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Karimi-Dehkordi M, Hanson HM, Silvius J, Wagg A. Drivers of COVID-19 Outcomes in Long-Term Care Facilities Using Multi-Level Analysis: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:807. [PMID: 38610229 PMCID: PMC11011537 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the individual, organizational, and environmental factors which contributed to COVID-19-related outcomes in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). A systematic review was conducted to summarize and synthesize empirical studies using a multi-level analysis approach to address the identified influential factors. Five databases were searched on 23 May 2023. To be included in the review, studies had to be published in peer-reviewed journals or as grey literature containing relevant statistical data. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was employed to assess the methodological quality of each article included in this study. Of 2137 citations identified after exclusions, 99 records met the inclusion criteria. The predominant individual, organizational, and environmental factors that were most frequently found associated with the COVID-19 outbreak comprised older age, higher dependency level; lower staffing levels and lower star and subset domain ratings for the facility; and occupancy metrics and co-occurrences of outbreaks in counties and communities where the LTCFs were located, respectively. The primary individual, organizational, and environmental factors frequently linked to COVID-19-related deaths comprised age, and male sex; higher percentages of racial and ethnic minorities in LTCFs, as well as ownership types (including private, for-profit, and chain membership); and higher occupancy metrics and LTCF's size and bed capacity, respectively. Unfolding the risk factors collectively may mitigate the risk of outbreaks and pandemic-related mortality in LTCFs during future endemic and pandemics through developing and improving interventions that address those significant factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Karimi-Dehkordi
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Keyano College, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Heather M. Hanson
- Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.M.H.); (J.S.)
| | - James Silvius
- Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.M.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Adrian Wagg
- Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
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Venema DM, Hester A, Clapper K, Kennel V, Quigley P, Reames C, Skinner A. Description and Implications of Falls in Patients Hospitalized Due to COVID-19. J Nurs Care Qual 2024; 39:121-128. [PMID: 37350615 DOI: 10.1097/ncq.0000000000000733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many hospital quality indicators, including falls, worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 may be at risk for falling due to the disease itself, patient characteristics, or aspects of care delivery. PURPOSE To describe and explore falls in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS We pooled data from 107 hospitalized adult patients who fell between March 2020 and April 2021. Patients who fell had a current, pending, or recent diagnosis of COVID-19. We analyzed patient characteristics, fall circumstances, and patient and organizational contributing factors using frequencies, the chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS Patient contributing factors included patients' lack of safety awareness, impaired physical function, and respiratory concerns. Organizational contributing factors related to staff and the isolation environment. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations for managing fall risk in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 include frequent reassessment of risk, consideration of respiratory function as a risk factor, ongoing patient education, assisted mobility, and adequate staff training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Venema
- Author Affiliations: Departments of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Dr Venema) and Allied Health Professions Education, Research, and Practice (Dr Kennel and Ms Skinner), College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; HD Nursing Patient Safety Organization, Benton, Arkansas (Dr Hester); Inpatient Rehab Services (Ms Clapper) and Nursing Professional Practice and Development (Ms Reames), Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska; and Patricia A. Quigley Nurse Consultant, LLC, St Petersburg, Florida (Dr Quigley)
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Chen R, Kezhekkekara SG, Kunasekaran MP, MacIntyre CR. Universal masking during COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 93:102138. [PMID: 38007047 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Aged care facilities (ACF) are a high-risk COVID-19 transmission setting, and older residents are at greater risk of severe outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether universal masking and COVID-19 vaccination reduce SARS-CoV-2 attack rates (ARs) in ACF. Articles published between 1 December 2019 and 28 February 2022 were screened across five databases (Medline, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL)). Risk of bias was assessed using relevant Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Meta-analysis of single proportions, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were performed to compare the effects of universal masking and vaccine doses on pooled SARS-CoV-2 ARs. Of 99 included articles, SARS-CoV-2 ARs for residents were available in 86 studies (representing 139 outbreaks), and for staff in 49 studies (78 outbreaks). Universal masking was associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 ARs in ACF outbreaks (AR = 34.9% [95% CI: 27.2-42.6%]) compared to facilities without universal masking (67.3% [54.2-80.4%], p < .0001). In ACF with universal masking prior to outbreak onset, facility-wide testing, and documentation of asymptomatic infection, the asymptomatic AR at time of testing was 11.4% (6.5-17.4%) in residents. Receipt of zero, one and two vaccination doses were associated with ARs of 64.9% (49.6-80.2%), 54.9% (33.7-76.1%) and 45.2% (29.2-61.3%), respectively. To protect residents from COVID-19, ACF should provide vaccination of residents and staff, universal masking for staff, and facility-wide testing during times of heightened community transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Chen
- Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shwetha G Kezhekkekara
- Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - C Raina MacIntyre
- Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Tsai JCH, Chang YY, Hsu CY, Chen HJ, Chan FT, Shi ZY. The Epidemiological Analysis of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Nursing Homes during the Period of Omicron Variant Predominance. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2868. [PMID: 37958011 PMCID: PMC10648883 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemic trend and risk factors associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes during the period of Omicron variant predominance. METHODS The study analyzed the risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and death among the 327 residents and 129 healthcare workers (HCWs) in three hospital-affiliated nursing homes through a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS The rates of receiving a COVID-19 booster dose were 70.3% for the residents and 93.0% for the healthcare workers (HCWs), respectively. A number of asymptomatic individuals, including 54 (16.5%) residents and 15 (11.6%) HCWs, were detected through mass screening surveillance tests. The COVID-19 infection rates during the outbreaks were 41.6% among residents and 48.1% among HCWs, respectively. The case fatality rate among residents was 10.3%. None of the HCWs were hospitalized or died. The multivariate Cox regression model showed that the risk of COVID-19 infection increased in males (HR 2.46; 95% CI 1.47-4.11; p = 0.001), Barthel index ≥ 61 (HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.18-3.17; p = 0.009), and dementia (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.14-2.27; p = 0.007). The risk of COVID-19 death increased with pneumonia (HR 11.03; 95% CI 3.02-40.31; p < 0.001), hospitalization (HR 7.18; 95% CI 1.97-26.25; p = 0.003), and admission to an intensive care unit (HR 8.67; 95% CI 2.79-26.89; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the high infection rates with a substantial proportion of asymptomatic infections for both residents and HCWs, as well as a high case fatality rate for the residents among nursing homes during the Omicron epidemic period. We suggest implementing mass screening through regular surveillance testing as an effective strategy for early detection of COVID-19 and for preventing transmission during an epidemic period. Pneumonia is the primary risk associated with COVID-19 death. Early detection and prompt treatment of pneumonia for vulnerable residents in nursing homes are crucial to protect them from potential mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Che-Hung Tsai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ying Chang
- Nursing Department, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan
| | - Chiann-Yi Hsu
- Biostatistics Group, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ju Chen
- Infection Control Team, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Tse Chan
- Nursing Department, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Yuan Shi
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering & Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan
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Bloch N, Männer J, Gardiol C, Kohler P, Kuhn J, Münzer T, Schlegel M, Kuster SP, Flury D. Effective infection prevention and control measures in long-term care facilities in non-outbreak and outbreak settings: a systematic literature review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:113. [PMID: 37853477 PMCID: PMC10585745 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections in long-term care are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. While infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines are well-defined in the acute care setting, evidence of effectiveness for long-term care facilities (LTCF) is missing. We therefore performed a systematic literature review to examine the effect of IPC measures in the long-term care setting. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed and Cochrane libraries for articles evaluating the effect of IPC measures in the LTCF setting since 2017, as earlier reviews on this topic covered the timeframe up to this date. Cross-referenced studies from identified articles and from mentioned earlier reviews were also evaluated. We included randomized-controlled trials, quasi-experimental, observational studies, and outbreak reports. The included studies were analyzed regarding study design, type of intervention, description of intervention, outcomes and quality. We distinguished between non-outbreak and outbreak settings. RESULTS We included 74 studies, 34 (46%) in the non-outbreak setting and 40 (54%) in the outbreak setting. The most commonly studied interventions in the non-outbreak setting included the effect of hand hygiene (N = 10), oral hygiene (N = 6), antimicrobial stewardship (N = 4), vaccination of residents (N = 3), education (N = 2) as well as IPC bundles (N = 7). All but one study assessing hand hygiene interventions reported a reduction of infection rates. Further successful interventions were oral hygiene (N = 6) and vaccination of residents (N = 3). In outbreak settings, studies mostly focused on the effects of IPC bundles (N = 24) or mass testing (N = 11). In most of the studies evaluating an IPC bundle, containment of the outbreak was reported. Overall, only four articles (5.4%) were rated as high quality. CONCLUSION In the non-outbreak setting in LTCF, especially hand hygiene and oral hygiene have a beneficial effect on infection rates. In contrast, IPC bundles, as well as mass testing seem to be promising in an outbreak setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nando Bloch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Jasmin Männer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Philipp Kohler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Kuhn
