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Sharma VK, Gopinathan A, Tan BYQ, Loh PH, Hung J, Tang D, Chua C, Chan ACY, Ong JJY, Chin A, Jing M, Goh Y, Sunny S, Keat CH, Ka Z, Pandya S, Wong LYH, Chen JT, Yeo LLL, Chan BPL, Teoh HL, Sinha AK. Enhanced external counter pulsation therapy in patients with symptomatic and severe intracranial steno-occlusive disease: a randomized clinical trial protocol. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1177500. [PMID: 37325226 PMCID: PMC10262049 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1177500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracranial stenosis is prevalent among Asians and constitutes a common cause of cerebral ischemia. While the best medical therapy carries stroke recurrence rates in excess of 10% per year, trials with intracranial stenting have been associated with unacceptable peri-procedural ischemic events. Cerebral ischemic events are strongly related to the severity of intracranial stenosis, which is high in patients with severe intracranial stenosis with poor vasodilatory reserve. Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) therapy is known to improve myocardial perfusion by facilitating the development of collateral blood vessels in the heart. In this randomized clinical trial, we evaluate whether EECP therapy may be useful in patients with severe stenosis of intracranial internal carotid (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA). The review of literature, methods of evaluation, status of currently used therapeutic approaches, and trial protocol have been presented. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03921827.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K. Sharma
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anil Gopinathan
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Y. Q. Tan
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poay Huan Loh
- Department of Cardiology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jennifer Hung
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Tang
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher Chua
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda C. Y. Chan
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J. Y. Ong
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda Chin
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mingxue Jing
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yihui Goh
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sibi Sunny
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chin Howe Keat
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhang Ka
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shivani Pandya
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lily Y. H. Wong
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jin Tao Chen
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leonard L. L. Yeo
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernard P. L. Chan
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- Divisin of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Arvind K. Sinha
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Chan ACY, Kumar S, Tan G, Wong HY, Ong JJY, Chandra B, Huang H, Sharma VK, Lai PS. Expanding the genetic causes of small-fiber neuropathy: SCN genes and beyond. Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:259-271. [PMID: 36448457 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a disorder that exclusively affects the small nerve fibers, sparing the large nerve fibers. Thinly myelinated Aδ-fibers and unmyelinated C-fibers are damaged, leading to development of neuropathic pain, thermal dysfunction, sensory symptoms, and autonomic disturbances. Although many SFNs are secondary and due to immunological causes or metabolic disturbances, the etiology is unknown in up to half of the patients. Over the years, this proportion of "idiopathic SFN" has decreased, as familial and genetic causes have been discovered, thus shifting a proportion of once "idiopathic" cases to the genetic category. After the discovery of SCN9A-gene variants in 2012, SCN10A and SCN11A variants have been found to be pathogenic in SFN. With improved accessibility of SFN diagnostic tools and genetic tests, many non-SCN variants and genetically inherited systemic diseases involving the small nerve fibers have also been described, but only scattered throughout the literature. There are 80 SCN variants described as causing SFN, 8 genes causing hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathies (HSAN) described with pure SFN, and at least 7 genes involved in genetically inherited systemic diseases associated with SFN. This systematic review aims to consolidate and provide an updated overview on the genetic variants of SFN to date---SCN genes and beyond. Awareness of these genetic causes of SFN is imperative for providing treatment directions, prognostication, and management of expectations for patients and their health-care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shivaram Kumar
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Tan
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiu Yi Wong
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bharatendu Chandra
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Hua Huang
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay Kumar Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh San Lai
