scholarly journals High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among symptomatic healthcare workers in a large university tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Palamin Buonafine ◽  
Beatriz Nobre Monteiro Paiatto ◽  
Fabyano Bruno Leal ◽  
Samantha Faria de Matos ◽  
Camila Ohomoto de Morais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Ocular Pain ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Brazil became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America since May 2020, reporting the highest number of cases and deaths in the region. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, experiencing a significant burden from COVID-19. Identifying and understanding the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with infection are of paramount importance to inform screening strategies and infection control practices in this scenario. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HCWs with COVID-19 symptoms. Methods Between March 21st and May 22nd, 2020 a cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs with COVID-19 symptoms was determined by RT-PCR testing on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples. Participants were asked to complete an electronic structured questionnaire including clinical and demographic data. Results Overall, 125 (42.37%) of 295 symptomatic HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Over the 10-week study period, positivity rates varied from 22.2% (95% CI 15.9–60.3%) in the second week to 55.9% (95% CI 43.2–68.6%) in the sixth week, reaching a plateau (38–46%) thereafter. Median (SD) age was 34.2 (9.9) years and 205 (69.5%) were female. We did not find significant differences in the prevalence of the most commonly reported underlying medical condition among healthcare workers that tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. After multivariable analysis, using logistic regression, anosmia (adjusted OR 4.4 95% CI 2.21–8.74) and ocular pain (adjusted OR 1.95 95% CI 1.14–3.33) were the only symptoms independently associated with positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Follow-up information on clinical outcomes showed that 9 (7.2%) HCWs were hospitalized (seven were male) and 2 (1.6%) died. Conclusions The findings of this study confirmed the high burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in the hardest hit city by the pandemic in Latin America. Anosmia and ocular pain were symptoms independently associated with COVID-19 diagnosis. In low and middle-income countries, where limited availability of tests is frequent, these findings may contribute to optimize a targeted symptom-oriented screening strategy.

scholarly journals High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among symptomatic healthcare workers in a large university tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Palamin Buonafine ◽  
Beatriz Nobre Monteiro Paiatto ◽  
Fabyano Leal ◽  
Samantha Matos ◽  
Camila Ohomoto Moraes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Ocular Pain ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Brazil became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America since May 2020, reporting the highest number of cases and deaths in the region. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, experiencing a significant burden from COVID-19. Identifying and understanding the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with infection are of paramount importance to inform screening strategies and infection control practices in this scenario. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HCWs with COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: Between March 21st and May 22nd, 2020 a cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs with COVID-19 symptoms was determined by RT-PCR testing on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples. Participants were asked to complete an electronic structured questionnaire including clinical and demographic data. Results: Overall, 125 (42.37%) of 295 symptomatic HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Over the 10-week study period, positivity rates varied from 22.2% (95% CI 15.9% - 60.3%) in the second week to 55.9% (95% CI 43.2% - 68.6%) in the sixth week, reaching a plateau (38% - 46%) thereafter. Median (SD) age was 34.2 ( 9.9) years and 205 (69.5%) were female. We did not find significant differences in the prevalence of the most commonly reported underlying medical condition among healthcare workers that tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. After multivariable analysis, using logistic regression, anosmia (adjusted OR 4.4 95% CI 2.21 - 8.74) and ocular pain (adjusted OR 1.95 95% CI 1.14 - 3.33) were the only symptoms independently associated with positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Follow-up information on clinical outcomes showed that 9 (7.2%) HCWs were hospitalized (seven were male) and 2 (1.6%) died. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the high burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in the hardest hit city by the pandemic in Latin America. Anosmia and ocular pain were symptoms independently associated with COVID-19 diagnosis. In low and middle-income countries, where limited availability of tests is frequent, these findings may contribute to optimize a targeted symptom-oriented screening strategy.

