Irish journal of medical science
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Describe the epidemiology, resource use and adverse outcomes of COVID-19 patients hospitalised during wave 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Use this data to identify specific cohorts at high risk of adverse outcomes and to inform acute hospital requirements for future COVID-19 waves in Ireland. ⋯ This study provides patient-level epidemiological characterisation of hospitalisations during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in Ireland. The higher risk of adverse outcomes in older age groups supports the age-based prioritisation of COVID-19 vaccinations currently used in Ireland.
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Virtual fracture clinics (VFC) have been widely adopted worldwide as part of the changes in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been shown to be a safe and effective method of delivering trauma care for injuries which do not require immediate intervention or specialist management, whilst maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction. ⋯ Virtual fracture clinics can reduce X-ray frequency for common stable wrist and ankle fractures, with resultant benefits for both patients and healthcare systems. These benefits may be sustained in patient care beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases that most often presents with advanced cardiac pathology. Another presentation of the disease can include symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome; however, the true incidence of amyloidosis in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome remains unclear. ⋯ Our results suggest that the incidence of amyloidosis in the general CTS patient population may be as high as 1.4% with routine screening by synovial biopsy and the diagnosis should be considered as a potential cause. Level of Evidence: III, retrospective study.
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Dietary supplement use has continued to rise. In addition to supplement-drug interactions, it is prudent to consider how dietary supplements may interact with a patient's specific pharmacogenetics. Variations in genes associated with CYP 450 enzymes have evidence of impacting drug metabolism and adverse effects. ⋯ CYP P450 activity is an important consideration for any patient but becomes increasingly critical if patients have certain CYP P450 phenotypes that impact metabolism. These popular supplements have the potential for changes in supplement exposure, and adverse effects based on pharmacogenetic profiles. Furthermore, these sites of metabolism are shared with many medications, setting the stage for possibly more profound interactions between medications and supplements. This paper highlights the mechanisms in which dietary supplements may constitute a risk for patients with certain CYP P450 phenotypes. Further research is needed in the area of dietary supplements and their pharmacogenomic implications.
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Symptoms related to Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) and quarantine measures have caused pulmonary function abnormality and impaired respiratory mechanics. However, no studies are evaluating pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength in female volleyball players according to COVID-19 status in the pandemic. ⋯ Inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength in COVID-19 players were more affected compared with non-COVID-19 players. Pulmonary functions were mostly preserved in COVID-19 players. Respiratory muscle weakening can affect the performance of female players. Therefore, respiratory muscle strength training could be suggested in female players with COVID-19 to increase respiratory muscle strength and prevent deterioration in performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION (CLINICALTRIALS.GOV): Registration ID: NCT04789512.