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Adjunct Faculty, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Yeo JYP, Goh CXY, Tan YK, Sim BTS, Chan BLX, Syn NL, Lim Y, Chan ACY, Sharma VK, Ong JJY, Yeo LLL, Sia CH, Tan BYQ. Evaluating the relationship between right-to-left shunt and white matter hyperintensities in migraine patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:972336. [PMID: 36061988 PMCID: PMC9433673 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.972336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) have been observed with greater frequency in patients with migraine and are thought to be associated with impaired cognition and function. The relationship between WMHs and right-to-left shunt (RLS) in migraine patients is unknown. We performed a systematic review to determine if there is an association between RLS and WMHs in patients with migraine. Methods A systematic search of the literature was performed in PubMed and Embase using a suitable keyword search strategy from inception up to 16th June 2021. All studies that included patients with migraine and studied RLS and WMHs were included. Results A total of 8 non-randomized observational studies comprising 1125 patients with migraine were included; 576 had an RLS, compared to 549 patients with no RLS. The mean age of the study populations ranged from 28.4 to 43 years, while the average duration from migraine diagnosis ranged from 5.1 to 19 years. The proportion of female to male patients was consistently higher in all studies (60.0–94.4%). Amongst migraine patients with RLS, 338 patients (58.7%) had WMHs. In contrast, 256 (46.6%) of migraine patients without RLS had WMHs. RLS was significantly associated with the presence of WMHs in migraine patients (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05–2.34, p = 0.03). Conclusion In migraine patients, RLS was significantly associated with the presence of WMHs. Longitudinal studies are warranted to establish RLS as a risk factor for WMHs in patients with migraine, and to establish the significance of these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Y. P. Yeo
- Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Claire X. Y. Goh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Kiat Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bryan T. S. Sim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Beverly L. X. Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas L. Syn
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yinghao Lim
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda C. Y. Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay K. Sharma
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J. Y. Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leonard L. L. Yeo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ching-Hui Sia
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Ching-Hui Sia
| | - Benjamin Y. Q. Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Nagaraj K, Wei DY, Puledda F, Weng H, Waheed S, Vandenbussche N, Ong JJY, Goadsby PJ. Comparison and predictors of chronic migraine vs. new daily persistent headache presenting with a chronic migraine phenotype. Headache 2022; 62:828-838. [PMID: 35861031 PMCID: PMC9545870 DOI: 10.1111/head.14362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective To compare the clinical phenotype of patients with chronic migraine (CM) to patients with new daily persistent headache of the chronic migraine subtype (NDPH‐CM). Methods A study was conducted of CM (n = 257) and NDPH‐CM (n = 76) from a tertiary headache center in the UK, and in the US of patients with daily CM (n = 60) and NDPH‐CM (n = 22). Results From the UK cohort, the age of first headache onset was lower in CM (mean ± SD: 16 ± 12 years) than in NDPH‐CM (mean ± SD: 23 ± 14 years; p < 0.001). There was a greater number of associated migrainous symptoms in CM compared to NDPH‐CM (median and interquartile range: 6, 5–8 vs. 5, 4–7; p < 0.001). A family history of headache was more common in CM compared to NDPH‐CM (82%, 202/248, vs. 53%, 31/59; p < 0.001). In the US cohort there were no differences. Osmophobia (B = −1.08; p = 0.002) and older age at presentation to the clinic (B = −0.06; p = 0.001) were negative predictors of NDPH‐CM. Conclusion NDPH‐CM is relatively less migrainous than CM in the UK cohort. Family history of headache is less common in NDPH‐CM, with negative predictors for NDPH‐CM including osmophobia and older age of presentation to the clinic. More work is required to understand the chronic migraine phenotype of new daily persistent headache.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Nagaraj
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
- Department of Neurology Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute Bangalore India
| | - Diana Y. Wei
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
- NIHR‐Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility King's College Hospital London UK
| | - Francesca Puledda
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
- NIHR‐Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility King's College Hospital London UK
| | - Hsing‐Yu Weng
- Department of Neurology Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine Taipei Medical University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Sadaf Waheed
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - Nicolas Vandenbussche
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
- Department of Neurology Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | - Jonathan J. Y. Ong
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Peter J. Goadsby
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
- NIHR‐Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility King's College Hospital London UK
- Department of Neurology University of California Los Angeles California USA
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5
