Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
ReviewAssociation of Blood Groups with the Severity and Outcome of COVID-19 Infection in Children.
The objective of this study was to find out the association of ABO blood groups with the severity and outcome of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children. It included all laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and post-COVID multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)/ Kawasaki disease (KD) like illness, admitted from March to September, 2020 to The Children's Hospital, Lahore. Out of 66 children, 45 (68.2%) were COVID-19 and 21 (31.8%) MIS-C/KD temporally associated with SARS-C0V-2. ⋯ Blood group A was significantly associated with severe and critical disease (p=0.030). COVID-19 in children had generally a good outcome, but children with blood group A were more susceptible to severe/critical disease. Key Words: Coronavirus disease 2019, ABO blood groups, Children, Severity, Outcome.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
ReviewProtective Modifications in Ophthalmology Practice during COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Lessons Learned.
Ophthalmology is a specialty which involves close contact with patients. Personal protective equipment (PPE) along with modifications in examination techniques and equipment are needed to avoid spread of coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) to health professionals. This communication aims to highlight and critically analyse the measures suggested to control this spread. ⋯ As with any practice, triage is cornerstone. Use of disinfectants, good personal hygiene practices and PPE for patients and staff, must be adopted for safe ophthalmology practices. Key Words: COVID-19, Ophthalmology, Personal protective equipment (PPE).
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
ReviewHealth Systems Approach to Ensure Quality and Safety Amid COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan.
Ensuring quality and safe care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic offers a challenge to already strained health systems in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Pakistan with less shock-absorbing capacities. There is a dearth of evidence on mechanisms to provide optimum quality care to COVID-19 patients in the resource-constrained healthcare environment. ⋯ Research evidence is needed to be better prepared for an effective and coordinated health systems response to offer quality and safe care to patients. Key Words: Health systems approach, COVID-19 pandemic, Quality of healthcare, Safe care.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
ReviewOnline Medical Education and Examinations during COVID-19: Perspectives of a Teaching Associate.
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not only challenged global health systems but also social, economic, and educational systems. In this short communication, our focus is on its impact on medical education in Pakistan. We discuss the structure of undergraduate medical education in Pakistan; and how it has evolved in the wake of COVID-19. We describe our role as teaching associates (TAs) at the Aga Khan University (AKU); and how it has enabled us to be a part of the transition to online medical education, with a specific focus on online examinations in medical schools. Key Words: Medical education, Online examinations, COVID-19, Pandemic.
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ABSTARCT Four hundred and fifty-three SARS CoV-2 antibodies tests were conducted using Roche Elecsys® Anti SARS CoV-2 kits (detecting total antibodies) between June 13 to July 8, 2020 (25 days) on Cobas® e411 automatic analyser, based on electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) principle. Samples were collected from walk-in patients at our facility. Among them, 2 (0.4%) were found equivocal, 289 (63.8%) were found reactive, while 162 (35.8%) were found non-reactive. ⋯ Most common symptom was fever, found in 262 (87.9%) individuals, followed by dry cough 146 (49.0%). Most number of reactive cases, i.e. 110 (42.6%) were those who got themselves tested between 15-21 days after onset of first symptom. Key Words: COVID-19, Coronavirus, Antibodies testing.