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Münzer
- Geriatrische Klinik St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schlegel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Stefan P Kuster
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Domenica Flury
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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Baron-Franco B, Ollero-Baturone M, Ternero-Vega JE, Nieto-Martín MD, Moreno-Gaviño L, Conde-Guzmán C, Gutiérrez-Rivero S, Rincón-Gómez M, Díaz-Jiménez P, Muñoz-Lopez JJ, Giménez-Miranda L, Fernández-Nieto C, Bernabeu-Wittel M. Survival Impact of an On-Site Medicalization Program in the Control of COVID-19 Outbreaks in 11 Nursing Homes. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6517. [PMID: 37892655 PMCID: PMC10607111 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elderly admitted to nursing homes have especially suffered the havoc of the COVID-19 pandemic since most of them are not prepared to face such health problems. METHODS An innovative coordinated on-site medicalization program (MP) in response to a sizeable COVID-19 outbreak in three consecutive waves was deployed, sharing coordination and resources among primary care, the referral hospital, and the eleven residences. The objectives were providing the best possible medical care to residents in their environment, avoiding dehumanization and loneliness of hospital admission, and reducing the saturation of hospitals and the risk of spreading the infection. The main outcomes were a composite endpoint of survival or optimal palliative care (SOPC), survival, and referral to the hospital. RESULTS 587 of 1199 (49%) residents were infected, of whom 123 (21%) died. Patients diagnosed before the start of the MP presented SOPC, survival, and referrals to the hospital of 83%, 74%, and 22.4%, opposite to 96%, 84%, and 10.6% of patients diagnosed while the MP was set up. The SOPC was independently associated with an MP (OR 3.4 [1.6-7.2]). CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 outbreak, a coordinated MP successfully obtained a better rate of SOPC while simultaneously reducing the need for hospital admissions, combining optimal medical management with a more compassionate and humanistic approach in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosco Baron-Franco
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Ollero-Baturone
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Lourdes Moreno-Gaviño
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | | | - Sonia Gutiérrez-Rivero
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Rincón-Gómez
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Pablo Díaz-Jiménez
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Juan José Muñoz-Lopez
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Alta Resolución de Utrera, 41710 Seville, Spain
| | - Luis Giménez-Miranda
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Celia Fernández-Nieto
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Máximo Bernabeu-Wittel
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
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Huyut MT, Huyut Z. Effect of ferritin, INR, and D-dimer immunological parameters levels as predictors of COVID-19 mortality: A strong prediction with the decision trees. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14015. [PMID: 36919085 PMCID: PMC9985543 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective A hyperinflammatory environment is thought to be the distinctive characteristic of COVID-19 infection and an important mediator of morbidity. This study aimed to determine the effect of other immunological parameter levels, especially ferritin, as a predictor of COVID-19 mortality via decision-trees analysis. Material and method This is a retrospective study evaluating a total of 2568 patients who died (n = 232) and recovered (n = 2336) from COVID-19 in August and December 2021. Immunological laboratory data were compared between two groups that died and recovered from patients with COVID-19. In addition, decision trees from machine learning models were used to evaluate the performance of immunological parameters in the mortality of the COVID-19 disease. Results Non-surviving from COVID-19 had 1.75 times higher ferritin, 10.7 times higher CRP, 2.4 times higher D-dimer, 1.14 times higher international-normalized-ratio (INR), 1.1 times higher Fibrinogen, 22.9 times higher procalcitonin, 3.35 times higher troponin, 2.77 mm/h times higher erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate (ESR), 1.13sec times longer prothrombin time (PT) when compared surviving patients. In addition, our interpretable decision tree, which was constructed with only the cut-off values of ferritin, INR, and D-dimer, correctly predicted 99.7% of surviving patients and 92.7% of non-surviving patients. Conclusions This study perfectly predicted the mortality of COVID-19 with our interpretable decision tree constructed with INR and D-dimer, especially ferritin. For this reason, we think that it may be important to include ferritin, INR, and D-dimer parameters and their cut-off values in the scoring systems to be planned for COVID-19 mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Tahir Huyut
- Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Zübeyir Huyut
- Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Van, Turkey
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Nilsen A, Lichtwarck B, Eriksen S, Mork Rokstad AM. Clinical expressions, characteristics and treatments of confirmed COVID-19 in nursing home residents: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:101. [PMID: 36803435 PMCID: PMC9936944 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03826-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a high rate of infections, frequent outbreaks, and high mortality rates in nursing homes (NH) worldwide. To protect and improve the treatment and care of the vulnerable NH population, it is pivotal to systematise and synthesise data from cases of COVID-19 among NH residents. In our systematic review, we therefore aimed to describe the clinical expressions, characteristics, and treatments of NH residents confirmed to have COVID-19. METHODS We conducted two comprehensive literature searches in several electronic databases: (1) PubMed, (2) CINAHL, (3) AgeLine, (4) Embase, and (5) PsycINFO in April and July 2021. Of the 438 articles screened, 19 were included in our sample, and we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale to assess the quality of the reported studies. A weighted mean (Mweighted), was calculated to account for the large variation in sample sizes of the studies, and due to heterogeneity among the studies, we report our findings in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS According to the mean weights (Mweighted), common symptoms and signs in NH residents confirmed to have COVID-19 were fever (53.7%), cough (56.5%), hypoxia (32.3%), and delirium or confusion (31.2%). Common comorbidities were hypertension (78.6%), dementia or cognitive impairment (55.3%), and cardiovascular diseases (52.0%). Six studies presented data concerning medical and pharmacological treatments, such as inhalers, oxygen supplementation, anticoagulation, and parenteral/enteral fluids or nutrition. The treatments were used to improve outcomes, as part of palliative care, or as end-of-life treatment. Transfers to hospital for NH residents with confirmed COVID-19 were reported in six of the included studies, and the rate of hospital transfers ranged from 6.9% to 50% in this population. In the 17 studies reporting mortality, 40.2% of the NH residents died during the studies' observation periods. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review allowed us to summarise important clinical findings about COVID-19 among NH residents and to identify the population's risk factors for serious illness and death caused by the disease. However, the treatment and care of NH residents with severe COVID-19 warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Nilsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway.
| | - Bjørn Lichtwarck
- grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XThe Research Centre for Age-Related Functional Decline and Disease, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
| | - Siren Eriksen
- grid.417292.b0000 0004 0627 3659Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway ,grid.458172.d0000 0004 0389 8311Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Marie Mork Rokstad
- grid.411834.b0000 0004 0434 9525Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway ,grid.417292.b0000 0004 0627 3659Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
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Čokić V, Popovska Z, Lijeskić O, Šabić L, Djurković-Djaković O. Three Outbreaks of COVID-19 in a Single Nursing Home over Two Years of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Aging Dis 2023; 14:99-111. [PMID: 36818555 PMCID: PMC9937707 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Older people in nursing homes (NH) have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a retrospective study of three outbreaks of COVID-19, occurring during the waves of the initial pre-Alpha, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants, in one NH in suburban Belgrade, Serbia. All staff and 95% residents were vaccinated in February 2021, mostly with BBIBP-CorV, and two thirds were boosted with a third dose in August 2021. COVID-19 was diagnosed by positive PCR and/or antigen test. After the first outbreak, 80 affected individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. The first outbreak involved 64/126 (50.8%) residents and 45/64 (70.3%) staff, the second 22/75 (29.3%) residents and 3/40 (7.5%) staff, and the third involved 36/110 (32.7%) residents and 19/56 (33.9%) staff. Clinical presentation ranged from asymptomatic to severe, with severe cases referred to hospital ICUs. Deaths occurred only in residents, and the case fatality rate was 31.2%, 9.1% and 0%, respectively in outbreaks 1, 2 and 3. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in all 35 residents and 44 of the 45 staff, and higher IgG levels were detected in the residents (417.3±273.5) than in the staff (201.9±192.9, p<0.0001) despite a double difference in age (79.0±7.4 vs. 40.1±11.5 years). Outbreaks 2 and 3 involved four and 23 breakthrough infections, respectively. Older individuals mounted a good immunological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, which prevented significant mortality and severe morbidity in the subsequent outbreaks, despite a significant number of breakthrough infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladan Čokić
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Olivera Lijeskić
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Olgica Djurković-Djaković
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia,Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Olgica Djurković-Djaković, Center of Excellence for Food- and Vector-borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. e-mail address: .