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Chan ACY, Wong HY, Chong YF, Lai PS, Teoh HL, Ng AYY, Hung JHM, Chan YC, Ng KWP, Vijayan J, Ong JJY, Chandra B, Tan CH, Rutt NH, Tan TM, Ismail NH, Wilder-Smith E, Schwarz H, Choi H, Sharma VK, Mak A. Novel Autoantibodies in Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy. Ann Neurol 2021; 91:66-77. [PMID: 34761434 PMCID: PMC9300200 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is clinically and etiologically heterogeneous. Although autoimmunity has been postulated to be pathophysiologically important in SFN, few autoantibodies have been described. We aimed to identify autoantibodies associated with idiopathic SFN (iSFN) by a novel high‐throughput protein microarray platform that captures autoantibodies expressed in the native conformational state. Methods Sera from 58 SFN patients and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were screened against >1,600 immune‐related antigens. Fluorescent unit readout and postassay imaging were performed, followed by composite data normalization and protein fold change (pFC) analysis. Analysis of an independent validation cohort of 33 SFN patients against the same 20 HCs was conducted to identify reproducible proteins in both cohorts. Results Nine autoantibodies were screened with statistical significance and pFC criteria in both cohorts, with at least 50% change in serum levels. Three proteins showed consistently high fold changes in main and validation cohorts: MX1 (FC = 2.99 and 3.07, respectively, p = 0.003, q = 0.076), DBNL (FC = 2.11 and 2.16, respectively, p = 0.009, q < 0.003), and KRT8 (FC = 1.65 and 1.70, respectively, p = 0.043, q < 0.003). Further subgroup analysis into iSFN and SFN by secondary causes (secondary SFN) in the main cohort showed that MX1 is higher in iSFN compared to secondary SFN (FC = 1.61 vs 0.106, p = 0.009). Interpretation Novel autoantibodies MX1, DBNL, and KRT8 are found in iSFN. MX1 may allow diagnostic subtyping of iSFN patients. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:66–77
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiu Yi Wong
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, China
| | - Yao Feng Chong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh San Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alison Y Y Ng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jennifer H M Hung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Cheun Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kay W P Ng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joy Vijayan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bharatendu Chandra
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Medical Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chi Hsien Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Einar Wilder-Smith
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Herbert Schwarz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hyungwon Choi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anselm Mak
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Rheumatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
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6
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Selarka L, Sharma S, Saini D, Sharma S, Batra A, Waghmare VT, Dileep P, Patel S, Shah M, Parikh T, Darji P, Patel A, Goswami G, Shah A, Shah S, Lathiya H, Shah M, Sharma P, Chopra S, Gupta A, Jain N, Khan E, Sharma VK, Sharma AK, Chan ACY, Ong JJY. Mucormycosis and COVID-19: An epidemic within a pandemic in India. Mycoses 2021; 64:1253-1260. [PMID: 34255907 PMCID: PMC8446956 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Importance Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) causes an immunosuppressed state and increases risk of secondary infections like mucormycosis. We evaluated clinical features, predisposing factors, diagnosis and outcomes for mucormycosis among patients with COVID‐19 infection. Methods This prospective, observational, multi‐centre study included 47 consecutive patients with mucormycosis, diagnosed during their course of COVID‐19 illness, between January 3 and March 27, 2021. Data regarding demography, underlying medical conditions, COVID‐19 illness and treatment were collected. Clinical presentations of mucormycosis, imaging and biochemical characteristics and outcome were recorded. Results Of the 2567 COVID‐19 patients admitted to 3 tertiary centres, 47 (1.8%) were diagnosed with mucormycosis. Mean age was 55 ± 12.8years, and majority suffered from diabetes mellitus (n = 36, 76.6%). Most were not COVID‐19 vaccinated (n = 31, 66.0%) and majority (n = 43, 91.5%) had developed moderate‐to‐severe pneumonia, while 20 (42.6%) required invasive ventilation. All patients had received corticosteroids and broad‐spectrum antibiotics while most (n = 37, 78.7%) received at least one anti‐viral medication. Mean time elapsed from COVID‐19 diagnosis to mucormycosis was 12.1 ± 4.6days. Eleven (23.4%) subjects succumbed to their disease, mostly (n = 8, 72.7%) within 7 days of diagnosis. Among the patients who died, 10 (90.9%) had pre‐existing diabetes mellitus, only 2 (18.2%) had received just one vaccine dose and all developed moderate‐to‐severe pneumonia, requiring oxygen supplementation and mechanical ventilation. Conclusions Mucormycosis can occur among COVID‐19 patients, especially with poor glycaemic control, widespread and injudicious use of corticosteroids and broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and invasive ventilation. Owing to the high mortality, high index of suspicion is required to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment in high‐risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suktara Sharma