scholarly journals High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among symptomatic healthcare workers in a large university tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Palamin Buonafine ◽  
Beatriz Nobre Monteiro Paiatto ◽  
Fabyano Leal ◽  
Samantha Matos ◽  
Camila Ohomoto Moraes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Ocular Pain ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Latin America became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, mostly driven by Brazil's situation. Healthcare workers are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, experiencing a significant burden from COVID-19. Identifying and understanding the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with infection are of paramount importance to inform screening strategies and infection control practices in this scenario. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of healthcare workers with COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: Between March 21 st and May 22 nd , 2020 a cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among health care workers with COVID-19 symptoms was determined by RT-PCR testing on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples. Participants were asked to complete an electronic structured questionnaire including clinical and demographic data. Results: Overall, 125 (42.37%) of 295 symptomatic healthcare workers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Over the 10-week study period, positivity rates varied from 22.2% (CI 95% 15.9% - 60.3%) in the second week to 55.9% (CI 95% 43.2% - 68.6%) in the sixth week, reaching a plateau (38% - 46%) thereafter. Median (SD) age was 34.2 (9.9) years and 205 (69.5%) were female. We did not find significant differences in the prevalence of the most commonly reported underlying medical condition among healthcare workers that tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. After multivariate analysis, using logistic regression, anosmia (OR 4.4 95% C.I. 2.21 - 8.74) and ocular pain (OR 1.95 C.I. 95% 1.14 - 3.33) were the only symptoms independently associated with positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Follow-up information on clinical outcomes showed that 9 (7.2%) healthcare workers were hospitalized (seven were male) and 2 (1.6%) died. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the high burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in the hardest hit city by the pandemic in Latin America. Anosmia and ocular pain were symptoms independently associated with COVID-19 diagnosis. In low and middle-income countries, where limited availability of tests is frequent, these findings may contribute to optimize a targeted symptom-oriented screening strategy.

scholarly journals High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Symptomatic Healthcare Workers in a large university tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Palamin Buonafine ◽  
Beatriz Nobre Monteiro Paiatto ◽  
Fabyano Leal ◽  
Samantha Matos ◽  
Camila Ohomoto Moraes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Ocular Pain ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Latin America became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, mostly driven by Brazil's situation. Healthcare workers are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, experiencing a significant burden from COVID-19. Identifying and understanding the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with infection are of paramount importance to inform screening strategies and infection control practices in this scenario. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of healthcare workers with COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: Between March 21st and May 22nd, 2020 a cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among health care workers with COVID-19 symptoms was determined by RT-PCR testing on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples. Participants were asked to complete an electronic structured questionnaire including clinical and demographic data. Results: Overall, 125 (42.37%) of 295 symptomatic healthcare workers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Over the 10-week study period, positivity rates varied from 22.2% (CI 95% 15.9% - 60.3%) in the second week to 55.9% (CI 95% 43.2% - 68.6%) in the sixth week, reaching a plateau (38% - 46%) thereafter. Median (SD) age was 34.2 ( 9.9) years and 205 (69.5%) were female. We did not find significant differences in the prevalence of the most commonly reported underlying medical condition among healthcare workers that tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. After multivariate analysis, using logistic regression, anosmia (OR 4.4 95% C.I. 2.21 - 8.74) and ocular pain (OR 1.95 C.I. 95% 1.14 - 3.33) were the only symptoms independently associated with positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Follow-up information on clinical outcomes showed that 9 (7.2%) healthcare workers were hospitalized (seven were male) and 2 (1.6%) died.Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the high burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in the hardest hit city by the pandemic in Latin America. Anosmia and ocular pain were symptoms independently associated with COVID-19 diagnosis. In low and middle-income countries, where limited availability of tests is frequent, these findings may contribute to optimize a targeted symptom-oriented screening strategy.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in patients hospitalized and healthcare workers: what have changed after the first wave in a university hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Vinicius Leao Moreira ◽  
Gabriela Barbosa ◽  
Luciano Kleber de Souza Luna ◽  
Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo ◽  
Ana Paula Cunha Chaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Wave Methods ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pandemic Wave

