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Hong SB, Yun HS. Predicting black ice-related accidents with probabilistic modeling using GIS-based Monte Carlo simulation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303605. [PMID: 38781265 PMCID: PMC11115309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Black ice, a phenomenon that occurs abruptly owing to freezing rain, is difficult for drivers to identify because it mirrors the color of the road. Effectively managing the occurrence of unforeseen accidents caused by black ice requires predicting their probability using spatial, weather, and traffic factors and formulating appropriate countermeasures. Among these factors, weather and traffic exhibit the highest levels of uncertainty. To address these uncertainties, a study was conducted using a Monte Carlo simulation based on random values to predict the probability of black ice accidents at individual road points and analyze their trigger factors. We numerically modeled black ice accidents and visualized the simulation results in a geographical information system (GIS) by employing a sensitivity analysis, another feature of Monte Carlo simulations, to analyze the factors that trigger black ice accidents. The Monte Carlo simulation allowed us to map black ice accident occurrences at each road point on the GIS. The average black ice accident probability was found to be 0.0058, with a standard deviation of 0.001. Sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations identified wind speed, air temperature, and angle as significant triggers of black ice accidents, with sensitivities of 0.354, 0.270, and 0.203, respectively. We predicted the probability of black ice accidents per road section and analyzed the primary triggers of black ice accidents. The scientific contribution of this study lies in the development of a method beyond simple road temperature predictions for evaluating the risk of black ice occurrences and subsequent accidents. By employing Monte Carlo simulations, the probability of black ice accidents can be predicted more accurately through decoupling meteorological and traffic factors over time. The results can serve as a reference for government agencies, including road traffic authorities, to identify accident-prone spots and devise strategies focused on the primary triggers of black ice accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Bum Hong
- Interdisciplinary Program for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Sik Yun
- Interdisciplinary Program for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea
- School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea
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Çalışkan OF, Trabzon G, Güllü UU, Yazarlı EG, Sarı F, İpek S, El Ç. A Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Emergency Department Admissions Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2024; 16:e58436. [PMID: 38765335 PMCID: PMC11099559 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58436] [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] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to evaluate the outbreak's impact on emergency services, with findings obtained from patients who applied to our pediatric emergency service before and during the pandemic period. Methods In this study, the Pediatric Emergency Polyclinic of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University (MKU) Department of Pediatrics was evaluated during the COVID-19 pre-pandemic period and the COVID-19 pandemic period. Demographic features, complaints, discharge situations, diagnostic groups, and diagnoses of 16,730 non-traumatic patients one month to 18 years old were compared retrospectively. Results Comparing the pre-pandemic period and the pandemic period, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the average age of patients, age groups, admission hours, triage classification, complaints, and diagnoses seen. Conclusion According to the findings obtained in the study, pediatric emergency department admissions decreased significantly during the pandemic period. As a result of the pandemic measures taken, the incidence of diseases caused by infectious agents, such as respiratory tract infections, decreased. The change in pediatric emergency service habits with the pandemic highlights the importance of conducting more comprehensive epidemiological studies in terms of more efficient and effective use of pediatric emergency health services in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Fırat Çalışkan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, TUR
| | - Gül Trabzon
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, TUR
| | - Ufuk Utku Güllü
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, TUR
| | - Esra Gezmen Yazarlı
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, TUR
| | - Ferhat Sarı
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, TUR
| | - Sevcan İpek
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, TUR
| | - Çiğdem El
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, TUR
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Yilmaz A, Esenay FI. An evaluation of pediatric emergency cases in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-centre experience. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 74:17-22. [PMID: 37980796 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM Nurses responsible for the care of children in the emergency department must be aware of the case profile of the pandemic era, better prepare for developing crises, and identify preventive services. The study aims to determine the pediatric emergency cases admitted during the pandemic and compare them to those during the pre-pandemic period. METHODS The current study was designed as a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive research. All patients aged between 0 and 18 who presented to the pediatric emergency department and had electronic patient records were included in the research population. The data were gathered over two periods: the pre-pandemic period from 2019 to 2020 and the pandemic period from 2020 to 2021. A total of 145,591 patient records were analyzed. RESULTS The number of admissions declined by 51.6% during the pandemic, and a noticeable difference in the reasons for emergency department visits (p = 0.001) was detected. The pandemic saw a decrease in the cases of respiratory, gastrointestinal diseases, and ear, nose, and throat problems. In contrast, there was an increase in the cases of musculoskeletal system diseases, infections, falls, traumas, and neonatal problems. CONCLUSION The number of pediatric emergency cases decreased significantly during the pandemic, and compared to the pre-pandemic period, some changes in these cases were observed. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Particular attention should be given to ensuring that mothers of newborn infants receive adequate nursing care. Nurses working in the emergency department should keep their knowledge up-to-date regarding the changing health issues specific to the pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Yilmaz
- Amasya University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Child Health and Disease Nursing Department, Türkiye.
