scholarly journals Appropriateness for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination for Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeons in case of Pregnancy, Breastfeeding or Childbearing potential: YO-IFOS and CEORL-HNS joint clinical consensus statement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
alberto maria saibene ◽  
Fabiana Allevi ◽  
Tareck Ayad ◽  
Tomislav Baudoin ◽  
Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Childbearing Potential ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Strong Consensus

Abstract Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a key step in fighting the pandemic. Nevertheless, their rapid development did not allow for testing among specific population subgroups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, or elaborating specific guidelines for healthcare personnel working in high infection risk specialties, such as otolaryngology (ORL). This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to offer guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to this high-risk population based on the best evidence available.Methods: A multidisciplinary international panel of 33 specialists judged statements through a 2-rounds modified Delphi method survey. Statements were designed to encompass the following topics: risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and use of protective equipment in ORL; SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccines and respective risks for the mother/child dyad; and counseling for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertile healthcare workers (PBFHW). All ORL PBFHW were considered as the target audience.Results: Of the 13 statements, 7 reached consensus or strong consensus, 2 reached noConsensus and 2 reached near-consensus. According to the statements with strong consensus Otorhinolaryngologists – Head & Neck Surgeons who are pregnant, breastfeeding or with childbearing potential should have the opportunity to receive SARS-Cov-2 vaccination. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) should still be used even after the vaccination.Conclusion: Until prospective evaluations on these topics are available, ORL-HNS must be considered a high infection risk specialty. While the use of PPE remains pivotal, ORL PBFHW should be allowed access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided they receive up-to-date information.

scholarly journals Appropriateness for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeons in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbearing potential: Yo-IFOS and CEORL-HNS joint clinical consensus statement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Maria Saibene ◽  
Fabiana Allevi ◽  
Tareck Ayad ◽  
Tomislav Baudoin ◽  
Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Childbearing Potential ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Strong Consensus

Abstract Purpose SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a key step in fighting the pandemic. Nevertheless, their rapid development did not allow for testing among specific population subgroups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, or elaborating specific guidelines for healthcare personnel working in high infection risk specialties, such as otolaryngology (ORL). This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to offer guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to this high-risk population based on the best evidence available. Methods A multidisciplinary international panel of 33 specialists judged statements through a two-round modified Delphi method survey. Statements were designed to encompass the following topics: risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and use of protective equipment in ORL; SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccines and respective risks for the mother/child dyad; and counseling for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertile healthcare workers (PBFHW). All ORL PBFHW were considered as the target audience. Results Of the 13 statements, 7 reached consensus or strong consensus, 2 reached no consensus, and 2 reached near-consensus. According to the statements with strong consensus otorhinolaryngologists—head and neck surgeons who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with childbearing potential should have the opportunity to receive SARS-Cov-2 vaccination. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) should still be used even after the vaccination. Conclusion Until prospective evaluations on these topics are available, ORL-HNS must be considered a high infection risk specialty. While the use of PPE remains pivotal, ORL PBFHW should be allowed access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided they receive up-to-date information.

Retrospective Diagnosis of Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 1B in a Family with Two Deceased Newborn Children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irena Bradinova ◽  
Silvia Andonova ◽  
Alexey Savov
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Neuromuscular Disorder ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia ◽  
Clinical Genetic ◽  
Retrospective Diagnosis ◽  
Newborn Children

AbstractPontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1B is a severe autosomal recessive neurologic disorder characterized by a combination of cerebellar and spinal motor neuron degeneration beginning at birth. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1B is caused by mutations in EXOSC3 gene. High prevalence of the p.Gly31Ala mutation was found recently, especially in the Roma ethnic minority. We present a young Bulgarian Roma family with two deceased newborn children manifesting severe neuromuscular disorder including severe muscle weakness, respiratory distress, and multiple joint contractures. Based on the clinical signs and family's population characteristics, DNA testing for the previously described EXOSC3 in Bulgarian Roma mutation c.92G > C; p.Gly31Ala was performed on blood samples of both parents and they were found to be heterozygous carriers. This finding indirectly confirmed the diagnosis of pontocerebellar hypoplasia type B in the deceased offspring. Knowledge of population-specific molecular bases of genetic conditions was the key to final diagnosis in the presented family. Designing of population-based clinical-genetic panels may be a powerful diagnostic tool for patients with such origin. Preconception carrier screening in high-risk population groups is a feasible option to discuss.

