scholarly journals Pre exposure Hydroxychloroquine Prophylaxis for COVID-19 in healthcare workers: a retrospective cohort

Author(s):  
Raja Bhattacharya ◽  
Sampurna Chowdhury ◽  
Rishav Mukherjee ◽  
Manish Kulshrestha ◽  
Rohini Ghosh ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundWhile several trials are ongoing for treatment of COVID-19, scientific research on chemoprophylaxis is still lacking even though it has potential to delay the pandemic allowing us time to complete research on vaccines.MethodsWe have conducted a cohort study amongst Health Care Workers (HCW) exposed to COVID-19 patients, at a tertiary care center in India where there was an abrupt cluster outbreak within on duty personnel. HCWs who had voluntarily taken hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) prior to exposure were considered one cohort while those who had not were considered to be another. All participants with a verifiable contact history were tested for COVID-19 by rtPCR. The two cohorts were comparable in terms of age, gender, comorbidities and exposure. The primary outcome was incidence rates of rtPCR positive COVID-19 infection amongst HCQ users and non users.Results106 healthcare workers were examined in this cohort study of whom 54 were HCQ users and rest were not. The comparative analysis of incidence of infection between the two groups demonstrated that voluntary HCQ usage was associated with lesser likelihood of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to those who were not on it, X2=14.59, p<0.001. None of the HCQ users noted any serious adverse effects.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that voluntary HCQ consumption as pre-exposure prophylaxis by HCWs is associated with a statistically significant reduction in risk of SARS-CoV-2. These promising findings therefore highlight the need to examine this association in greater detail among a larger sample using Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT).

Author(s):  
Raja Bhattacharya ◽  
Sampurna Chowdhury ◽  
Anita Nandi ◽  
Rishav Mukherjee ◽  
Manish Kulshrestha ◽  
...  

Background: While several trials are ongoing for treatment of Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19), scientific research on chemoprophylaxis is still lacking even though it has potential to flatten the curve allowing us time to complete research on vaccines.Methods: This retrospective cohort study explores the potential of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a pre- exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19 among 106 health care workers (HCW) exposed to COVID-19 patients, at a tertiary care hospital in India where there was an abrupt cluster outbreak within on duty personnel. HCWs who had voluntarily taken HCQ prior to exposure were considered one cohort while those who had not were considered to be the Control group. All participants with a verifiable high-risk contact history were tested for COVID-19 by RT- PCR.Results: The two cohorts were comparable in terms of age, gender, co-morbidity and exposure. The primary outcome was incidence rates of RT-PCR positive COVID-19 infection among HCQ users and Controls.106 HCW were examined of whom 54 were HCQ users. The comparative analysis of incidence of infection between the two groups demonstrated that voluntary HCQ usage was associated with lesser likelihood of developing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (4 out of 54 HCW), compared to those who were not on it (20 out of 52 HCW), χ2=14.59, p<0.001. None of the HCQ users noted any serious adverse effects.Conclusions: The study demonstrated that voluntary pre- exposure HCQ prophylaxis by HCWs is associated with a statistically significant reduction in risk of SARS-CoV-2.  


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepali Kumar ◽  
Victor H Ferreira ◽  
Andrzej Chruscinski ◽  
Vathany Kulasingam ◽  
Trevor J Pugh ◽  
...  

We screened three separate cohorts of healthcare workers for SARS-CoV-2 via nasopharyngeal swab PCR. A seroprevalence analysis using multiple assays was performed in a subgroup. The asymptomatic health care worker cohorts had a combined positivity rate of 29/5776 (0.50%, 95%CI 0.32-0.75) compared to the symptomatic cohort rate of 54/1597 (3.4%) (ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic 6.8:1). Sequencing demonstrated several variants. The seroprevalence (n=996) was 1.4-3.4% depending on assay. Protein microarray analysis showed differing SARS-CoV-2 protein reactivities and helped define likely true positives vs. suspected false positives. Routine screening of asymptomatic health care workers helps identify a significant proportion of infections.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Singh ◽  
B. Paudel ◽  
S. KC