| | - Figen Işık Esenay
- Ankara University, Faculty of Nursing, Child Health and Disease Nursing Department, Türkiye
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Charlotte EE, Edgar MML, Yolande PD, Daniele-Christiane KMK, Betoko MR, Patricia E, Iyawa H, Ngenge MB, Abigaelle M, Diomède NN, Dominique E, Gaelle NK, Juliana J, Karen E, Georgette MEJ, Margaret EM, Doriane E, Penda CI. Comparison of in-hospital mortality in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease in a resource-limited setting before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Pediatr 2024; 31:38-43. [PMID: 37989661 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.10.001] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) has variable presentations (from mild to severe disease), and the main symptoms are vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and acute chest syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that the desertion of hospitals due to the pandemic would lead to late arrival at the emergency room and an increased mortality. In this study, we sought to measure and compare the mortality of children with sickle cell disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the sickle cell disease management center of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala (Cameroon). The study period was divided into two, i.e., from March 2019 to February 2020 (Pre-COVID-19) and from March 2020 to February 2021 (COVID-19). All administrative and ethical considerations were fully respected. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS Overall, 823 patients were admitted during the study period. Males represented 52.4% of the overall population, giving a sex ratio of 1.1:1. We admitted 479 patients during the pre-COVID-19 period versus 344 patients during the COVID-19 period, which is a 28.2% drop in admissions during the COVID-19 period. The mortality rate was 3.5% during the pre-COVID-19 period and 3.2% during the COVID-19 period (p>0.05). The most common causes of death were ACS (39.3%, n = 11), severe anemia (25.0%, n = 7), and VOC (17.9%, n = 5). ACS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.628, 95% confidence interval [CI], [1.645-7.005], p<0.001) was significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, although the consultation frequency decreased, the mortality rate of sickle cell disease patients remained unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eposse Ekoube Charlotte
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Mandeng Ma Linwa Edgar
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
| | | | | | - Mbono Ritha Betoko
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Epee Patricia
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Hassanatou Iyawa
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Megoze Abigaelle
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Noukeu Njinkui Diomède
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Enyama Dominique
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Ekotto Karen
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Ekoe Doriane
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Calixte Ida Penda
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
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Samman K, Le CK, Burstein B, Rehimini S, Grenier A, Bertrand-Bureau C, Mallet M, Simonyan D, Berthelot S. Parents' perspective on pediatric emergency department visits for low-acuity conditions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional bicentric study. CAN J EMERG MED 2024; 26:31-39. [PMID: 38032525 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00609-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to describe and compare the motivation of parents/guardians to bring children with low-acuity conditions to a tertiary-care pediatric emergency department (ED) versus a clinic before and after the pandemic. The secondary objectives were to describe and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of the population studied and the impact of the pandemic on their access to primary care services. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to parents/guardians of patients presenting with low-acuity conditions at one of two EDs. RESULTS The respondents numbered 659. Children were brought to a pediatric ED generally because of the perceived urgency of the condition, the presumed resource availability in the pediatric ED and the unavailability of the primary care physician. However, most respondents (n = 438, 66.5%) indicated preference for a clinic. More respondents before than during the pandemic reported they had been unable to find a doctor outside the ED (48.6% before COVID vs 26.8% during COVID, p < 0.001) but patients during the pandemic were less likely to seek care in a primary care practice or walk-in clinic (30.0% during COVID vs 48.6% before COVID, p < 0.001). In addition, the number of respondents presenting with symptoms of infection decreased by more than half after the pandemic began while the proportion of musculoskeletal and psychiatric complaints doubled. CONCLUSION Although the pandemic has altered the landscape of presenting complaints and pediatric healthcare-seeking behaviors, most respondents indicated they would prefer to receive care in a clinic. This finding contradicts the view that most pediatric ED visits for low-acuity conditions are by choice rather than perceived necessity. Prioritizing improved access to primary care resources would better address the preferences and expectations of parents/guardians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Samman
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Lanaudière, St-Charles-Borromée, QC, Canada
| | - Cathie-Kim Le
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Brett Burstein
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Anthony Grenier
- Department of Family Medicine, GMF Nouvelle-Beauce, Sainte-Marie, QC, Canada
| | | | - Myriam Mallet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Simon Berthelot