- Department of ENT, GCS Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
| | | | - Sanjay Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Ramkrishna Care Hospitals, Raipur, India
| | - Amit Batra
- Department of Neurology, Max Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amit Patel
- Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Anand Shah
- Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Harsh Lathiya
- Department of Neurology, Ramkrishna Care Hospitals, Raipur, India
| | | | - Pranita Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Ramkrishna Care Hospitals, Raipur, India
| | - Surabhi Chopra
- Department of Neurology, Ramkrishna Care Hospitals, Raipur, India
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Ramkrishna Care Hospitals, Raipur, India
| | - Neha Jain
- Department of Neurology, Ramkrishna Care Hospitals, Raipur, India
| | - Erum Khan
- BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Personal protection equipment (PPE)-associated headache is an unusual secondary headache disorder that predominantly occurs in healthcare workers as a consequence of the donning of protective respirators, face masks and/or eyewear. The appreciation of this entity is important given the significant ramifications upon the occupational health of healthcare workers and could additionally have an impact on persons living with pre-existing headache disorder(s). RECENT FINDINGS There has been a renewed interest and recognition of PPE-associated headaches amongst healthcare professionals, largely brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has besieged healthcare systems worldwide. De novo PPE-associated headaches may present with migrainous or tension-type features and can be viewed as a subtype of external compression headache. The prognosis of the disorder is generally favourable, given that most headaches are short-lived without long-term sequalae. Several aetiologies have been postulated to account for the development of these headaches. Notably, these headaches can affect the occupational health and work performance of healthcare workers. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, probable etiopathogenesis, management and prognosis of PPE-associated headaches in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future directions for research and PPE development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Chandra Bharatendu
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Yee Cheun Chan
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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Rhee MSM, Lindquist CD, Silvestrini MT, Chan AC, Ong JJY, Sharma VK. Carbon dioxide increases with face masks but remains below short-term NIOSH limits. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:354. [PMID: 33858372 PMCID: PMC8049746 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06056-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE COVID-19 pandemic led to wide-spread use of face-masks, respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers. Various symptoms attributed to the use of PPE are believed to be, at least in part, due to elevated carbon-dioxide (CO2) levels. We evaluated concentrations of CO2 under various PPE. METHODS In a prospective observational study on healthy volunteers, CO2 levels were measured during regular breathing while donning 1) no mask, 2) JustAir® powered air purifying respirator (PAPR), 3) KN95 respirator, and 4) valved-respirator. Serial CO2 measurements were taken with a nasal canula at a frequency of 1-Hz for 15-min for each PPE configuration to evaluate whether National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) limits were breached. RESULTS The study included 11 healthy volunteers, median age 32 years (range 16-54) and 6 (55%) men. Percent mean (SD) changes in CO2 values for no mask, JustAir® PAPR, KN95 respirator and valve respirator were 0.26 (0.12), 0.59 (0.097), 2.6 (0.14) and 2.4 (0.59), respectively. Use of face masks (KN95 and valved-respirator) resulted in significant increases in CO2 concentrations, which exceeded the 8-h NIOSH exposure threshold limit value-weighted average (TLV-TWA). However, the increases in CO2 concentrations did not breach short-term (15-min) limits. Importantly, these levels were considerably lower than the long-term (8-h) NIOSH limits during donning JustAir® PAPR. There was a statistically significant difference between all pairs (p < 0.0001, except KN95 and valved-respirator (p = 0.25). However, whether increase in CO2 levels are clinically significant remains debatable. CONCLUSION Although, significant increase in CO2 concentrations are noted with routinely used face-masks, the levels still remain within the NIOSH limits for short-term use. Therefore, there should not be a concern in their regular day-to-day use for healthcare providers. The clinical implications of elevated CO2 levels with long-term use of face masks needs further studies. Use of PAPR prevents relative hypercapnoea. However, whether PAPR should be advocated for healthcare workers requiring PPE for extended hours needs to evaluated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S M Rhee
- Theranova LLC, 101 Mississippi Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
| | - Carin D Lindquist
- Theranova LLC, 101 Mississippi Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
| | | | - Amanda C Chan
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS, Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS, Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS, Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore City, Singapore.
