwide COVID-19 database. The live version of the dataset is available at https://github.com/beoutbreakprepared/nCoV2019 . Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors that independently predict mortality among patients with COVID-19 in Africa. RESULTS Of the 1028 cases included in study, 432 (42.0%) were females with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 50 (24) years. Older age (adjusted odds ratio {aOR} 1.06; [95% confidence intervals {95% CI}, 1.04-1.08]), presence of chronic disease (aOR 9.63; [95% CI, 3.84-24.15]), travel history (aOR 2.44; [95% CI, 1.26-4.72]), as well as locations of Central Africa (aOR 0.14; [95% CI, 0.03-0.72]) and West Africa (aOR 0.12; [95% CI, 0.04-0.32]) were identified as the independent risk factors significantly associated with increased mortality among the patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving gradually in Africa. Among patients with COVID-19 in Africa, older age, presence of chronic disease, travel history, and the locations of Central Africa and West Africa were associated with increased mortality. A regional response should prioritize strategies that will protect these populations. Also, conducting a further in-depth study could provide more insights into additional factors predictive of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Mohammed
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. .,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
| | | | - Fatima Zaji Mohammed
- School of Dental Health Sciences, Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Sagir Mustapha
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Abubakar Sha'aban
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Najib Yahaya Sani
- Center for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Mubarak Hussaini Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.,School of Pharmacy Technician, Aminu Dabo College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Auwal Adam Bala
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa, Nigeria.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Marzuq Abubakar Ungogo
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.,Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nawaf M Alotaibi
- College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadzliana Zainal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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249
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Calderaro A, De Conto F, Buttrini M, Piccolo G, Montecchini S, Maccari C, Martinelli M, Di Maio A, Ferraglia F, Pinardi F, Montagna P, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C. Human respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, circulating in the winter season 2019-2020 in Parma, Northern Italy. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 102:79-84. [PMID: 33017694 PMCID: PMC7530558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.1473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory virus infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), during the winter period December 2019 to March 2020, via a tertiary care hospital-based survey in Parma, Northern Italy. METHODS A total of 906 biological samples from the respiratory tract were analysed by both conventional assays (including culture) and molecular assays targeting nucleic acids of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. RESULTS Overall, 474 samples (52.3%) were positive for at least one virus, with a total of 583 viruses detected. Single infections were detected in 380 (80.2%) samples and mixed infections were detected in 94 (19.8%). Respiratory syncytial virus (138/583, 23.7%) and rhinovirus (130/583, 22.3%) were the most commonly identified viruses, followed by SARS-CoV-2 (82/583, 14.1%). Respiratory syncytial virus predominated until February, with 129 detections; it then decreased drastically in March to only nine detections. SARS-CoV-2 was absent in the study area until February 26, 2020 and then reached 82 detections in just over a month. SARS-CoV-2 was found in mixed infections in only three cases, all observed in children younger than 1 year old. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a completely different trend between SARS-CoV-2 and the 'common' respiratory viruses: the common viruses mostly affected children, without any distinction according to sex, while SARS-CoV-2 mostly affected adult males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Clara Maccari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Alan Di Maio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ferraglia
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Federica Pinardi
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Montagna
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
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250
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Burnett ML, Sergi CM. Face Masks Are Beneficial Regardless of the Level of Infection in the Fight Against COVID-19. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2020; 14:e47-e50. [PMID: 32900420 PMCID: PMC7550874 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2020.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a global pandemic that has affected over 7 million people worldwide, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. In the past 20 years, they have been several viral epidemics that were primarily transmitted by respiratory droplets. The use of face masks is proven to be effective in protecting health-care workers as they perform their duties. Still, there is limited evidence about whether the widespread use of face mask would be very useful in protecting the general population. This study aimed to conduct a review to determine if face masks would be beneficial in the general population as a means of reducing the spread of COVID-19. The widespread implementation of wearing face masks by the general population is challenging due to a variety of factors. However, the extensive use of cloth masks in conjunction with other preventative measures such as social distancing and handwashing can potentially reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervin L. Burnett
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Stollery Children’s Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Consolato M. Sergi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Stollery Children’s Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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