Objective: To assess the COVID-19 frequency rates in hospitalized patients (HP) and healthcare workers (HCW), viral load inference, and the impact of vaccination and variants of concern (VOC) during the first pandemic wave. Methods: We evaluated the COVID-19 diagnostics at Hospital Sao Paulo, Brazil, from March 2020 to April 2021, in 10,202 samples (6,502 HP and 3,700 HCW) tested by RT-qPCR, inferring viral load by cycle threshold (Ct) values, and frequency rates. Results: SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 31.27% of individuals (32.23% HP and 29.80% HCW). The mean age of HP positives was 57.26 +/- 18.29 years (median = 59), with a mean Ct value of 25.55 +/- 6.07. Neither age nor Ct values in both groups have significantly differed during the first and second waves or even since the predominance of VOC P.1 on March 2021. Conclusions: The COVID-19 epidemic curves of HP and HCW accompanied the variations reported in Sao Paulo city, as well as the variation of hospitalization and occupancy of ICU beds. The VOC P.1 has no impact on the viral load, since its predominance in March 2021. The vaccination of HCW may have contributed to a decrease in the positivity rates, although more studies will provide a better understanding of the impact of immunization on the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in hospitalized patients and healthcare workers: what have changed after the first wave in a university hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Moreira ◽  
Gabriela Rodrigues Barbosa ◽  
Luciano Kleber de Souza Luna ◽  
Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo ◽  
Ana Paula Cunha Chaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Cycle Threshold ◽  
Ct Value ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract ObjectiveTo assess the COVID-19 frequency rates in hospitalized patients (HP) and healthcare workers (HCW), viral load inference, and the impact of vaccination and variants of concern (VOC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methodWe evaluated the COVID-19 diagnostics at Hospital São Paulo, Brazil, from March 2020 to April 2021, in 10,202 samples (6,502 HP and 3,700 HCW) tested by RT-qPCR, inferring viral load by cycle threshold (Ct) values, and frequency rates.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 was detected in 31.27% of individuals (32.23% HP and 29.80% HCW). The mean age of HP positives was 57.26 ± 18.29 years (median = 59), with a mean Ct value of 25.55 ± 6.07. Neither age nor Ct values in both groups have significantly differed during the first and second waves or even since the predominance of VOC P.1 on March 2021.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 epidemic curves of HP and HCW accompanied the variations reported in São Paulo city, as well as the variation of hospitalization and occupancy of ICU beds. The VOC P.1 has no impact on the viral load, since its predominance in March 2021. The vaccination of HCW may have contributed to a decrease in the positivity rates, although more studies will provide a better understanding of the impact of immunization on the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Patients with infective endocarditis and history of injection drug use in a Swedish referral hospital during 10 years

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Damlin ◽  
Katarina Westling
Keyword(s):  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Injection Drug Use ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
National Registry ◽  
Injection Drug ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Prosthetic Heart Valves ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Patients with injection drug use (IDU) have increased risk of developing infective endocarditis (IE). Previous studies have reported recurrent IE, increased duration of hospital stay, poor adherence and compliance as well as higher mortality and worse outcomes after surgery in the IDU-IE patient group. Further studies are needed to provide a basis for optimized care and prevention of readmissions in this population. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients with IDU-IE. Methods Data of adults with IDU-IE and non-IDU-IE, treated between 2008 and 2017 at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm were obtained from the Swedish National Registry of Infective Endocarditis. Clinical characteristics, microbiological results, treatment durations, results from echocardiography and in-hospital mortality were compared between the groups. Results Of the total 522 patients, 165 (32%) had IDU-IE. Patients with IDU-IE were younger than the patients with non-IDU-IE (mean age IDU-IE: 41.6 years, SD 11.9 years; non-IDU-IE: 64.3 years, SD 16.4 years; P <  0.01). No difference in distribution of gender was observed, 33% were females in both the IDU-IE and the non-IDU-IE group. History of previous IE (IDU-IE: n = 49, 30%; non-IDU-IE: n = 34, 10%; P <  0.01) and vascular phenomena (IDU-IE: n = 101, 61%; non-IDU-IE: n = 120, 34%; P <  0.01) were more common among patients with IDU-IE while prosthetic heart valves (IDU-IE: n = 12, 7%; non-IDU-IE: n = 83, 23%; P <  0.01) and known valvular disease (IDU-IE: n = 3, 2%; non-IDU-IE: n = 78, 22%; P <  0.01) were more common among patients with non-IDU-IE. Aetiology of Staphylococcus aureus (IDU-IE: n = 123, 75%; non-IDU-IE: n = 118, 33%; P <  0.01) as well as tricuspid (IDU-IE: n = 91, 55%; non-IDU-IE: n = 23, 6%; P <  0.01) or pulmonary valve vegetations (IDU-IE: n = 7, 4%; non-IDU-IE: n = 2, 1%; P <  0.01) were more common in the IDU-IE group. The overall incidence of IDU-IE decreased during the study period, while the incidence of definite IE increased (P <  0.01). Conclusions This study presents that patients with IDU-IE were younger, less frequently treated with surgery and had higher prevalence of vascular phenomena and history of previous IE, aspects that are important for improved management of this population.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Persistence, and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG Seropositivity in a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Northern Italy