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Zhang J, Yu Y, Petrovic M, Pei X, Tian QB, Zhang L, Zhang WH. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding control measures on long-term care facilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing 2023; 52:6987654. [PMID: 36668818 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) were high-risk settings for COVID-19 outbreaks. OBJECTIVE To assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on LTCFs, including rates of infection, hospitalisation, case fatality, and mortality, and to determine the association between control measures and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in residents and staff. METHOD We conducted a systematic search of six databases for articles published between December 2019 and 5 November 2021, and performed meta-analyses and subgroup analyses to identify the impact of COVID-19 on LTCFs and the association between control measures and infection rate. RESULTS We included 108 studies from 19 countries. These studies included 1,902,044 residents and 255,498 staff from 81,572 LTCFs, among whom 296,024 residents and 36,807 staff were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive. The pooled infection rate was 32.63% (95%CI: 30.29 ~ 34.96%) for residents, whereas it was 10.33% (95%CI: 9.46 ~ 11.21%) for staff. In LTCFs that cancelled visits, new patient admissions, communal dining and group activities, and vaccinations, infection rates in residents and staff were lower than the global rate. We reported the residents' hospitalisation rate to be 29.09% (95%CI: 25.73 ~ 32.46%), with a case-fatality rate of 22.71% (95%CI: 21.31 ~ 24.11%) and mortality rate of 15.81% (95%CI: 14.32 ~ 17.30%). Significant publication biases were observed in the residents' case-fatality rate and the staff infection rate, but not in the infection, hospitalisation, or mortality rate of residents. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 infection rates would be very high among LTCF residents and staff without appropriate control measures. Cancelling visits, communal dining and group activities, restricting new admissions, and increasing vaccination would significantly reduce the infection rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,The Research Center for Medical Sociology, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Yu
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Xiaomei Pei
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qing-Bao Tian
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Artificial Intelligence and Modelling in Epidemiology Program, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3053, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhang
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,School of Public Health, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles 1070, Belgium
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11
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Martínez-Payá M, Carrillo I, Guilabert M. Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16919. [PMID: 36554806 PMCID: PMC9779143 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nursing homes are one of the hardest-hit environments in terms of mortality from COVID-19. Given the reactive management of the pandemic, it is necessary to reflect on, and answer, the question as to which good practices (interventions) were implemented in care homes (population) to improve management and care quality (outcomes). This systematic review aimed to identify and describe good practices adopted in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic or other recent epidemics. We conducted searches in Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest Central, and Scopus over the period 1-30 November, 2021, using the descriptors "nursing homes", "long-term care", "long-term care facilities" and "COVID-19"; and the keywords "learnings", "lessons", "positive learnings", "positive lessons", "SARS", "MERS", "COVID-19" and "pandemic". We identified 15 papers describing 14 best practices and 26 specific actions taken for COVID-19 management in long-term care facilities. Following the IDEF methodology, the practices were classified into strategic processes (staff training, communication with the national health system, person-centered care, and protocols), operational processes (cohorts, diagnostic testing, case monitoring, personal protective equipment, staff reinforcement, restriction of visits, social distancing, and alternative means for communication with families) and support processes (provision of equipment and hygiene reinforcement). Fifty percent of practices were likely to be maintained beyond the outbreak to improve the operation and quality of the long-term care facilities. This review summarizes the most common measures adopted to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of increased vulnerability and highlights the deficiencies that must be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Carrillo
- Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, 03202 Elche, Spain
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12
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van Hensbergen M, den Heijer CDJ, Mujakovic S, Dukers-Muijrers NHTM, Wolffs PFG, van Loo IHM, Hoebe CJPA. Evaluation of symptomatology and viral load among residents and healthcare staff in long-term care facilities: A coronavirus disease 2019 retrospective case-cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276796. [PMID: 36327239 PMCID: PMC9632776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We evaluated COVID-19 symptoms, case fatality rate (CFR), and viral load among all Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) residents and staff in South Limburg, the Netherlands (February 2020-June 2020, wildtype SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain). Methods Patient information was gathered via regular channels used to notify the public health services. Ct-values were obtained from the Maastricht University Medical Centre laboratory. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between COVID-19, symptoms, CFR, and viral load. Results Of 1,457 staff and 1,540 residents, 35.1% and 45.2% tested positive for COVID-19. Symptoms associated with COVID-19 for female staff were fever, cough, muscle ache and loss of taste and smell. Associated symptoms for men were cough, and loss of taste and smell. Associated symptoms for residents were subfebrility, fatigue, and fever for male residents only. LTCF residents had a higher mean viral load compared to staff. Male residents had a higher CFR (35.8%) compared to women (22.5%). Female residents with Ct-values 31 or less had increased odds of mortality. Conclusions Subfebrility and fatigue seem to be associated with COVID-19 in LTCF residents. Therefore, physicians should also consider testing residents who (only) show aspecific symptoms whenever available resources prohibit testing of all residents. Viral load was higher in residents compared to staff, and higher in male residents compared to female residents. All COVID-19 positive male residents, as well as female residents with a medium to high viral load (Ct-values 31 or lower) should be monitored closely, as these groups have an overall increased risk of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch van Hensbergen
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Casper D. J. den Heijer
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
| | - Suhreta Mujakovic
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole H. T. M. Dukers-Muijrers
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
| | - Petra F. G. Wolffs
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
| | - Inge H. M. van Loo
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
| | - Christian J. P. A. Hoebe
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
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13
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Li X, Wang Y, Zhou Q, Pan J, Xu J. Potential Predictive Value of miR-125b-5p, miR-155-5p and Their Target Genes in the Course of COVID-19. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:4079-4091. [PMID: 35937783 PMCID: PMC9346419 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s372420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to provide new biomarkers for predicting the disease course of COVID-19 by analyzing the dynamic changes of microRNA (miRNA) and its target gene expression in the serum of COVID-19 patients at different stages. Methods Serum samples were collected from all COVID-19 patients at three time points: the acute stage, the turn-negative stage, and the recovery stage. The expression level of miRNA and the target mRNA was measured by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). The classification tree model was established to predict the disease course, and the prediction efficiency of independent variables in the model was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results The expression of miR-125b-5p and miR-155-5p was significantly up-regulated in the acute stage and gradually decreased in the turn-negative and recovery stages. The expression of the target genes CDH5, STAT3, and TRIM32 gradually down-regulated in the acute, turn-negative, and recovery stages. MiR-125b-5p, miR-155-5p, STAT3, and TRIM32 constituted a classification tree model with 100% accuracy of prediction and AUC >0.7 for identification and prediction in all stages. Conclusion MiR-125b-5p, miR-155-5p, STAT3, and TRIM32 could be useful biomarkers to predict the time nodes of the acute, turn-negative, and recovery stages of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junqi Pan
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jiancheng Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Verbiest MEA, Stoop A, Scheffelaar A, Janssen MM, van Boekel LC, Luijkx KG. Health impact of the first and second wave of COVID-19 and related restrictive measures among nursing home residents: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:921. [PMID: 35841028 PMCID: PMC9286708 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08186-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives COVID-19 disproportionally affects older adults living in nursing homes. The purpose of this review was to explore and map the scientific literature on the health impact of COVID-19 and related restrictive measures during the first and second wave among nursing home residents. A specific focus was placed on health data collected among nursing home residents themselves. Research design and methods In this study, best practices for scoping reviews were followed. Five databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed empirical studies published up until December 2020 in which data were collected among nursing home residents. Articles were categorized according to the type of health impact (physical, social and/or psychological) and study focus (impact of COVID-19 virus or related restrictive measures). Findings were presented using a narrative style. Results Of 60 included studies, 57 examined the physical impact of COVID-19. All of these focused on the direct impact of the COVID-19 virus. These studies often used an observational design and quantitative data collection methods, such as swab testing or reviewing health records. Only three studies examined the psychological impact of COVID-19 of which one study focused on the impact of COVID-19-related restrictive measures. Findings were contradictory; both decreased and improved psychological wellbeing was found during the pandemic compared with before. No studies were found that examined the impact on social wellbeing and one study examined other health-related outcomes, including preference changes of nursing home residents in Advanced Care planning following the pandemic. Discussion and implications Studies into the impact of the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing home residents predominantly focused on the physical impact. Future studies into the psychological and social impact that collect data among residents themselves will provide more insight into their perspectives, such as lived experiences, wishes, needs and possibilities during later phases of the pandemic. These insights can inform policy makers and healthcare professionals in providing person-centered care during the remaining COVID-19 pandemic and in future crisis periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein E A Verbiest
