Irish journal of medical science
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Observational Study
A combined role for low vitamin D and low albumin circulating levels as strong predictors of worse outcome in COVID-19 patients.
We aimed to assess the combined role of vitamin D and albumin serum levels as predictors of COVID-19 disease progression. ⋯ The measurement of both vitamin D and serum albumin levels on COVID-19 patients' admission, and their combined evaluation, provides a simple prognostic tool that could be employed to guide prompt clinical decisions.
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Sleep-related laryngospasm (SRL) has been defined as the sustained closure of the vocal cords during sleep. Studies have suggested that it is a rare manifestation of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Difficulties in diagnosing SRL and LPR have led to the condition being under-recognised in the clinical setting. ⋯ SRL is a largely unknown and under-diagnosed condition. We believe this study provides supportive evidence for the causal relationship between LPR and SRL.
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The human trophoblast cell surface antigen (TROP-2), a transmembrane glycoprotein, has recently been investigated as a valuable marker of thyroid epithelial neoplasms. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic utility of TROP2 in thyroid neoplasms. ⋯ TROP2 was a helpful marker for differentiating PTC, especially in the classic, tall cell, hobnail, and Warthin-like variants, benign and non-neoplastic lesions, and other neoplasms of the thyroid.
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Safeguarding refers to the protection of health and wellbeing and enabling "life free from harm, abuse and neglect" (Safeguarding People 2019). In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) drafted a revised 2019 policy to replace the original policy on safeguarding adults at risk of abuse. A Safeguarding Committee was founded in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin to prepare for policy implementation and staff training. ⋯ Knowledge and confidence gaps can be addressed in future training. Identifying education gaps will help guide training and policy implementation.
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Due to elderly residents, nursing homes/assisted living facilities were the most affected places in COVID-19 pandemic. Besides symptomatic patients, asymptomatic patients were detected during routine screening. ⋯ A durable SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response was monitored at least 9 months after the participants were diagnosed with COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity was detected 76.9% in PCR (+) and 10.0% in PCR (-) participants. Knowing the duration of detectable antibodies is an important finding for developing disease prevention and public health strategies.