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1064
Author(s):  
Gitana Scozzari ◽  
Cristina Costa ◽  
Enrica Migliore ◽  
Maurizio Coggiola ◽  
Giovannino Ciccone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
The University ◽  
Job Profile ◽  
Pandemic Wave

This observational study evaluated SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence and related clinical, demographic, and occupational factors among workers at the largest tertiary care University-Hospital of Northwestern Italy and the University of Turin after the first pandemic wave of March–April 2020. Overall, about 10,000 individuals were tested; seropositive subjects were retested after 5 months to evaluate antibodies waning. Among 8769 hospital workers, seroprevalence was 7.6%, without significant differences related to job profile; among 1185 University workers, 3.3%. Self-reporting of COVID-19 suspected symptoms was significantly associated with positivity (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.07, 95%CI: 1.76–2.44), although 27% of seropositive subjects reported no previous symptom. At multivariable analysis, contacts at work resulted in an increased risk of 69%, or 24% for working in a COVID ward; contacts in the household evidenced the highest risk, up to more than five-fold (OR 5.31, 95%CI: 4.12–6.85). Compared to never smokers, being active smokers was inversely associated with seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76). After 5 months, 85% of previously positive subjects still tested positive. The frequency of SARS-COV-2 infection among Health Care Workers was comparable with that observed in surveys performed in Northern Italy and Europe after the first pandemic wave. This study confirms that infection frequently occurred as asymptomatic and underlines the importance of household exposure, seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76).

The Institutionalisation of Self-Build Governance: Exemplifying Governance Relationships in São Paulo/Brazil/Latin America

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-42
Author(s):  
Camila D’Ottaviano ◽  
Suzana Pasternak ◽  
Jorge Bassani ◽  
Caio Santo Amore
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in a sample of medical residents from a university-hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Ferrari Jacinto ◽  
Paulo José Fortes Villas Boas ◽  
Vânia Ferreira de Sá Mayoral ◽  
Vanessa de Albuquerque Citero
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Dementia Prevalence ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes

An estimated 61% of the 24.3 million people diagnosed with dementia worldwide live in underdeveloped countries, including Brazil, where a public healthcare system covers the majority of the population. This care is usually provided by General Practitioners (GP) and in Brazil many doctors recently graduated from medical school and residents of different medical specialties practice as GPs. Objective : The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes about dementia in a sample of Brazilian medical residents from a university-hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods : A total of 152 Brazilian medical residents participated in the study. Participants answered a "Knowledge Quiz" (KQ) and "Attitude Quiz" (AQ) about dementia issues, transculturally adapted for use in Brazilian physicians. A descriptive analysis of the correct answers on knowledge and of the attitude aspects was performed. Results : The medical residents showed poor knowledge (<50%) about dementia prevalence and incidence and a good knowledge on disease management and diagnosis. Participants tended to be optimistic about caring for demented patients. Conclusion : In this study, it is likely that the physicians' good knowledge about dementia issues is the reason for their optimism dealing with demented patients.

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