- Academic Collaborative Centre Older Adults, Tranzo Scientific Centre for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Annerieke Stoop
- Academic Collaborative Centre Older Adults, Tranzo Scientific Centre for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Aukelien Scheffelaar
- Academic Collaborative Centre Older Adults, Tranzo Scientific Centre for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Meriam M Janssen
- Academic Collaborative Centre Older Adults, Tranzo Scientific Centre for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Leonieke C van Boekel
- Academic Collaborative Centre Older Adults, Tranzo Scientific Centre for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Katrien G Luijkx
- Academic Collaborative Centre Older Adults, Tranzo Scientific Centre for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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15
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Soldevila L, Prat N, Mas MÀ, Massot M, Miralles R, Bonet-Simó JM, Isnard M, Expósito-Izquierdo M, Garcia-Sanchez I, Rodoreda-Noguerola S, Moreno N, Badia E, López G, Sevilla J, Estrada O, Vallès X. The interplay between infection risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 and mortality: a cross-sectional study from a cohort of long-term care nursing home residents. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:123. [PMID: 35164680 PMCID: PMC8842505 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02779-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covid-19 pandemic has particularly affected older people living in Long-term Care settings in terms of infection and mortality. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort of Long-term care nursing home residents between March first and June thirty, 2020, who were ≥ 65 years old and on whom at least one PCR test was performed. Socio-demographic, comorbidities, and clinical data were recorded. Facility size and community incidence of SARS-CoV-2 were also considered. The outcomes of interest were infection (PCR positive) and death. RESULTS A total of 8021 residents were included from 168 facilities. Mean age was 86.4 years (SD = 7.4). Women represented 74.1%. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 27.7% of participants, and the overall case fatality rate was 11.3% (24.9% among those with a positive PCR test). Epidemiological factors related to risk of infection were larger facility size (pooled aOR 1.73; P < .001), higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.67, P = .04), leading to a higher risk than the clinical factor of low level of functional dependence (aOR 1.22, P = .03). Epidemiological risk factors associated with mortality were male gender (aOR 1.75; P < .001), age (pooled aOR 1.16; P < .001), and higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.19, P = < 0.001) whereas clinical factors were low level of functional dependence (aOR 2.42, P < .001), Complex Chronic Condition (aOR 1.29, P < .001) and dementia (aOR 1.33, P <0.001). There was evidence of clustering for facility and health area when considering the risk of infection and mortality (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a complex interplay between structural and individual factors regarding Covid-19 infection and its impact on mortality in nursing-home residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Soldevila
- International Health Program, Regió Sanitària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Badalona, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Fight AIDS and Infectious Diseases Foundation, Badalona, Spain
| | - Núria Prat
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Miquel À Mas
- Direcció Clínica Territorial de Cronicitat Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Mireia Massot
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Ramón Miralles
- Direcció Clínica Territorial de Cronicitat Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Josep M Bonet-Simó
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Mar Isnard
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | | | - Irene Garcia-Sanchez
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Sara Rodoreda-Noguerola
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Nemesio Moreno
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Esther Badia
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Genís López
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Javier Sevilla
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Oriol Estrada
- Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Xavier Vallès
- International Health Program, Regió Sanitària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Badalona, Spain.
- Fight AIDS and Infectious Diseases Foundation, Badalona, Spain.
- Institut per la Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.
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16
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Lee DS, Wang CX, McAlister FA, Ma S, Chu A, Rochon PA, Kaul P, Austin PC, Wang X, Kalmady SV, Udell JA, Schull MJ, Rubin BB, Wang B. Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 test positivity in long-term care homes: A population-based cohort analysis using machine learning. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 6:100146. [PMID: 35072145 PMCID: PMC8763396 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-Cov-2 infection rates are high among residents of long-term care (LTC) homes. We used machine learning to identify resident and community characteristics predictive of SARS-Cov-2 infection. METHODS We linked 26 population-based health and administrative databases to identify the population of all LTC residents tested for SARS-Cov-2 infection in Ontario, Canada. Using ensemble-based algorithms, we examined 484 factors, including individual-level demographics, healthcare use, comorbidities, functional status, and laboratory results; and community-level characteristics to identify factors predictive of infection. Analyses were performed separately for January to April (early wave 1) and May to August (late wave 1). FINDINGS Among 80,784 LTC residents, 64,757 (80.2%) were tested for SARS-Cov-2 (median age 86 (78-91) years, 30.6% male), of whom 10.2% of 33,519 and 5.2% of 31,238 tested positive in early and late wave 1, respectively. In the late phase (when restriction of visitors, closure of communal spaces, and universal masking in LTC were routine), regional-level characteristics comprised 33 of the top 50 factors associated with testing positive, while laboratory values and comorbidities were also predictive. The c-index of the final model was 0.934, and sensitivity was 0.887. In the highest versus lowest risk quartiles, the odds ratio for infection was 114.3 (95% CI 38.6-557.3). LTC-related geographic variations existed in the distribution of observed infection rates and the proportion of residents at highest risk. INTERPRETATION Machine learning informed evaluation of predicted and observed risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the resident and LTC levels, and may inform initiatives to improve care quality in this setting. FUNDING Funded by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research, COVID-19 Rapid Research Funding Opportunity grant (# VR4 172736) and a Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Innovation Grant. Dr. D. Lee is the Ted Rogers Chair in Heart Function Outcomes, University Health Network, University of Toronto. Dr. Austin is supported by a Mid-Career investigator award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Dr. McAlister is supported by an Alberta Health Services Chair in Cardiovascular Outcomes Research. Dr. Kaul is the CIHR Sex and Gender Science Chair and the Heart & Stroke Chair in Cardiovascular Research. Dr. Rochon holds the RTO/ERO Chair in Geriatric Medicine from the University of Toronto. Dr. B. Wang holds a CIFAR AI chair at the Vector Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas S Lee
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Cardiovascular Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chloe X Wang
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada.,Vector Institute of Artificial Intelligence, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Finlay A McAlister
- Alberta SPOR Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shihao Ma
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada.,Vector Institute of Artificial Intelligence, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anna Chu
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada
| | - Paula A Rochon
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Padma Kaul
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter C Austin
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada
| | - Xuesong Wang
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada
| | - Sunil V Kalmady
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jacob A Udell
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Cardiovascular Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael J Schull
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Barry B Rubin
- Division of Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Cardiovascular Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Vascular Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bo Wang
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Cardiovascular Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Vector Institute of Artificial Intelligence, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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17