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Tan BYQ, Chew NWS, Lee GKH, Jing M, Goh Y, Yeo LLL, Zhang K, Chin HK, Ahmad A, Khan FA, Shanmugam GN, Chan BPL, Sunny S, Chandra B, Ong JJY, Paliwal PR, Wong LYH, Sagayanathan R, Chen JT, Ng AYY, Teoh HL, Ho CS, Ho RC, Sharma VK. Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Workers in Singapore. Ann Intern Med 2020; 173:317-320. [PMID: 32251513 PMCID: PMC7143149 DOI: 10.7326/m20-1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 705] [Impact Index Per Article: 176.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Y Q Tan
- National University Health System and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (B.Y.T., L.L.Y., V.K.S.)
| | - Nicholas W S Chew
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Grace K H Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (G.K.L.)
| | - Mingxue Jing
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Yihui Goh
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Leonard L L Yeo
- National University Health System and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (B.Y.T., L.L.Y., V.K.S.)
| | - Ka Zhang
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Howe-Keat Chin
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore (A.A., F.A.K., G.N.S.)
| | | | | | - Bernard P L Chan
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Sibi Sunny
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Bharatendu Chandra
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Prakash R Paliwal
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Lily Y H Wong
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Renarebecca Sagayanathan
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Jin Tao Chen
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Alison Ying Ying Ng
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- National University Health System, Singapore (N.W.C., M.J., Y.G., K.Z., H.C., B.P.C., S.S., B.C., J.J.O., P.R.P., L.Y.W., R.S., J.T.C., A.Y.N., H.L.T.)
| | - Cyrus S Ho
- National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.S.H.)
| | - Roger C Ho
- Institute of Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore (R.C.H.)
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- National University Health System and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (B.Y.T., L.L.Y., V.K.S.)
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10
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Bharatendu C, Ong JJY, Goh Y, Tan BYQ, Chan ACY, Tang JZY, Leow AS, Chin A, Sooi KWX, Tan YL, Hong CS, Chin BZ, Ng E, Foong TW, Teoh HL, Ong ST, Lee P, Khoo D, Tsivgoulis G, Alexandrov AV, Sharma VK. Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) restores the N95 face mask induced cerebral hemodynamic alterations among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Outbreak. J Neurol Sci 2020; 417:117078. [PMID: 32768718 PMCID: PMC7398036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented increased usage of Personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare-workers. PPE usage causes headache in majority of users. We evaluated changes in cerebral hemodynamics among healthcare-workers using PPE. Methods Frontline healthcare-workers donning PPE at our tertiary center were included. Demographics, co-morbidities and blood-pressure were recorded. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring of middle cerebral artery was performed with 2-MHz probe. Mean flow velocity (MFV) and pulsatility index (PI) were recorded at baseline, after donning N95 respirator-mask, and after donning powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), when indicated. End-tidal carbon-dioxide (ET-CO2) pressure was recorded for participants donning PAPR in addition to the N95 respirator-mask. Results A total of 154 healthcare-workers (mean age 29 ± 12 years, 67% women) were included. Migraine was the commonest co-morbidity in 38 (25%) individuals while 123 (80%) developed de-novo headache due to N95 mask. Donning of N95 respirator-mask resulted in significant increase in MFV (4.4 ± 10.4 cm/s, p < 0.001) and decrease in PI (0.13 ± 0.12; p < 0.001) while ET-CO2 increased by 3.1 ± 1.2 mmHg (p < 0.001). TCD monitoring in 24 (16%) participants donning PAPR and N95 respirator mask together showed normalization of PI, accompanied by normalization of ET-CO2 values within 5-min. Combined use of N95 respirator-mask and PAPR was more comfortable as compared to N95 respirator-mask alone. Conclusion Use of N95 respirator-mask results in significant alterations in cerebral hemodynamics. However, these effects are mitigated by the use of additional PAPR. We recommend the use of PAPR together with the N95 mask for healthcare-workers doing longer duties in the hospital wards. Most N95 mask users develop de novo headache or worsening of pre-existing headache. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels increase while donning N95 respirator mask. Significant cerebral hemodynamic changes occur during donning of N95 mask. Powered air-purifying respirator restores N95 mask induced cerebral hemodynamic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Bharatendu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yihui Goh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Y Q Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Z Y Tang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Emergency Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Aloysius S Leow
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda Chin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kenneth W X Sooi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yi Lin Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chiew S Hong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Z Chin