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé,, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Bernstine T, Edelstein M, Krupik D. Pediatric injury attendances in different population groups in Israel before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns: a descriptive study, 2018-2022. Int J Emerg Med 2023; 16:82. [PMID: 37932688 PMCID: PMC10626697 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-023-00565-2] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lockdowns and quarantines during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced healthcare services' usage patterns such as emergency department (ED) attendance. During the pandemic, Israel issued three lockdowns (March-May 2020, September-October 2020, and December 2020-February 2021) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Little is known about the impact of these lockdowns on ED attendance for injuries in the diverse population of Northern Israel. METHODS We described patterns of ED attendance before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns. We extracted data from medical records of all northern Israeli children aged 0-17 years old who attended Ziv Medical Center (ZMC) emergency department (ED) due to injury, between 01/01/2018 and 10/02/2022. We compared the volume and characteristics of ED attendance during lockdown periods to the same time periods in the 2 years before the pandemic and 1 year after the lockdowns, using chi-square tests. RESULTS Seven thousand six hundred nineteen northern children attended ZMC ED during the time periods of the study for injuries and were analyzed. Mean attendance numbers during lockdowns decreased compared to previous years, with an increase in injuries proportion (67.8% (1502/2216) vs. 52.7% (2038/3868) p < 0.001). The proportion of 0-4-year-olds attending for injuries during the lockdown increased compared to pre-pandemic (39.68% vs. 30.7%, p < 0.0001). Minority population attendance decreased (27.47% vs. 30.71% p = 0.02). Hospitalization rates increased (13.21% vs. 10.65% p = 0.01). Post-lockdown periods saw a return to the pre-pandemic age and ethnicity distribution. CONCLUSIONS Compared to previous years, the volume of injuries was lower during lockdowns for all ages, with a relative increase in the proportion of injuries among younger children attending the ED. A lower proportion of attendance from minority groups suggests different health-seeking behavior patterns during emergencies compared to the general population. Understanding these differences will help better plan for future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Bernstine
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tsfat, Israel.
| | - Michael Edelstein
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tsfat, Israel
- Research Institute, Ziv Medical Center, Tsfat, Israel
| | - Danna Krupik
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tsfat, Israel
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Ziv Medical Center, Tsfat, Israel
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Jugulete G, Luminos M, Pavelescu C, Merișescu MM. Remdesivir Efficacy and Tolerability in Children with COVID-19-Associated Allergic Comorbidities such as Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Dermatitis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050810. [PMID: 37238359 DOI: 10.3390/children10050810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In children, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) starts as a minor illness compared to adults, but during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants have changed options for therapies in both adults and children, especially for those with comorbidities such as allergies. On 25 April 2022, Remdesivir (RDV), a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pediatric patients 28 days and older, weighing ≥3 kg, hospitalized or non-hospitalized, who are at high risk of progression to severe forms of COVID-19. While RDV has been shown to have favorable effects in numerous types of research conducted on adults, such as shortening hospital stays, and has shown it has antiviral effects on various RNA viruses, there is a lack of findings regarding safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RDV in allergic pediatric patients since its initial FDA approval. This study aims to assess RDV's efficacy and tolerability in treating pediatric patients with mild and severe forms of COVID-19-associated allergies such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis and how RDV affects the duration of hospitalization, especially for these comorbidities. The most recent pandemic wave among children rose due to the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and this study analyzed changes between July 2020 and September 2022 at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania. Our retrospective study included 250 children <18 years old, 42 (16.8%) had allergies, 132 were males (52.8%), age group 0-5 years old (80%), with a positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2. Severity was categorized as mild (43.6%), moderate (53.2%), and severe (1.6%) COVID-19, and treatment with RDV was administered in 50.4% (126/250) of children included in the study. The presence of comorbidities, asthma (7.2%), allergic rhinitis (4.4%), and atopic dermatitis (4.4%), was associated with an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection in children, p < 0.05. We did not register deaths and severe complications; all cases evolved favorably under the instituted treatment. Laboratory abnormalities in transaminase levels 53.97% (ALT) and 61.9% (AST) were grades 1 or 2 and did not require discontinuation of the antiviral treatment, p < 0.05. RDV in children reduced the duration and evolution of COVID-19 and decreased the length of hospitalization in group-associated allergies; p < 0.05. This article summarizes RDV's efficacy among children with COVID-19 and allergies when the clinical result was improved and reports positive effects on tolerability and reduced duration of hospitalization, especially in children with asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. More studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghiță Jugulete
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", No. 37, Dionisie Lupu Street, 2nd District, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- "Matei Balş" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, No. 1, Calistrat Grozovici Street, 2nd District, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Luminos