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Ma Q, Liu J, Liu Q, Kang L, Liu R, Jing W, Wu Y, Liu M. Global Percentage of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among the Tested Population and Individuals With Confirmed COVID-19 Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2137257. [PMID: 34905008 PMCID: PMC8672238 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.37257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Asymptomatic infections are potential sources of transmission for COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the percentage of asymptomatic infections among individuals undergoing testing (tested population) and those with confirmed COVID-19 (confirmed population). DATA SOURCES PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect were searched on February 4, 2021. STUDY SELECTION Cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, case series studies, and case series on transmission reporting the number of asymptomatic infections among the tested and confirmed COVID-19 populations that were published in Chinese or English were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS This meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled percentage and its 95% CI. Three researchers performed the data extraction independently. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The percentage of asymptomatic infections among the tested and confirmed populations. RESULTS Ninety-five unique eligible studies were included, covering 29 776 306 individuals undergoing testing. The pooled percentage of asymptomatic infections among the tested population was 0.25% (95% CI, 0.23%-0.27%), which was higher in nursing home residents or staff (4.52% [95% CI, 4.15%-4.89%]), air or cruise travelers (2.02% [95% CI, 1.66%-2.38%]), and pregnant women (2.34% [95% CI, 1.89%-2.78%]). The pooled percentage of asymptomatic infections among the confirmed population was 40.50% (95% CI, 33.50%-47.50%), which was higher in pregnant women (54.11% [95% CI, 39.16%-69.05%]), air or cruise travelers (52.91% [95% CI, 36.08%-69.73%]), and nursing home residents or staff (47.53% [95% CI, 36.36%-58.70%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this meta-analysis of the percentage of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections among populations tested for and with confirmed COVID-19, the pooled percentage of asymptomatic infections was 0.25% among the tested population and 40.50% among the confirmed population. The high percentage of asymptomatic infections highlights the potential transmission risk of asymptomatic infections in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liangyu Kang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Runqing Liu
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhan Jing
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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18
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Zollner-Schwetz I, König E, Krause R, Pux C, Laubreiter L, Schippinger W. Analysis of COVID-19 outbreaks in 3 long-term care facilities in Graz, Austria. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:1350-1353. [PMID: 34403755 PMCID: PMC8364514 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Nursing homes and long-term care facilities (LTCF) caring for elderly and chronically ill residents are at high risk to experience severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks. We report an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 3 LTCFs of the Geriatric Health Centres of Graz, Austria lasting from March 22 to April 14, 2020. Aim The objectives of our study were: (1) to elucidate contributing factors and transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2, (2) to analyze symptoms of COVID-19 in the residents and health care workers. Methods We carried out a retrospective outbreak analysis. Findings Thirty-six of /277 residents of 3 LTCFs were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Only a quarter of COVID-19 cases among residents had fever ≥38.1°C and 19% suffered from cough. Six of 36 residents remained asymptomatic. Hospitalization rate was 58% in residents. Overall, 33% (12/36) residents infected with SARS-CoV-2 died. Nineteen of 214 health care workers were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Universal rt-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 of all residents and health care workers as well as infection control measures contributed to ending the outbreaks. Conclusions Delayed recognition of possible COVID-19 cases due to either mild symptoms or symptoms that were perceived as atypical early in the pandemic contributed to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in LTCFs. This emphasizes the importance of low-threshold testing in LTCF residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Zollner-Schwetz
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Elisabeth König
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Krause
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Pux
- Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Laubreiter
- Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Walter Schippinger
- Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz, Graz, Austria
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19
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Frazer K, Mitchell L, Stokes D, Lacey E, Crowley E, Kelleher CC. A rapid systematic review of measures to protect older people in long-term care facilities from COVID-19. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047012. [PMID: 34663652 PMCID: PMC8523961 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The global COVID-19 pandemic produced large-scale health and economic complications. Older people and those with comorbidities are particularly vulnerable to this virus, with nursing homes and long term care facilities (LTCF) experiencing significant morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 outbreaks. The aim of this rapid systematic review was to investigate measures implemented in LTCF to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and their effect on morbidity and mortality of residents, staff and visitors. SETTING Long-term care facilities. PARTICIPANTS Residents, staff and visitors of facilities. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Databases and repositories and MedRXiv prepublished database) were systematically searched from inception to 27 July 2020 to identify studies reporting assessment of interventions to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in nursing homes among residents, staff or visitors. Outcome measures include facility characteristics, morbidity data, case fatalities and transmission rates. Due to study quality and heterogeneity, no meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS The search yielded 1414 articles, with 38 studies included. Reported interventions include mass testing, use of personal protective equipment, symptom screening, visitor restrictions, hand hygiene and droplet/contact precautions, and resident cohorting. Prevalence rates ranged from 1.2% to 85.4% in residents and 0.6% to 62.6% in staff. Mortality rates ranged from 5.3% to 55.3% in residents. CONCLUSIONS Novel evidence in this review details the impact of facility size, availability of staff and practices of operating between multiple facilities, and for-profit status of facilities as factors contributing to the size and number of COVID-19 outbreaks. No causative relationships can be determined; however, this review provides evidence of interventions that reduce transmission of COVID-19 in LTCF. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020191569.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Frazer
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lachlan Mitchell
- National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Diarmuid Stokes
- Health Sciences Library, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ella Lacey
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eibhlin Crowley
- Office for Health Affairs, College of Health and Agricultural Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cecily C Kelleher
- National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Dykgraaf SH, Matenge S, Desborough J, Sturgiss E, Dut G, Roberts L, McMillan A, Kidd M. Protecting Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities From COVID-19: A Rapid Review of International Evidence. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:1969-1988. [PMID: 34428466 PMCID: PMC8328566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the extreme vulnerability of older people and other individuals who reside in long-term care, creating an urgent need for evidence-based policy that can adequately protect these community members. This study aimed to provide synthesized evidence to support policy decision making. DESIGN Rapid narrative review investigating strategies that have prevented or mitigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission in long-term care. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Residents and staff in care settings such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities. METHODS PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched, with studies describing potentially effective strategies included. Studies were excluded if they did not report empirical evidence (eg, commentaries and consensus guidelines). Study quality was appraised on the basis of study design; data were extracted from published reports and synthesized narratively using tabulated data extracts and summary tables. RESULTS Searches yielded 713 articles; 80 papers describing 77 studies were included. Most studies were observational, with no randomized controlled trials identified. Intervention studies provided strong support for widespread surveillance, early identification and response, and rigorous infection prevention and control measures. Symptom- or temperature-based screening and single point-prevalence testing were found to be ineffective, and serial universal testing of residents and staff was considered crucial. Attention to ventilation and environmental management, digital health applications, and acute sector support were also considered beneficial although evidence for effectiveness was lacking. In observational studies, staff represented substantial transmission risk and workforce management strategies were important components of pandemic response. Higher-performing facilities with less crowding and higher nurse staffing ratios had reduced transmission rates. Outbreak investigations suggested that facility-level leadership, intersectoral collaboration, and policy that facilitated access to critical resources were all significant enablers of success. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS High-quality evidence of effectiveness in protecting LTCFs from COVID-19 was limited at the time of this study, though it continues to emerge. Despite widespread COVID-19 vaccination programs in many countries, continuing prevention and mitigation measures may be required to protect vulnerable long-term care residents from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. This rapid review summarizes current evidence regarding strategies that may be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Hall Dykgraaf
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia.