Background Needle stick injuries are common health hazards among health care workers. Considering the increasing prevalence of body fluid borne infectious diseases; knowledge regarding the common errors and universal precautions are vital for the prevention of such accidents.Objective This study aimed to assess for knowledge and practice approaches among health care workers regarding needle stick injuries.Method This is a cross sectional survey was conducted using an anonymous, self-reporting 25-item structured questionnaire at a tertiary care center of central Nepal. A total of 165 health care personnel of working experience of more than 6 months were included in the study. Questionnaire included aspects of prevalence and knowledge on needle stick injury, hepatitis B immunization status and post exposure prophylaxis for HIV.Result Prevalence of needle stick injury was found to be 703 per 1000 health care worker (70.3%) during their working tenure and majority of the injury happened among nurses (p<0.05) besides other professions. Seventy nine (47.9%) participants experienced the injury more than one time in their career and the mean number of injury was 2.06±1.16. The practice of needle recapping is still prevalent and 80% participants often use single handed technique. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus was not completed by 31% health workers. Inadequate knowledge about post exposure prophylaxis for HIV was reported by 46% participants.Conclusion High prevalence of needle stick injury with a high rate of ignorance was noted. These issues need to be addressed, through appropriate education and interventional strategies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 575-581
Author(s):  
Martina Kreft ◽  
Roland Zimmermann ◽  
Nina Kimmich

AbstractObjectivesBirth tears are a common complication of vaginal childbirth. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of birth tears first by comparing the mode of vaginal birth (VB) and then comparing different vacuum cups in instrumental VBs in order to better advise childbearing women and obstetrical professionals.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed nulliparous and multiparous women with a singleton pregnancy in vertex presentation at ≥37 + 0 gestational weeks who gave birth vaginally at our tertiary care center between 06/2012 and 12/2016. We compared the distribution of tear types in spontaneous births (SBs) vs. vacuum-assisted VBs. We then compared the tear distribution in the vacuum group when using the Kiwi Omnicup or Bird’s anterior metal cup. Outcome parameters were the incidence and distribution of the different tear types dependent on the mode of delivery and type of vacuum cup.ResultsA total of 4549 SBs and 907 VBs were analyzed. Birth tear distribution differed significantly between the birth modes. In 15.2% of women with an SB an episiotomy was performed vs. 58.5% in women with a VB. Any kind of perineal tear was seen in 45.7% after SB and in 32.7% after VB. High-grade obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) appeared in 1.1% after SB and in 3.1% after VB. No significant changes in tear distribution were found between the two different VB modes.ConclusionsThere were more episiotomies, vaginal tears and OASIS after VB than after SB. In contrast, there were more low-grade perineal and labial tears after SB. No significant differences were found between different vacuum cup systems, just a slight trend toward different tear patterns.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 81-82
Author(s):  
S.D. Sumeet ◽  
V. Santosh ◽  
T.V. Anna ◽  
G.D. Vinoi ◽  
M. Anjali ◽  
...  

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S31-S32
Author(s):  
J. McCallum ◽  
R. Yip ◽  
S. Dhanani ◽  
I. Stiell