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", No. 37, Dionisie Lupu Street, 2nd District, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- "Matei Balş" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, No. 1, Calistrat Grozovici Street, 2nd District, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Pavelescu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", No. 37, Dionisie Lupu Street, 2nd District, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mădălina Maria Merișescu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", No. 37, Dionisie Lupu Street, 2nd District, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- "Matei Balş" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, No. 1, Calistrat Grozovici Street, 2nd District, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
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Suzan ÖK, Tabakoglu P, Elmas B, Çınar N. The Effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on emergency service home service calls due to home accidents in children aged 0-6 in Sakarya, Türkiye? Malawi Med J 2022; 34:239-244. [PMID: 38125773 PMCID: PMC10645830 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v34i4.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim The contribution of global pandemics to the emergence of home accidents is unknown. The study aims to retrospectively examine the effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Emergency Service Home Service Calls Due to Home Accidents in Children aged 0-6. Methods Data are reported in two sections. The descriptive part is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to Sakarya Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Emergency and Adult Emergency Unit between March 16, 2019 and January 31, 2020 (non-COVID-19era) and March 16, 2020 and January 31, 2021 (COVID-19era). The second part of the study, the comparative part, presents mean data for 2019-2020 (non-COVID-19era) and 2020-2021 (COVID-19era) from the same center and the same period. These data will then be compared. Results A total of 9,110 pediatric patients applied to our center during the study period, of which 7,905 patients were in the non-Covid- 19era period and 1,205 patients were in the Covid-19 era. While the rate of hospital admissions decreased by 85% in the Covid-19era compared to the non Covid-19era, when the periods are evaluated within themselves; the forensic report retention rate in the Covid- 19era increased by 180% and the rate of hospitalization increased by 75%, The rate of drug overdose increased by 280% and chemical substance use increased by 325% compared to the non-Covid-19era. However The Covid-19 era, the fall rate decreased by 31% and the burn rate decreased by 17% compared to the non-Covid-19 era. Conclusions During the national lockdown period, our pediatric emergency department experienced significantly reduced volumes of children. Despite the decrease in hospital admission rate during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was still a very high increase in poisoning from home accidents. This study can provide a basis for further research on alternative strategies to address the problem of home accidents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pınar Tabakoglu
- Sakarya University, Institute of Health Sciences, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Bahri Elmas
- Sakarya University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Diseases, Türkiye
| | - Nursan Çınar
- Sakarya University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Türkiye
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9
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Horst KK, Carr BM, Parvinian A, McDonald JS. Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the presentation of paediatric acute appendicitis: an observational study. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:943-951. [PMID: 36184302 PMCID: PMC9458697 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.08.126] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Aim To determine whether there were differences in the clinical presentation of patients imaged to evaluate for acute appendicitis in 2020 compared to 2019 with the hope that this information might better identify patients who should undergo imaging work-up and those who should not. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study included patients <18 years who were evaluated for appendicitis between 1 March and 31 May 2019 and 2020. A total of 465 patients were stratified by final diagnosis (appendicitis versus not appendicitis) and compared based on presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, vital signs, and laboratory test results. Results Symptoms and physical examination findings that were significant in the positive cohort in both years included right lower quadrant pain, pain with movement, migration of pain, right lower quadrant tenderness, and peritoneal findings. Reporting upper respiratory symptoms was an independent predictor of negative results among all patients and in 2019. Both negative cohorts were more likely to have negative physical examinations. Anorexia and nausea/vomiting were more likely among positive cases in 2019 whereas diarrhoea was more likely among positive cases in 2020. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly change the presenting features of acute appendicitis. The results of the present study emphasise the importance of the physical examination. The ambiguity of symptoms that mimic gastroenteritis justifies imaging in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Horst
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - B M Carr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - A Parvinian
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - J S McDonald
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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10