| | - Sethunya Matenge
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Jane Desborough
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Sturgiss
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Garang Dut
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Leslee Roberts
- Medical Advisory Unit, Primary Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Alison McMillan
- Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Michael Kidd
- Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra ACT, Australia
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21
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Nguyen LLK, Howick S, McLafferty D, Anderson GH, Pravinkumar SJ, Van Der Meer R, Megiddo I. Evaluating intervention strategies in controlling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread in care homes: An agent-based model. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 42:1060-1070. [PMID: 33308354 PMCID: PMC7783094 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care homes are vulnerable to widespread transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with poor outcomes for staff and residents. Infection control interventions in care homes need to not only be effective in containing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but also feasible to implement in this special setting which is both a healthcare institution and a home. METHODS We developed an agent-based model that simulates the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 via contacts between individuals, including residents, staff members, and visitors in a care home setting. We explored a representative care home in Scotland in our base case and explore other care home setups in an uncertainty analysis. We evaluated the effectiveness of a range of intervention strategies in controlling the spread of COVID-19. RESULTS In the presence of the reference interventions that have been implemented in many care homes, including testing of new admissions, isolation of symptomatic residents, and restricted public visiting, routine testing of staff appears to be the most effective and practical approach. Routine testing of residents is no more effective as a reference strategy while routine testing of both staff and residents only shows a negligible additive effect. Modeling results are very sensitive to transmission probability per contact, but the qualitative finding is robust to varying parameter values in our uncertainty analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our model predictions suggest that routine testing should target staff in care homes in conjunction with adherence to strict hand hygiene and using personal protective equipment to reduce risk of transmission per contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le L. K. Nguyen
- Department of Management Science, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Howick
- Department of Management Science, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis McLafferty
- Adult Services, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, Motherwell, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian H. Anderson
- Department of Management Science, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sahaya J. Pravinkumar
- Department of Public Health, NHS Lanarkshire, Kirklands Hospital, Bothwell, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Van Der Meer
- Department of Management Science, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Itamar Megiddo
- Department of Management Science, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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22
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Sah P, Fitzpatrick MC, Zimmer CF, Abdollahi E, Juden-Kelly L, Moghadas SM, Singer BH, Galvani AP. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2109229118. [PMID: 34376550 PMCID: PMC8403749 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109229118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of asymptomatic infections is fundamental for effective public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discrepancies regarding the extent of asymptomaticity have arisen from inconsistent terminology as well as conflation of index and secondary cases which biases toward lower asymptomaticity. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and World Health Organization Global Research Database on COVID-19 between January 1, 2020 and April 2, 2021 to identify studies that reported silent infections at the time of testing, whether presymptomatic or asymptomatic. Index cases were removed to minimize representational bias that would result in overestimation of symptomaticity. By analyzing over 350 studies, we estimate that the percentage of infections that never developed clinical symptoms, and thus were truly asymptomatic, was 35.1% (95% CI: 30.7 to 39.9%). At the time of testing, 42.8% (95% prediction interval: 5.2 to 91.1%) of cases exhibited no symptoms, a group comprising both asymptomatic and presymptomatic infections. Asymptomaticity was significantly lower among the elderly, at 19.7% (95% CI: 12.7 to 29.4%) compared with children at 46.7% (95% CI: 32.0 to 62.0%). We also found that cases with comorbidities had significantly lower asymptomaticity compared to cases with no underlying medical conditions. Without proactive policies to detect asymptomatic infections, such as rapid contact tracing, prolonged efforts for pandemic control may be needed even in the presence of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratha Sah
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Meagan C Fitzpatrick
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Charlotte F Zimmer
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Elaheh Abdollahi
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Lyndon Juden-Kelly
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Seyed M Moghadas
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Burton H Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Alison P Galvani
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
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23
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Shi M, Zhang F, He X, Huang S, Zhang M, Hu X. Are preventive measures adequate? An evaluation of the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in nursing homes in China. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:641. [PMID: 34217292 PMCID: PMC8254064 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06690-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a challenge for nursing homes in China. Nursing homes are particularly dangerous places in terms of the spread of COVID-19 given that they house vulnerable, high-risk populations. As such, several useful guidelines for coping with COVID-19 in nursing homes have been provided. However, the actual implementation rates of such guidelines are unknown. This study aims to document the adherence of nursing homes to the Ministry of Civil Affairs guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and control in nursing homes. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 484 nursing homes in 136 cities of 28 provinces in China. A self-report questionnaire was created based on the Ministry of Civil Affairs guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and control in nursing homes (first edition). The questionnaire and the Transformational Leadership in the Public Sector Scale were sent to nursing home managers via the Wenjuanxing app online from February 7 to 29, 2020. Ultimately, 461 of 960 nursing homes participated, for a response rate of 48.0%. RESULTS The average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 prevention and control measures was 80.0% (143.97/180). The average implementation rates for hygienic behaviour management and access management were lower, at 75.3 and 78.7%, respectively. Number of medical staff and transformational leadership score of nursing home's manager were associated with total implementation score (p < 0.05). A total of 69.8% (322/461) of the nursing home managers had serious resource problems, and inadequate protective supplies (72.0%) and staff shortages (47.7%) were the two primary problems. The nursing homes that located in urban, with large nursing home size, had hospital-nursing home cooperation and the transformational leadership score of manager> 60, had a lower risk of having serious resource problems. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the implementation of prevention and control measures by nursing homes are insufficient during the epidemic in China. More medical staff, adequate resource, cooperation with hospitals, and higher transformational leadership of manager are required to improve the implementation rate. It is urgent for nursing homes to maintain the safety of residents and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihong Shi
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/ Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Nursing Department of Southwest Medical University, No. 1 Xianglin Rode, Longmatan District, PO Box 646000, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengying Zhang
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/ Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin He
- Nursing Department of Southwest Medical University, No. 1 Xianglin Rode, Longmatan District, PO Box 646000, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Nursing Department of Southwest Medical University, No. 1 Xianglin Rode, Longmatan District, PO Box 646000, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingfeng Zhang
- Nursing Department of Southwest Medical University, No. 1 Xianglin Rode, Longmatan District, PO Box 646000, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuying Hu
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/ Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Factors Associated With COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Deaths in French Nursing Homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:1581-1587.e3. [PMID: 34237258 PMCID: PMC8233961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To describe the clinical characteristics and management of residents in French nursing homes with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to determine the risk factors for COVID-19–related hospitalization and death in this population. Design A retrospective multicenter cohort study. Setting and Participants Four hundred eighty nursing home residents with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 between March 1 and May 20, 2020, were enrolled and followed until June 2, 2020, in 15 nursing homes in Marseille’s greater metropolitan area. Methods Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment type, and clinical outcome data were collected from patients’ medical records. Multivariable analysis was used to determine factors associated with COVID-19–related hospitalization and death. For the former, the competing risk analysis—based on Fine and Gray’s model—took death into account. Results A total of 480 residents were included. Median age was 88 years (IQR 80-93), and 330 residents were women. A total of 371 residents were symptomatic (77.3%), the most common symptoms being asthenia (47.9%), fever or hypothermia (48.1%), and dyspnea (35.6%). One hundred twenty-three patients (25.6%) were hospitalized and 96 (20%) died. Male gender [specific hazard ratio (sHR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-2.35], diabetes (sHR 1.69, 95% CI 1.15-2.50), an altered level of consciousness (sHR 2.36, 95% CI 1.40-3.98), and dyspnea (sHR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09-2.62) were all associated with a greater risk of COVID-19–related hospitalization. Male gender [odds ratio (OR) 6.63, 95% CI 1.04-42.39], thermal dysregulation (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.60-4.38), falls (2.21 95% CI 1.02-4.75), and being aged >85 years (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.32-4.24) were all associated with increased COVID-19–related mortality risk, whereas polymedication (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.77) and preventive anticoagulation (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.79) were protective prognostic factors. Conclusions and Implications Male gender, being aged >85 years old, diabetes, dyspnea, thermal dysregulation, an altered level of consciousness, and falls must all be considered when identifying and protecting nursing home residents who are at greatest risk of COVID-19–related hospitalization and death.
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25
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Giri S, Chenn LM, Romero-Ortuno R. Nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review of challenges and responses. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:1127-1136. [PMID: 34136990 PMCID: PMC8208072 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aim To describe factors that contributed to the spread and mortality of COVID-19 in nursing homes and provide an overview of responses that were implemented. Findings COVID-19 exerted severe challenges on the nursing home population and its staff. Both internal and external factors predisposed nursing homes to an increased propensity of spread. Message Substantial learning occurred that will lead to better pandemic preparedness and improve quality of care for nursing home residents at all times. Introduction COVID-19 has caused unprecedented challenges in nursing homes. In this scoping review, we aimed to describe factors that contributed to the spread and mortality of COVID-19 in nursing homes and provide an overview of responses that were implemented to try to overcome such challenges. Methods The MeSH terms “Nursing homes” and “COVID-19” were searched in MEDLINE Ovid, and English language articles were retrieved that were published between 1 March 2020 and 31 January 2021. Article titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, and the results of included articles were grouped by themes. Results The search retrieved 348 articles, of which 76 were included in the thematic review. 8 articles related to COVID-19 disease characteristics (e.g. asymptomatic transmission), 24 to resident-related factors (e.g. comorbidities, nutrition, cognition), 13 to facility characteristics (e.g. physical space, occupancy, for-profit status), 21 to staffing (e.g. staffing levels, staff-to-resident ratio, staff multi-employment), and 10 to external factors (e.g. availability of personal protective equipment, prevailing health and social care policies). In terms of responses, identified themes included widespread testing, isolation and cohorting of residents, staff protection and support, promotion of residents’ well-being, and technological innovations. Conclusion COVID-19 exerted severe challenges on the nursing home population and its staff. Both internal and external factors predisposed nursing homes to an increased propensity of spread. Numerous strategies were employed to attempt to mitigate the negative impacts. Substantial learning occurred that may not only aid future pandemic preparedness but improve quality of care for nursing home residents at all times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamik Giri
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lee Minn Chenn
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Romero-Ortuno
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. .,Discipline of Medical Gerontology, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA), St James's Hospital, 6th Floor, Dublin, 8, Ireland. .,Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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26
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Cormier H, Brangier A, Lefeuvre C, Asfar M, Annweiler C, Legeay C. Lessons learnt from a nosocomial COVID-19 outbreak in a geriatric acute care ward with a high attack rate. Maturitas 2021; 149:34-36. [PMID: 34134888 PMCID: PMC8139184 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Nosocomial COVID-19 in older patients has a high mortality rate. We describe an outbreak of COVID-19 in a geriatric acute care unit (GACU) in March/April 2020 and the lessons learnt regarding prevention. Thirty-six patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during that 2-month period, in France's “first wave” of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Thirty (83.3%) were considered nosocomial. Attributable mortality reached 33.3% in these patients. Healthcare workers (HCW) were not spared, with an overall attack rate of 36.8%, but the rate was especially high among nurse assistants (68.2%). Repeated testing, single rooms, hand hygiene, and good use of personal protective equipment are paramount in GACUs to prevent in-hospital COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Cormier
- Infection Control and Prevention Unit - University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Antoine Brangier
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Memory Clinic - University Hospital, Angers France
| | - Caroline Lefeuvre
- Virology Department, Angers University Hospital, HIFIH Laboratory EA 3859, LUNAM, Angers, France
| | - Marine Asfar
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Memory Clinic - University Hospital, Angers France
| | - Cédric Annweiler
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Memory Clinic, Research Center on Autonomy and Longevity, University Hospital, Angers, France, UPRES EA 4638, University of Angers, Angers, France, Robarts Research Institute, Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Clément Legeay
- Infection Control and Prevention Unit - University Hospital, Angers, France.
