Irish journal of medical science
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The aim of this study is to share autopsy findings of COVID-19-positive cases and autopsy algorithms for safely handling of suspicious bodies during this pandemic. ⋯ In COVID-19 autopsies, pulmonary findings were found to be prominent and the main pathology was pneumonia. Older age and findings of chronic diseases indicate that the cases were in the multirisk group in terms of COVID-19 mortality.
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The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends the use of tumour profiling tests to guide adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. The Oncotype DX™ score (Genomic Health) has superseded more traditional tools such as PREDICT in appropriate patients (ER + ve, HER2-ve, lymph node negative and with a Nottingham Prognostic Index [NPI] ≥ 3.4). The aim of this study was to see whether the introduction of Oncotype DX within our institution resulted in an overall reduction in rates of chemotherapy. ⋯ Within our institution, overall rates of chemotherapy have reduced since the introduction of Oncotype DX with the results more marked in subgroups of traditional indicators of tumour aggression. As genomic assays provide a more accurate prediction of the benefit of chemotherapy, its overall reduction has potential cost saving implications as well as reducing risk in patients who will derive little benefit.
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Healthcare workers are encouraged annually to get vaccinated against influenza. This year in view of COVID-19 pandemic, attitudes of HCWs towards vaccination are particularly important. A cross-sectional study was completed to understand how to best encourage and facilitate the vaccination of HCWs based on the previous years' findings. ⋯ In light of the increasing number of survey participants, more staff were interested in flu vaccination this year than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has had some influence on staff's likelihood to be vaccinated. Feasibility of immunisation and education posed the largest barriers to HCW vaccination.
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Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has gained worldwide acceptance as a means of local excision of early rectal cancers and benign rectal lesions. However, it is technically challenging due to the limitations of rigid laparoscopic instruments in the narrow rectal lumen. ⋯ Robotic TAMIS represents an exciting new development that may be more versatile than traditional TAMIS. In this review, we describe the first case of robotic TAMIS performed in our country and a review of current literature on the technique.
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Observational Study
The effect of national public health measures on the characteristics of trauma presentations to a busy paediatric emergency service in Ireland: a longitudinal observational study.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and government-enforced restrictions have impacted medical practices. ⋯ This study reveals that total attendances and total injuries reduced during initial phases of the lockdown. This was followed by a significant increase in injury presentations, which reached a peak of 44.6% of all attendances. We identified potential modifiable characteristics of paediatric trauma which can be addressed by future public health strategies.