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Cheng CW, Huang YB, Chao HY, Ng CJ, Chen SY. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Systematic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:1112. [PMID: 36013580 PMCID: PMC9413323 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably affected clinical systems, especially the emergency department (ED). A decreased number of pediatric patients and changes in disease patterns at the ED have been noted in recent research. This study investigates the real effect of the pandemic on the pediatric ED comprehensively by performing a systematic review of relevant published articles. (2) Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on a predesigned protocol. We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases for relevant articles published until 30 November 2021. Two independent reviewers extracted data by using a customized form, and any conflicts were resolved through discussion with another independent reviewer. The aggregated data were summarized and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 25 articles discussing the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric emergencies were included after full-text evaluation. Geographic distribution analysis indicated that the majority of studies from the European continent were conducted in Italy (32%, 8/25), whereas the majority of the studies from North America were conducted in the United States (24%, 6/25). The majority of the studies included a study period of less than 6 months and mostly focused on the first half of 2020. All of the articles revealed a decline in the number of pediatric patients in the ED (100%, 25/25), and most articles mentioned a decline in infectious disease cases (56%, 14/25) and trauma cases (52%, 13/25). (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decline in the number of pediatric patients in the ED, especially in the low-acuity patient group. Medical behavior changes, anti-epidemic policies, increased telemedicine use, and family financial hardship were possible factors. A decline in common pediatric infectious diseases and pediatric trauma cases was noted. Researchers should focus on potential child abuse and mental health problems during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Wei Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Bo Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yun Chao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Chip-Jin Ng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Yen Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Division of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
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11
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Loh TP, Greaves RF, Mak CM, Salomons GS, Bonham JR, Lang T. Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Laboratory Medicine: An IFCC C-ETPLM, SSIEM, ISNS Global Survey. EJIFCC 2022; 33:194-208. [PMID: 36313903 PMCID: PMC9562476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pediatric laboratory medicine is a unique practice serving a vulnerable group of patients including highly specialized testing aiming to detect and treat inherited conditions early to avoid adverse outcomes. Data on the actual impact of COVID-19 pandemic on this speciality is lacking. METHODS A survey was conducted by the IFCC Committee on Emerging Technologies in Pediatric Laboratory Medicine in partnership with the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and International Society for Neonatal Screening, to assess the impact on the clinical service provision during the initial wave (January to July 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic and to gather experiences learned in order to improve laboratory preparedness for future outbreaks. RESULTS 217 survey responses were received from 69 regions. Sixty-three laboratories (29%) reported a restriction or suspension of service for a median period of four months. The common tests/ services suspended were new-born screening program, body fluids and sweat testing. The reasons for the suspension were related to bio-safety risks of COVID-19 transmission, manpower constraints and supplies disruption. A minority (9-10%) of laboratories did observe delayed/missed diagnoses or a more severe presentation of a clinical disorder. The critical operational decisions that helped manage the initial wave of COVID-19 included modifying work shift patterns, split-teams arrangement, use of personal protection equipment and social distancing. CONCLUSION The provision and delivery of pediatric laboratories services were affected during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manpower preparedness for future potential disruptions to pediatric laboratory services is a key finding and recommendation from this survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze Ping Loh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore,Corresponding authors: Dr. Tze Ping Loh 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119074 Phone: (+65) 67724345 Fax: (+65) 67771613 E-mail:
| | - Ronda F. Greaves
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chloe M. Mak
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gajja S. Salomons
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center & Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James R. Bonham
- Pharmacy, Diagnostics and Genetics, Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Lang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of North Durham, United Kingdom
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12
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Erdede O, Sarı E, Uygur Külcü N, Sezer Yamanel RG. The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Pediatric Hospital Admissions in Turkey. J PEDIAT INF DIS-GER 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective Health care utilization has declined significantly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on pediatric admissions in a Turkish medical center.
Methods This retrospective study was conducted by analyzing the numbers and records, including diagnoses, of patients admitted to our pediatric department between March 11, 2020 (the day of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Turkey) and June 11, 2020 and comparing it with the diagnoses and numbers for the same period in 2019. The most common reasons for admissions were investigated.