- Department of Anesthesia, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth Ng
- Department of Anesthesia, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Theng Wai Foong
- Department of Anesthesia, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi Ting Ong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Pyng Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Deborah Khoo
- Department of Anesthesia, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Andrei V Alexandrov
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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11
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Chew NWS, Lee GKH, Tan BYQ, Jing M, Goh Y, Ngiam NJH, Yeo LLL, Ahmad A, Ahmed Khan F, Napolean Shanmugam G, Sharma AK, Komalkumar RN, Meenakshi PV, Shah K, Patel B, Chan BPL, Sunny S, Chandra B, Ong JJY, Paliwal PR, Wong LYH, Sagayanathan R, Chen JT, Ying Ng AY, Teoh HL, Tsivgoulis G, Ho CS, Ho RC, Sharma VK. A multinational, multicentre study on the psychological outcomes and associated physical symptoms amongst healthcare workers during COVID-19 outbreak. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 88:559-565. [PMID: 32330593 PMCID: PMC7172854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 917] [Impact Index Per Article: 229.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since the declaration of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak as pandemic, there are reports on the increased prevalence of physical symptoms observed in the general population. We investigated the association between psychological outcomes and physical symptoms among healthcare workers. METHODS Healthcare workers from 5 major hospitals, involved in the care for COVID-19 patients, in Singapore and India were invited to participate in a study by performing a self-administered questionnaire within the period of February 19 to April 17, 2020. Healthcare workers included doctors, nurses, allied healthcare workers, administrators, clerical staff and maintenance workers. This questionnaire collected information on demographics, medical history, symptom prevalence in the past month, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) instrument. The prevalence of physical symptoms displayed by healthcare workers and the associations between physical symptoms and psychological outcomes of depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were evaluated. RESULTS Out of the 906 healthcare workers who participated in the survey, 48 (5.3%) screened positive for moderate to very-severe depression, 79 (8.7%) for moderate to extremely-severe anxiety, 20 (2.2%) for moderate to extremely-severe stress, and 34 (3.8%) for moderate to severe levels of psychological distress. The commonest reported symptom was headache (32.3%), with a large number of participants (33.4%) reporting more than four symptoms. Participants who had experienced symptoms in the preceding month were more likely to be older, have pre-existing comorbidities and a positive screen for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD. After adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities, it was found that depression (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.54-5.07, p = 0.001), anxiety (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.36-3.48, p = 0.001), stress (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.27-7.41, p = 0.13), and PTSD (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.12-4.35, p = 0.023) remained significantly associated with the presence of physical symptoms experienced in the preceding month. Linear regression revealed that the presence of physical symptoms was associated with higher mean scores in the IES-R, DASS Anxiety, Stress and Depression subscales. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates a significant association between the prevalence of physical symptoms and psychological outcomes among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. We postulate that this association may be bi-directional, and that timely psychological interventions for healthcare workers with physical symptoms should be considered once an infection has been excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W S Chew
- Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Grace K H Lee
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Y Q Tan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mingxue Jing
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Yihui Goh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | - Leonard L L Yeo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Department of Neurology, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Arvind K Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Zydus Hospital and BJ Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - R N Komalkumar
- Department of Neurology, Yashoda Hospital, Secunderabad, India
| | | | - Kenam Shah
- Department of Neurology, Zydus Hospital and BJ Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Bhargesh Patel
- Department of Neurology, Zydus Hospital and BJ Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Bernard P L Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Sibi Sunny
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Bharatendu Chandra
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Prakash R Paliwal
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Lily Y H Wong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | - Jin Tao Chen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Alison Ying Ying Ng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Cyrus S Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger C Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.