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Fumagalli S, Trevisan C, Del Signore S, Pelagalli G, Volpato S, Gareri P, Mossello E, Malara A, Monzani F, Coin A, Bellelli G, Zia G, Antonelli Incalzi R. COVID-19 and Atrial Fibrillation in Older Patients: Does Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Provide a Survival Benefit?-An Insight from the GeroCovid Registry. Thromb Haemost 2021; 122:105-112. [PMID: 33962480 DOI: 10.1055/a-1503-3875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most frequent arrhythmia of older patients, associates with serious thromboembolic complications and high mortality. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severely affects aged subjects, determining an important prothrombotic status. The aim of this study was to evaluate mortality-related factors in older AF patients with COVID-19. METHODS Between March and June 2020, we enrolled ≥60 year-old in-hospital COVID-19 patients (n = 806) in GeroCovid, a multicenter observational study promoted by the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine. RESULTS The prevalence of AF was 21.8%. In-hospital mortality was higher in the AF group (36.9 vs. 27.5%, p = 0.015). At admission, 51.7, 10.2, and 38.1% of AF cases were taking, respectively, oral anticoagulants (OACs), antiplatelet agents, and no antithrombotic therapy. During hospitalization, 51% patients switched to low-molecular-weight heparins. AF patients who survived were younger (81 ± 8 vs. 84 ± 7 years; p = 0.002) and had a lower CHA2DS2-VASc score (3.9 ± 1.6 vs. 4.4 ± 1.3; p = 0.02) than those who died. OAC use before (63.1 vs. 32.3%; p < 0.001) and during hospitalization (34.0 vs. 12.7%; p = 0.002) was higher among survivors. At multivariable analysis, lower age, higher self-sufficiency, less severe initial COVID-19 presentation, and the use of vitamin K antagonists (odds ratio [OR] = 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.84) or direct OACs (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08-0.56) at admission, or the persistence of OAC during hospitalization (OR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01-0.24), were associated with a lower chance of in-hospital death. CONCLUSION AF is a prevalent and severe condition in older COVID-19 patients. Advanced age, dependency, and relevant clinical manifestations of disease characterized a worse prognosis. Preadmission and in-hospital anticoagulant therapies were positively associated with survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Fumagalli
- Geriatric Intensive Care Unit and Geriatric Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Pelagalli
- Geriatric Intensive Care Unit and Geriatric Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpato
- Section of Internal and Cardiorespiratory Medicine, Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pietro Gareri
- Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia - Catanzaro Lido, ASP Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico Mossello
- Geriatric Intensive Care Unit and Geriatric Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Alba Malara
- Scientific Committee of National Association of Third Age Residences (ANASTE) Calabria, Lamezia Terme (Catanzaro), Catanzaro Italy
| | - Fabio Monzani
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Coin
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bellelli
- Acute Geriatric Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi
- Unit of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio Medico University and Teaching Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Rousseau MC, Hully M, Milh M, Juzeau D, Pollez B, Peudenier S, Bahi Buisson N, Gautheron V, Chabrol B, Billette de Villemeur T. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection in polyhandicapped persons in France. Arch Pediatr 2021; 28:374-380. [PMID: 33994267 PMCID: PMC8064873 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Aim Little is known about the clinical profile of COVID-19 infection in polyhandicapped persons. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of this infection among individuals with polyhandicap. Method This was a retrospective observational study. Polyhandicap was defined by the combination of motor deficiency, profound mental retardation, and age at onset of cerebral lesion younger than 6 years. A positive COVID-19 status was considered for patients with a positive COVID-19 laboratory test result, or patients presenting with compatible symptoms and living in an institution or at home with other patients or relatives who had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Data collection included sociodemographic data, clinical and paraclinical characteristics, as well as the management and treatment for COVID-19 infection. Results We collected 98 cases, with a sex ratio of 0.98 and a mean age of 38.5 years (3 months to 73 years). COVID-19 infection was paucisymptomatic in 46% of patients, 20.6% of patients presented with dyspnea, while the most frequent extra-respiratory symptoms were digestive (26.5%) and neurological changes (24.5%); 18 patients required hospital admission, four adults died. The mean duration of infection was longer for adults than for children, and the proportion of taste and smell disorders was higher in older patients. Conclusion These findings suggest that PLH persons often develop paucisymptomatic forms of COVID-19 infection, although they may also experience severe outcomes, including death. Clinicians should be aware that COVID-19 symptoms in PLH persons are often extra-respiratory signs, mostly digestive and neurologic, which may help in the earlier identification of COVID-19 infection in this particular population of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-C Rousseau
- Service polyhandicap adultes, Hôpital San Salvadour (Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris), BP 30 080, 83407 Hyères cedex, France.