Results Totally, 89,607 patients were included. Patient visits reduced drastically by 63.11 to 36.89% during the lockdown period compared to the preceding year. In addition to the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on the total volume of patients, we observed significant variations in the distribution of diagnoses among children. The percentage of respiratory, gastrointestinal, immunological, and ophthalmologic diseases and allergic reactions statistically decreased (p < 0.001). In contrast, the relative percentage of neonatal, urogenital, neurological, cardiovascular, hematological, and dermatological diseases significantly increased (p < 0.001) among emergency department (ED) admissions. Notably, the percentage of respiratory diseases among ED patients decreased by 66.81 to 33.19%.
Conclusion COVID-19 strongly affected health care utilization. The public must be educated about the safety of hospital environments, and families should be encouraged to visit hospitals in case of emergencies. Additionally, changes in public health advice may help alter health care consumption patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Erdede
- Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdal Sarı
- Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nihan Uygur Külcü
- Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rabia Gönül Sezer Yamanel
- Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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13
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Yan AP, Zipursky AR, Capraro A, Harper M, Eisenberg M. Pediatric Emergency Department Sepsis Screening Tool Accuracy During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pediatrics 2022; 150:186991. [PMID: 35502122 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Automated sepsis alerts in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) can identify patients at risk for sepsis, allowing for earlier intervention with appropriate therapies. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of pediatric sepsis alerts is unknown. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 59 335 ED visits before the pandemic and 51 990 ED visits during the pandemic in an ED with an automated sepsis alert based on systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the sepsis algorithm were compared between the prepandemic and pandemic phases and between COVID-19-negative and COVID-19-positive patients during the pandemic phase. RESULTS The proportion of ED visits triggering a sepsis alert was 7.0% (n = 4180) before and 6.1% (n = 3199) during the pandemic. The number of sepsis alerts triggered per diagnosed case of hypotensive septic shock was 24 in both periods. There was no difference in the sensitivity (74.1% vs 72.5%), specificity (93.2% vs 94.0%), positive predictive value (4.1% vs 4.1%), or negative predictive value (99.9% vs 99.9%) of the sepsis alerts between these periods. The alerts had a lower sensitivity (60% vs 73.3%) and specificity (87.3% vs 94.2%) for COVID-19-positive versus COVID-19-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS The sepsis alert algorithm evaluated in this study did not result in excess notifications and maintained adequate performance during the COVID-19 pandemic in the pediatric ED setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Yan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospitaland Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Divisions of Hematology and Oncology
| | - Amy R Zipursky
- Emergency Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Capraro
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marvin Harper
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Eisenberg
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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14
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Majeda A, Nataprawira HM, Idjradinata P. Acute Lower Respiratory Infection Profile in Children at Tertiary Hospital Bandung: Is There a Difference Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic? Glob Pediatr Health 2022; 9:2333794X221085393. [PMID: 35498368 PMCID: PMC9052809 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x221085393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyze differences of the prevalence and characteristics of
acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in children at tertiary hospital before
and during COVID-19 pandemic. This was an observational analytic study with
cross-sectional design involving pediatric patients based on the time of the
study which was in 1 year-prepandemic (A) and 1 year-pandemic period (B). For
period A inpatient data were retrieved from medical records and period B used
pediatric ALRI registry. The ALRI characteristics were analyzed with
significance if P < .05. Prevalence in periods A and B were
5.8% (534/9252) and 4.9% (409/8283), respectively. The characteristics of ALRI
for clinical, comorbidities, laboratory findings (NLR, TLC), and chest
radiograph showed significant differences (P < .05). ALRI as
manifestation of confirmed COVID-19 were identified in 16 (4.9%) cases.
Prevalence of ALRI in children during COVID-19 pandemic is lower compared to
before. There are differences in the characteristics of ALRI in pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allisa Majeda
- Departement of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Heda Melinda Nataprawira
- Departement of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ponpon Idjradinata
- Departement of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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Pediatric Emergencies and Hospital Admissions in the First Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Children's Hospital in Romania. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9040513. [PMID: 35455557 PMCID: PMC9028540 DOI: 10.3390/children9040513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the pediatric population, particularly on their access to health services. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the influence that the pandemic, and its related containment and mitigation public health measures, had on pediatric emergencies and hospitalizations in a major tertiary pediatric hospital in Bucharest, Romania, during the first six months of the pandemic, March−August 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. In these first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of pediatric emergencies decreased 2.8-fold compared to the same period in 2019, but the proportion of major emergencies increased significantly (p < 0.001). The number of admissions also decreased 3.3-fold in 2020, compared to 2019, but the risk of admission for lower respiratory tract infections and respiratory failure increased 1.3- and 2.3-fold, respectively. In conclusion, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic containment and mitigation plan not only had a significant impact on reducing emergency department presentations, but also on pediatric admissions in Romania. These data highlight the importance of maintaining optimal access to child health services when confronted with a public health threat, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Active communication with parents, involving general practitioners, pediatricians, and authorities, is essential for managing children with acute signs of illness in the case of future restrictions or lockdown measures.
