Articles: coronavirus.
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Pandemics pose a major challenge for public health preparedness, requiring a coordinated international response and the development of solid containment plans. Early and accurate identification of high-risk patients in the course of the current COVID-19 pandemic is vital for planning and making proper use of available resources. The purpose of this study was to identify the key variables that account for worse outcomes to create a predictive model that could be used effectively for triage. ⋯ The analysis of the area under the curve for the COVID-19 Severity Index was 0.94 to predict the need for ICU admission in the following 24 hours against 0.80 for NEWS-2. Additionally, the digital medical record of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires was electronically set for an automatic calculation and constant update of the COVID-19 Severity Index. Specifically designed for the current COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 Severity Index could be used as a reliable tool for strategic planning, organization, and administration of resources by easily identifying hospitalized patients with a greater need of intensive care.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
Protective 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
Airway 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.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
Case ReportsCOVID-19 Presenting with Spontaneous Pneumothorax.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease mainly affects respiratory system. Its common clinical findings include fever, cough and shortness of breath. ⋯ COVID-19 was diagnosed on testing of nasopharyngeal swab. In conclusion, spontaneous pneumothorax is one of the rare presentations of COVID-19 pneumonia and should be kept in mind in patients presenting with shortness of breath and chest pain. Key Words: Spontaneous pneumothorax, Corona, pneumonia.