| | - M Hully
- MD, Services de Neurologie et Rééducation Pédiatriques, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, APHP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - M Milh
- Service de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital d'Enfants CHU Timone, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - D Juzeau
- Santé Publique, Co Fondatrice du réseau NeurodeV, 59000 Lille, France
| | | | - S Peudenier
- CRDI, Hôpital Morvan, CHRU Brest, 29200 Brest, France
| | - N Bahi Buisson
- Pediatric Neurology, Necker Enfants Malades University Hospital, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France; Institut Imagine, INSERM U 1163, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - V Gautheron
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Bellevue University Hospital, 42100 Saint-Étienne, France
| | | | - B Chabrol
- Service de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital d'Enfants CHU Timone, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - T Billette de Villemeur
- Service de Neuropédiatrie, Pathologie du développement, hôpital Trousseau-La Roche Guyon, 95780 La Roche-Guyon, France
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29
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Borders C, Sajjadi SA. Diagnosis and Management of Cognitive Concerns in the Oldest-Old. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2021; 23:10. [PMID: 33786000 PMCID: PMC7994350 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-021-00665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review The fastest-growing group of elderly individuals is the "oldest-old," usually defined as those age 85 years and above. These individuals account for much of the rapid increase in cases of dementing illness throughout the world but remain underrepresented in the body of literature on this topic. The aim of this review is first to outline the unique contributing factors and complications that must be considered by clinicians in evaluating an oldest-old individual with cognitive complaints. Secondly, the evidence for management of these cognitive concerns is reviewed. Recent findings In addition to well-established associations between impaired cognition and physical disability, falls, and frailty, there is now evidence that exercise performed decades earlier confers a cognitive benefit in the oldest-old. Moreover, though aggressive blood pressure control is critical earlier in life for prevention of strokes, renal disease, and other comorbidities, hypertension started after age 80 is in fact associated with a decreased risk of clinical dementia, carrying significant implications for the medical management of oldest-old individuals. The oldest-old are more likely to reside in care facilities, where social isolation might be exacerbated by a consistently lower rate of internet-connected device use. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only highlighted the increased mortality rate among the oldest-old but has also brought the increased social isolation in this group to the forte. Summary Differing from the "younger-old" in a number of respects, the oldest-old is a unique population not just in their vulnerability to cognitive disorders but also in the diagnostic challenges they can pose. The oldest-old are more likely to be afflicted by sensory deficits, physical disability, poor nutrition, frailty, and depression, which must be accounted for in the assessment of cognitive complaints as they may confound or complicate the presentation. Social isolation and institutionalization are also associated with impaired cognition, perhaps as sequelae, precipitants, or both. Ante-mortem diagnostic tools remain particularly limited among the oldest-old, especially given the likelihood of these individuals to have multiple co-occurring types of neuropathology, and the presence of neuropathology in those who remain cognitively intact. In addition to the symptomatic treatments indicated for patients of all ages with dementia, management of cognitive impairment in the oldest-old may be further optimized by use of assistive devices, augmentation of dietary protein, and liberalization of medication regimens for risk factors such as hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Borders
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
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30
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Hashan MR, Smoll N, King C, Ockenden-Muldoon H, Walker J, Wattiaux A, Graham J, Booy R, Khandaker G. Epidemiology and clinical features of COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care facilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 33:100771. [PMID: 33681730 PMCID: PMC7917447 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care facilities (ACFs) often have devastating consequences. However, epidemiologically these outbreaks are not well defined. We aimed to define such outbreaks in ACFs by systematically reviewing literature published during the current COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We searched 11 bibliographic databases for literature published on COVID-19 in ACFs between December 2019 and September 2020. Original studies reporting extractable epidemiological data as part of outbreak investigations or non-outbreak surveillance of ACFs were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020211424. FINDINGS We identified 5,148 publications and selected 49 studies from four continents reporting data on 214,380 residents in 8,502 ACFs with 25,567 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Aged care residents form a distinct vulnerable population with single-facility attack rates of 45% [95% CI 32-58%] and case fatality rates of 23% [95% CI 18-28%]. Of the cases, 31% [95% CI 28-34%] were asymptomatic. The rate of hospitalization amongst residents was 37% [95% CI 35-39%]. Data from 21 outbreaks identified a resident as the index case in 58% of outbreaks and a staff member in 42%. Findings from the included studies were heterogeneous and of low to moderate quality in risk of bias assessment. INTERPRETATION The clinical presentation of COVID-19 varies widely in ACFs residents, from asymptomatic to highly serious cases. Preventing the introduction of COVID-19 into ACFs is key, and both residents and staff are a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination. Rapid diagnosis, identification of primary and secondary cases and close contacts plus their isolation and quarantine are of paramount importance. FUNDING Queensland Advancing Clinical Research Fellowship awarded to Prof. Gulam Khandaker by Queensland Health's Health Innovation, Investment and Research Office (HIRO), Office of the Director-General.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rashidul Hashan
- Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
- Central Queensland Public Health Unit, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Nicolas Smoll
- Central Queensland Public Health Unit, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Catherine King
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah Ockenden-Muldoon
- Central Queensland Public Health Unit, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Jacina Walker
- Central Queensland Public Health Unit, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Andre Wattiaux
- Gold Coast Public Health Unit, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Julieanne Graham
- Medical Services Team, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gulam Khandaker
- Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
- Central Queensland Public Health Unit, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Rockhampton, Australia
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Gawronska K, Lorkowski J. Falls as One of the Atypical Presentations of COVID-19 in Older Population. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil 2021; 12:2151459321996619. [PMID: 33680533 PMCID: PMC7900839 DOI: 10.1177/2151459321996619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Studies revealed COVID-19 atypical symptoms such as falls, delirium,
confusion, dizziness, unusual fatigue in older patients. Falls in the older
population and their consequences are one of the leading causes of
disability; they significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to loss
of independence and impaired social functioning. The aim of this study is to
present the possible correlation between COVID-19 and diseases of the
musculoskeletal system, in particular the occurrence of fall-related
injuries. Significance: This article highlights the importance of falls as one of the atypical
symptoms of COVID-19 infection in older adults, which is not directly
associated with infection and could be misinterpreted. Methods: The conducted meta-analysis is based on a review of the scientific literature
available in English, French, Dutch, Polish in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane
Library, Embase, Scopus, PEDro, GBL databases from December 1, 2019 to July
30, 2020, covering Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial,
Meta-Analysis, Systematic Reviews and Case Reports. The following keywords
were taken into account: fall, (hip/pertrochanteric/proximal femur)
fracture, aged and COVID-19. Twenty-seven references were accepted for final
analysis. Results: It was found that symptoms such as falls observed in the older adults can be
associated with COVID-19 infection. Falls and slips are also the most common
mechanism for hip fracture during the pandemic outbreak. Conclusions: According to authors of this study, atypical presentations of COVID-19 should
be considered when screening and testing the people at increased risk due to
their age. However, further prospective studies are urgently needed to
investigate the possible correlation between COVID-19 and falls in older
adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Gawronska
- Rehabilitation Centre of the MSWiA Central Clinical Hospital in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Lorkowski
- Clinical Department of Orthopedics, Traumatology and Sports Medicine of the MSWiA Central Clinical Hospital in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Medical University of Mazovia, Warsaw, Poland
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Hanton K, McHugh D, Boris G. A Case Series: Successfully Preventing COVID-19 Outbreak in a Residential Community Setting at a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:88. [PMID: 33477319 PMCID: PMC7829973 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reduced the capacity of many addiction treatment centers, limiting access to safe, continual treatment for people with substance use disorders (SUD) in the setting of a pandemic. Here, we describe the COVID-19 screening process of a residential addiction treatment center in rural Connecticut that has had no outbreaks, closures, or reductions in capacity since the pandemic began. Out of 420 patients screened for COVID-19 from 1 February to 1 July, five patients tested positive for COVID-19: four prior to entering its residential community setting, and one after entering the residential community, resulting in no COVID-19 spread to other patients. Patient 1 presented from home and tested positive during screening prior to entry into the community. The primary care provider for patient 2 notified staff of a recent pos-itive COVID-19 test prior to the patient's arrival on-site. Patient 3 had a COVID-19 infection in the weeks prior to arrival and tested positive during initial screening. Patient 4 tested positive af-ter coming from another addiction treatment facility that was shut down due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Patient 5 tested negative for COVID-19 during initial screening, entered the residential community, and later tested positive. It is imperative that in-person support for SUD continues during the pandemic. This case report highlights the importance of implementing a variety of tools in an effective screening process, including polymerase chain reaction screening and daily symptomology and temperature screening, which may help prevent further closures or reductions in capacity of addiction treatment centers during the COVID-19 pandemic or future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Hanton
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT 06473, USA; (D.M.); (G.B.)
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Clinical Presentation, Course, and Risk Factors Associated with Mortality in a Severe Outbreak of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, USA, April-June 2020. Pathogens 2020; 10:pathogens10010008. [PMID: 33374131 PMCID: PMC7824344 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010008] [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: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have had a disproportionally high mortality rate due to COVID-19. We describe a rapidly escalating COVID-19 outbreak among 116 LTCF residents in Rhode Island, USA. Overall, 111 (95.6%) residents tested positive and, of these, 48 (43.2%) died. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (84.7%) and cardiovascular disease (84.7%). A small percentage (9%) of residents were asymptomatic, while 33.3% of residents were pre-symptomatic, with progression to symptoms within a median of three days following the positive test. While typical symptoms of fever (80.2%) and cough (43.2%) were prevalent, shortness of breath (14.4%) was rarely found despite common hypoxemia (95.5%). The majority of patients demonstrated atypical symptoms with the most common being loss of appetite (61.3%), lethargy (42.3%), diarrhea (37.8%), and fatigue (32.4%). Many residents had increased agitation (38.7%) and anxiety (5.4%), potentially due to the restriction measures or the underlying mental illness. The fever curve was characterized by an intermittent low-grade fever, often the first presenting symptom. Mortality was associated with a disease course beginning with a loss of appetite and lethargy, as well as one more often involving fever greater than 38 °C, loss of appetite, altered mental status, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Interestingly, no differences in age or comorbidities were noted between survivors and non-survivors. Taking demographic factors into account, treatment with anticoagulation was still associated with reduced mortality (adjusted OR 0.16; 95% C.I. 0.06–0.39; p < 0.001). Overall, the clinical features of the disease in this population can be subtle and the symptoms are commonly atypical. However, clinical decline among those who did not survive was often rapid with patients expiring within 10 days from disease detection. Further studies are needed to better explain the variability in clinical course of COVID-19 among LTCF residents, specifically the factors affecting mortality, the differences observed in symptom presentation, and rate of clinical decline.
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