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The impact of COVID-19 on paediatric emergency department visits. A one-year retrospective study. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1257-1262. [PMID: 34718355 PMCID: PMC8556833 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01815-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of paediatric emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions was recorded in a tertiary referral centre during the first year of the COVID-19, March 2020-February 2021, and compared with those of the preceding year. METHODS The number of visits and admissions and the reason of visit and admission were prospectively recorded from 15,087 patients' files. RESULTS A substantial decline in the total number of visits and increase in the admission rate were documented during the COVID-19 year compared to the preceding year (10691 vs 4396 patients, 22.59% vs 18.15% (OR: 1.316, CI 95%: 1.208-2.242, p < 0.0001), respectively). Fever and/or respiratory symptoms were the commonest reported symptoms in both periods. Possible explanations include: (i) restricted overall infection transmission due to confinement and self-protective measures, (ii) avoidance of unnecessary hospital visits in the absence of severe symptoms and (iii) reduced or delayed access to medical care due to parental fear of children's exposure to COVID-19. CONCLUSION This study is the first worldwide to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on ED visits and admissions throughout the whole year of the pandemic, and to highlight the need for re-evaluation of future protective strategies to infections, adjustment of health-care systems and parental education so that medical care in a health-care setting is sought in a more appropriate manner. IMPACT A significant decline in paediatric ED visits and increase in the admission rate was observed during the first year of COVID-19 in a tertiary referral centre, possibly due to reduced overall infection transmission, limited ED overuse, but also ED underuse due to parental fear of children's exposure to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 may serve as an opportunity for societies to re-evaluate future strategies to infections, adjust health-care systems accordingly, and reinforce parents to seek medical care more appropriately. Although the incidence of critical illness in children due to COVID-19 and in general is low, special attention should be devoted to identifying children at risk early.
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Bašković M, Čizmić A, Bastić M, Župančić B. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Most Common Diagnoses in Pediatric Surgery: Abdominal Pain, Acute Scrotum, Upper and Lower Extremity Injuries-Tertiary Center Experience. Turk Arch Pediatr 2022; 57. [PMID: 35110077 PMCID: PMC8867514 DOI: 10.5152/turkarchpediatr.2021.21230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The coronavirus disease-19 pandemic has brought new patterns of behavior among patients and their parents. The reorganization of the health care system has reduced the number of elective surgical procedures in Croatia. In our study, we were interested in whether the pandemic has caused a statistically significant decrease in the number of examinations of children in the emergency department according to the most common diagnoses in pediatric surgery and whether there was a decrease in the number of emergency surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from the Hospital Information System. The analysis included 15 months of the pre-coronavirus disease-19 period and 15 months of the coronavirus disease-19 period. The primary outcome of the study was to determine the cumulative number of all examinations and then to determine the number of examinations according to the most common diagnoses and, consequently, to determine whether there was a statistically significant decrease. The secondary outcome was to determine the cumulative number of all operations and then to determine the number of the most common emergency operations and, consequently, to see if there was a statistically significant decrease. RESULTS In the 15 months of the pre- coronavirus disease-19 period, a total of 33 646 children were examined in the emergency department, while in the coronavirus disease-19 period, 26 831 were examined (P = .010). Although a decrease was recorded in all categories, a statistically significant decrease was recorded for diagnoses of abdominal pain (P = .007) and lower extremity injuries (P = .014). The total number of operations, due to strict measures and reduction of the elective program, decreased statistically significantly in the coronavirus disease-19 period (P < .0001). The number of most common emergency operations did not decrease statistically significantly. CONCLUSION This study represents the first longer, 15-month experience of a pandemic in the only and largest children's hospital in Croatia. There is no doubt that coronavirus disease-19 had the effect of reducing the number of examinations in the emergency department for all the most common diagnoses, but the number of operations did not change significantly.