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12
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Goh Y, Ong JJY, Bharatendu C, Tan BYQ, Sharma VK. Headaches Due to Personal Protective Equipment During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comment. Headache 2020; 60:1446-1447. [PMID: 32557578 PMCID: PMC7323331 DOI: 10.1111/head.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Goh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra Bharatendu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Y Q Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Ong JJY, Bharatendu C, Goh Y, Tang JZY, Sooi KWX, Tan YL, Tan BYQ, Teoh HL, Ong ST, Allen DM, Sharma VK. Headaches Associated With Personal Protective Equipment - A Cross-Sectional Study Among Frontline Healthcare Workers During COVID-19. Headache 2020; 60:864-877. [PMID: 32232837 DOI: 10.1111/head.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease of pandemic proportions. Healthcare workers in Singapore working in high-risk areas were mandated to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 face mask and protective eyewear while attending to patients. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the risk factors associated with the development of de novo PPE-associated headaches as well as the perceived impact of these headaches on their personal health and work performance. The impact of COVID-19 on pre-existing headache disorders was also investigated. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study among healthcare workers at our tertiary institution who were working in high-risk hospital areas during COVID-19. All respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 158 healthcare workers participated in the study. Majority [126/158 (77.8%)] were aged 21-35 years. Participants included nurses [102/158 (64.6%)], doctors [51/158 (32.3%)], and paramedical staff [5/158 (3.2%)]. Pre-existing primary headache diagnosis was present in about a third [46/158 (29.1%)] of respondents. Those based at the emergency department had higher average daily duration of combined PPE exposure compared to those working in isolation wards [7.0 (SD 2.2) vs 5.2 (SD 2.4) hours, P < .0001] or medical ICU [7.0 (SD 2.2) vs 2.2 (SD 0.41) hours, P < .0001]. Out of 158 respondents, 128 (81.0%) respondents developed de novo PPE-associated headaches. A pre-existing primary headache diagnosis (OR = 4.20, 95% CI 1.48-15.40; P = .030) and combined PPE usage for >4 hours per day (OR 3.91, 95% CI 1.35-11.31; P = .012) were independently associated with de novo PPE-associated headaches. Since COVID-19 outbreak, 42/46 (91.3%) of respondents with pre-existing headache diagnosis either "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that the increased PPE usage had affected the control of their background headaches, which affected their level of work performance. CONCLUSION Most healthcare workers develop de novo PPE-associated headaches or exacerbation of their pre-existing headache disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra Bharatendu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yihui Goh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Z Y Tang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Emergency Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kenneth W X Sooi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Lin Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Y Q Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hock-Luen Teoh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi T Ong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Allen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Zhao YJ, Ong JJY, Goadsby PJ. Emerging Treatment Options for Migraine. Ann Acad Med Singap 2020; 49:226-235. [PMID: 32419007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is one of top 5 medical conditions that contribute to Years Lived with Disability and affects approximately 1 billion people from around the world. To date, preventive treatment and acute therapies for migraine are limited, have undesirable side effects and are poorly tolerated in patients. In the last few decades, considerable advances in our understanding of migraine and its pathophysiology have paved the way for the development of targeted treatment options. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays an integral role in the neurobiology of migraine, and new classes of drugs that target the CGRP pathway have included gepants and CGRP pathway monoclonal antibodies. Serotonin 5-HT1F receptor agonists-namely ditans-have also been developed to treat acute migraine. Lastly, non-invasive neuromodulation offers another treatment option for migraine patients who prefer treatments that have fewer side effects and are well tolerated. In this review, we discussed emerging treatment options for migraine that were made available in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute (Singapore General Hospital Campus), Singapore
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Kew GS, Sharma VK, Ong JJY. Isolated hand weakness. Eur J Intern Med 2017; 40:e5-e6. [PMID: 27751648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guan Sen Kew
- National University Hospital Singapore, Department of Neurology, Singapore.
