Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
Meta AnalysisThe Prevalence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
To determine the pooled global prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients with the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). ⋯ Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction are common symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and may represent early symptoms in the clinical course of infection. Increased awareness of this fact may encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment, as well as heighten vigilance for viral transmission. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to report on the prevalence of these symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
Multicenter Study Observational StudyFactors Associated With Intubation and Prolonged Intubation in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19.
To identify risk factors associated with intubation and time to extubation in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ In addition to clinical signs of respiratory distress, patients with COVID-19 who are older, male, or diabetic are at higher risk of requiring intubation. Among intubated patients, older and more obese patients are at higher risk for prolonged intubation. Otolaryngologists consulted for airway management should consider these factors in their decision making.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
ReviewAnosmia and the Need for COVID-19 Screening during the Pandemic.
In this commentary, we briefly summarize the available data from Iran and other countries on the sudden increase in anosmia, hyposmia, and hypogeusia that has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Alarmingly, a high proportion of patients with severe COVID-19 had isolated anosmia as the sole initial presenting symptom, which is likely due to the direct neuropathic effect of the virus rather than being secondary to nasal congestion and obstruction. Since isolated anosmia is not yet considered a prerequisite for screening for COVID-19, we wish to raise awareness on the association of anosmia with COVID-19, urging international and national health authorities to consider this association in their efforts for early detection and isolation of infected individuals and for breaking the chain of transmission. We urge our colleagues who assess patients with new-onset anosmia to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure and infection during this nascent pandemic.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
ReviewOtolaryngology Residency Application during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic.
The escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected health care at every level, including medical education. As some fourth-year medical students graduate early to join the front lines, we must now turn our attention to those trainees in their penultimate year. In this commentary, we address the unique dilemmas facing otolaryngology residency candidates for the 2020-2021 cycle, with a focus on those applicants with no institutional otolaryngology department.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
ReviewUpholding the Tripartite Mission in Times of Crisis: Purpose and Perseverance in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Academic otolaryngology has historically comprised a tripartite mission of research, education, and clinical care. This mission is greatly strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research laboratories are fallow, surgical cases are deferred, and clerkships are canceled. ⋯ Necessity has spurred innovation in education, science, and novel models of care. Paragons strike notes of hope, inspiring us to persevere and serve. This commentary explores the present challenges and offers a vision for upholding the academic mission.