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Jesus CRD, Rosa AAS, Meneses ADS, Agostini AC, Merten FB, Ferrão SM, Martins LCS, Friedrich FO, Pinto LA. Impact of social distancing in response to COVID-19 on hospitalizations for laryngitis, tracheitis, otitis media, and mastoiditis in children aged 0 to 9 years in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol 2021; 47:e20210229. [PMID: 34909923 PMCID: PMC8836655 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20210229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of social distancing resulting from COVID-19 in hospitalizations for infections of the upper airways (URTI), such as acute laryngitis, tracheitis, and otitis media in children aged 0 to 9 years in Brazil, considering that they share the same forms of transmission. Methods Data on hospitalizations for acute airway changes and their complications in children <9 years old were obtained from the Database of the Brazilian Department of Public Health Informatics for the period 2015 to 2020. These data were also analyzed by macroregions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Southeast, South, and Midwest). The effect of the social distancing strategy on the increase of acute laryngitis, tracheitis, otitis media, and mastitis, as absolute and relative reductions, was calculated by analyzing the annual calculation of 2015-2019 vs 2020. Results All the hospitalizations compared in the Unified Health System (SUS) for laryngitis and acute tracheitis and otitis media decreased, considering all states of Brazil. The largest reduction in hospitalization reduction was in the North, with -94% in 2015-2019 vs 2020 in cases of laryngitis and acute tracheitis, and in the Midwest, with - 85% in 2015-2019 vs 2020 in cases of otitis media. Conclusion Hospitalizations for laryngitis, acute tracheitis, and acute otitis media in children <9 years old decreased between March and July 2020 in Brazil, when social distancing measures were adopted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clovisa Reck de Jesus
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Aline Antônia Souto Rosa
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Amanda da Silva Meneses
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Angélica Conzati Agostini
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Fernanda Bercht Merten
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Sofia Moreira Ferrão
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Luíza Costa Silveira Martins
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Frederico Orlando Friedrich
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Leonardo Araújo Pinto
- Centro Infantil, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
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Friedrich F, E Garcia LDC, Petry LM, Pieta MP, Carvalho GE, Zocche G, Ongaratto R, Lumertz MS, Brum M, Stein RT, Scotta MC, Jones MH, Pinto LA. Impact of nonpharmacological COVID-19 interventions in hospitalizations for childhood pneumonia in Brazil. Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:2818-2824. [PMID: 34265188 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The knowledge about the impact of the nonpharmacological measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic can give insight into ways in which they can also be applied for other respiratory diseases. To assess the impact of containment measures of the COVID-19 pandemic on pneumonia hospitalizations in children from 0 to 14 years of age in Brazil. METHODS Data from hospital admissions for pneumonia were obtained from the Department of Informatics of Brazilian Public Health System database in the period of 2015-2020 and analyzed by macroregions and age groups. To evaluate the effect of containment measures, on the incidence of pneumonia, the absolute reduction and relative reduction were calculated by analyzing the subsets 2015-2019 vs. 2020. RESULTS Comparing the subsets of April-August 2015-2019 vs. April-August 2020 for Brazil (total), there was an significant reduction in the average incidence of hospitalizations, with numbers ranging from -82% [IRR 0.17 (0.14-0.21)] for <4 years (prepandemic 741.8/100,000 vs. pandemic 132.7/100.000), -83% [IRR 0.17 (0.10-0.27)] for 5-9 years (prepandemic 113.6/100,000 vs. pandemic 19.6/100.000), -77% [IRR 0.23 (0.11-0.46)] for 10-14 (prepandemic 42.0/100,000 vs. pandemic 9.8/100.000) and -82% [IRR 0.18 (0.15-0.21)] for all children ≤14 years (prepandemic 897.4/100,000 vs. pandemic 162.1/100.000). CONCLUSION We found a significant decrease in cases of all cause pneumonia in children under 14 years and especially in the age group <9 years during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be associated with the nonpharmacological measures applied to control the SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Friedrich
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Laura de Castro E Garcia
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Montiel Petry
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina Puerari Pieta
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Eggers Carvalho
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Giovani Zocche
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renata Ongaratto
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Magali Santos Lumertz
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcos Brum
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renato T Stein
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo C Scotta
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcus Herbert Jones
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Araújo Pinto
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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