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- National University Hospital Singapore, Department of Neurology, Singapore.
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- National University Hospital Singapore, Department of Neurology, Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Y Ong
- From the Departments of Neurology (J.J.Y.O., Y.C.C.) and Pediatrics (F.S.J.W.), National University Hospital, Singapore.
| | - Furene S J Wang
- From the Departments of Neurology (J.J.Y.O., Y.C.C.) and Pediatrics (F.S.J.W.), National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yee Cheun Chan
- From the Departments of Neurology (J.J.Y.O., Y.C.C.) and Pediatrics (F.S.J.W.), National University Hospital, Singapore
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Y Ong
- From the Department of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
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Ping Ng KW, Ong JJY, Nyein Nyein TD, Liang S, Chan YC, Lee KO, Wilder-Smith EP. EMLA-Induced Skin Wrinkling for the Detection of Diabetic Neuropathy. Front Neurol 2013; 4:126. [PMID: 24032026 PMCID: PMC3759298 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To determine the usefulness of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetic (EMLA)-induced stimulated skin wrinkling (SSW) to detect diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN). Research Design and Methods: Two hundred and ten diabetics were prospectively recruited (mean age 58.5 ± 12.7 years) from a large tertiary center from 2009 to 2011. EMLA was applied to the tips of digits 2, 3, and 4 and the degree of wrinkling graded. Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score, nerve conduction studies (NCS), Semmes–Weinstein monofilament (SWMF) tests, and vibratory perception thresholds (VPTs) testing were chosen as comparative clinical standards to diagnose length-dependent DSPN. Results: Inter-rater agreement for two examiners of SSW was high, with Cohen’s weighted κ of 0.912 for the right hand, and 0.823 for the left. K measure of agreement of SSW with the NCS, DNS scores, SWMF testing, and VPT testing was 0.486, 0.243, 0.289, and 0.395 respectively. SSW was able to distinguish between normal and abnormal NCS and DNS results, with median scores of 3.333 vs. 1.667 (p < 0.0005); and 3.167 vs. 2.000 (p < 0.0005) respectively. Following receiver operating characteristic-analysis, at a cut-off point of <3 for an abnormal SSW test, sensitivity of SSW test for diagnosing DSPN using NCS as a reference standard was 81.3%, and specificity was 67.0%, on par with other testing methods. Conclusion: SSW shows comparable sensitivity to other methods for detecting DSPN. Given its low cost and easy administration, SSW can be considered a useful alternative screening method for diagnosing diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Wei Ping Ng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital , Singapore
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Yeo LLL, Paliwal P, Teoh HL, Seet RC, Chan BPL, Liang S, Venketasubramanian N, Rathakrishnan R, Ahmad A, Ng KWP, Loh PK, Ong JJY, Wakerley BR, Chong VF, Bathla G, Sharma VK. Timing of Recanalization After Intravenous Thrombolysis and Functional Outcomes After Acute Ischemic Stroke. JAMA Neurol 2013; 70:353-8. [DOI: 10.1001/2013.jamaneurol.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Yeo LLL, Ong JJY, Sharma VK. False-positive transient ischemic attack due to intraocular lesion. JAMA Neurol 2013; 70:519. [PMID: 23440272 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard L L Yeo
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
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