Introduction: A significant gap exists between the number of people waiting for an organ and donors. There are currently 1,628 people awaiting organ donation in Ontario alone. In 2018 to date, 310 donors have donated 858 organs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were missed donors in the Emergency Department (ED) and by what percent those missed donors would increase organ donation overall. Methods: This was a health records and organ donation database review of all patients who died in the ED at a large academic tertiary care center with 2 campuses and 160,000 visits per year. Patients were included from November 1, 2014 – October 31, 2017. We collected data on demographics, cause of death, and suitability for organ donation. Data was cross-referenced between hospital records and the provincial organ procurement organization called Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) to determine whether patients were appropriately referred for consideration of donation in a timely manner. Potential missed donors were manually screened for suitability according to TGLN criteria. We calculated simple descriptive statistics for demographic data and the primary outcome. The primary outcome was percentage of potential organ donors missed in the Emergency Department (ED). Results: There were 606 deaths in the ED from November 1, 2014 – October 31, 2017. Patients were an average of 71 years old, 353 (58%) were male, and 75 (12%) died of a traumatic cause. TGLN was not contacted in 12 (2%) of cases. During this period there were two donors from the ED and 92 from the ICU. There were ten missed potential donors. They were an average of 67 years, 7 (70%) were male, and 2 (20%) died of a traumatic cause. In all ten cases, patients had withdrawal of life sustaining measures for medical futility prior to TGLN being contacted for consideration of donation. There could have been an addition seven liver, six pancreatic islet, four small bowel, and seven kidney donors. The ten missed ED donors could have increased total donors by 11%. Conclusion: The ED is a significant source of missed organ donors. In all cases of missed organ donation, patients had withdrawal of life sustaining measures prior to TGLN being called. In the future, it is essential that all patients have an organ procurement organization such as TGLN called prior to withdrawal of life sustaining measures to ensure that no opportunity for consideration of organ donation is missed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S384-S384
Author(s):  
Maggie Box ◽  
Kristine Ortwine ◽  

Abstract Background There is conflicting clinical data regarding the efficacy of probiotics to prevent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The goal of this study is to compare rates of hospital acquired Clostridium difficile infection (HA-CDI) among patients receiving antibiotics with or without concomitant administration of probiotics. Methods This retrospective, cohort study compares hospitalized patients who received antibiotics alone vs. antibiotics plus a multi-strain probiotic preparation of lactobacillus over a six month time period. Probiotics were given at the discretion of the physician. The primary outcome was incidence in HA-CDI (defined as onset after hospital day three) between groups. Results A total of 1,576 patients met selection criteria, with 927 patients receiving antibiotics alone and 649 patients receiving antibiotics plus probiotics. HA-CDI rates were 0.9% and 1.8% (P = 0.16), respectively. In a subgroup analysis of patients in the antibiotic only group, patients who received similar antibiotic exposure as the probiotics group (n = 284) had no difference in rates of HA-CDI (1.8% vs. 1.8%; P = 1.0). Conclusion Probiotic administration did not decrease rates of HA-CDI in our institution. We recommend prioritizing resources to other CDI reduction measures such as decreasing antibiotic exposure and preventing transmission. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Annina Seiler ◽  
David Blum ◽  
Caroline Hertler ◽  
Markus Schettle ◽  
Carl Moritz Zipser ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Patients with terminal illness are at high risk of developing delirium, in particular, those with multiple predisposing and precipitating risk factors. Delirium in palliative care is largely under-researched, and few studies have systematically assessed key aspects of delirium in elderly, palliative-care patients. Methods In this prospective, observational cohort study at a tertiary care center, 229 delirious palliative-care patients stratified by age: <65 (N = 105) and ≥65 years (N = 124), were analyzed with logistic regression models to identify associations with respect to predisposing and precipitating factors. Results In 88% of the patients, the underlying diagnosis was cancer. Mortality rate and median time to death did not differ significantly between the two age groups. No inter-group differences were detected with respect to gender, care requirements, length of hospital stay, or medical costs. In patients ≥65 years, exclusively predisposing factors were relevant for delirium, including hearing impairment [odds ratio (OR) 3.64; confidence interval (CI) 1.90–6.99; P < 0.001], hypertonia (OR 3.57; CI 1.84–6.92; P < 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (OR 4.84; CI 1.19–19.72; P = 0.028). In contrast, in patients <65 years, only precipitating factors were relevant for delirium, including cerebral edema (OR 0.02; CI 0.01–0.43; P = 0.012). Significance of results The results of this study demonstrate that death in delirious palliative-care patients occurs irrespective of age. The multifactorial nature and adverse outcomes of delirium across all age in these patients require clinical recognition. Potentially reversible factors should be detected early to prevent or mitigate delirium and its poor survival outcomes.


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