Articles: coronavirus.
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The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The impact of thrombotic complications has been increasingly recognized as an important component of this disease. ⋯ It is important for Emergency Medicine clinicians to be aware of the thrombotic complications of COVID-19. Knowledge of these components are essential to rapidly recognize and treat to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.
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Meta Analysis
The Level of Procalcitonin in Severe COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
There is data from individual clinical trials suggesting that procalcitonin (PCT) may be a prognostic factor in the severity of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate PCT levels in severe COVID-19 patients. We searched Embase, ProQuest, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and ISI/Web of Science for studies that reported the level of PCT of patient with severe COVID-19. ⋯ The odds of having more severe COVID-19 disease was higher in subjects with elevated PCT (≥0.05 ng/mL) compared with those having low procalcitonin (<0.05 ng/mL) [n = 6, OR(95% CI) = 2.91(1.14, 7.42), p = 0.025). After estimating the mean and standard deviation values from the sample size, median, and interquartile range, a pooled effect analysis indicated higher serum PCT concentrations in patients with severe versus less severe disease [n = 6, SMD(95% CI) = 0.64(0.02, 1.26), p = 0.042]. The results of this study showed that PCT is increased in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyCOVID-19 risk in elective surgery during a second wave: a prospective cohort study.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected access to elective surgery, largely because of concerns for patients and healthcare workers. A return to normal surgery workflow depends on the prevalence and transmission of coronavirus in elective surgical patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of active SARS-coronavirus-2 infection during a second wave among patients admitted to hospital for elective surgery in Victoria. ⋯ The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic elective surgical patients during a second wave was approximately 1 in 833. Given the very low likelihood of coronavirus transmission, and with existing current hospital capacity, recommencement of elective surgery should be considered. A coronavirus screening checklist should be mandated for surgical patients.
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Res Social Adm Pharm · Jan 2021
ReviewCOVID-19 pandemic: Response plan by the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare inpatient pharmacy department.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic having caused a major health care crises across the globe. Pharmacy professionals are considered vital in preparation for optimal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ The key focus areas include development of an institutionalized COVID-19 protocol, measures to improve infection control when handling and dispensing medications, modified staffing plan, system changes in peri-operative areas, keeping pharmacy professionals updated about new and scientific researches, increased utilization of automation, clinical interventions by pharmacist ensuring appropriate utilization of medications while monitoring for drug-drug interactions, adverse drug event prevention, and preparing for handling drug shortages. By implementing a robust plan, pharmacy professionals continue to show that they are an integral member of inter-professional health care teams.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
ReviewAirway Management for Emergent Surgeries during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) performed in the operating room during general anesthesia and surgery can contaminate the operation room environment putting the anesthetist, surgeons and paramedical staff at risk of infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 has low sensitivity and is time-bound. ⋯ In this communication, we summarised the modifications required in anesthesia technique during intubation and extubation of a patient's airway that would decrease the risk of virus transmission to the operation theatre staff. Key Words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Emergent surgeries, Anesthesia technique.