scholarly journals COVID-19 global pandemic planning: Dry heat incubation and ambient temperature fail to consistently inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirators

2020 ◽  
pp. 153537022097781
Author(s):  
Douglas J Perkins ◽  
Robert A Nofchissey ◽  
Chunyan Ye ◽  
Nathan Donart ◽  
Alison Kell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Dry Heat ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Individual Site ◽  
Pandemic Planning ◽  
N95 Respirators

The ongoing pandemic of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has placed a substantial strain on the supply of personal protective equipment, particularly the availability of N95 respirators for frontline healthcare personnel. These shortages have led to the creation of protocols to disinfect and reuse potentially contaminated personal protective equipment. A simple and inexpensive decontamination procedure that does not rely on the use of consumable supplies is dry heat incubation. Although reprocessing with this method has been shown to maintain the integrity of N95 respirators after multiple decontamination procedures, information on the ability of dry heat incubation to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 is largely unreported. Here, we show that dry heat incubation does not consistently inactivate SARS-CoV-2-contaminated N95 respirators, and that variation in experimental conditions can dramatically affect viability of the virus. Furthermore, we show that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on N95 respirators that remain at room temperature for at least five days. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that dry heat incubation procedures and ambient temperature for five days are not viable methods for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirators for potential reuse. We recommend that decontamination procedures being considered for the reuse of N95 respirators be validated at each individual site and that validation of the process must be thoroughly conducted using a defined protocol.

scholarly journals Knowledge and preventive practices regarding Hepatitis B among nurses in some selected hospitals of Dhaka city, Bangladesh

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadira Mehriban ◽  
GU Ahsan ◽  
Tajul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Staff Nurse ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
Public And Private Hospitals

Hepatitis B is the most important infectious occupational hazard which the healthcare workers (HCWs) encounter. Healthcare personnel specially nursing staff represents a high risk population for HBV infection. The objective of the study was to assess the level of preventive practices regarding Hepatitis B among nurses and the factors associated with preventive practices. The study was conducted among 300 nurses both from public and private hospitals using a pretested structured questionnaire adopting a purposive sampling technique. The mean age of the respondents was 29.7±5.8 and majority of them (83.7%) were holding Diploma degrees with (83.3%) designated as staff nurse. About 59.7% were married and 94.3% were females. One third of the respondents (34.3%) were from public institution and 65.7% from private institution. It was revealed from the study that (67.3%) of the respondents had adequate level of knowledge on Hepatitis B but only half of them (49.3%) had good level of preventive practices. Bivariate analysis showed association between institution, income, age, religion, knowledge and level of preventive practice (P<0.05). In conclusion it can be said that compared to knowledge of the respondents on Hepatitis B, their preventive practices were low. Appropriate educational and health promotion programs should be implemented to increase the level of preventive practices on Hepatitis B among the nurses.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v4i1.21840 South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.4(1) 2014: 48-52

scholarly journals Pre-exposure prophylaxis' knowledge, attitudes, practices amongst italian men who have sex with men

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Voglino ◽  
MR Gualano ◽  
S Rousset ◽  
F Bert ◽  
R Siliquini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)high-infection-risk people, foremost amongst males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. Methods An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour, knowledge on HIV and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify possible associations with PrEP knowledge. Results A total of 196 MSM completed the survey. Overall data showed very good HIV and safe sexual behaviour knowledge (94.4% of correct answers). Nevertheless, our sample rarely used PrEP because of existing barriers: high therapy price (26.9%)and fear of side effects (23.8%). Only 10.3% of partecipants were informed on HIV and PReP by institutional channels, even less (7.5%) from specialized physicians and general practitioners. The most significant association with PrEP knowledge was having regular HIV-tests (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-9.29); Conclusions PreP's Knowledge was well established, but PrEP use was not widespread. It is necessary to improve communication on PrEP and to lower existing barriers in order to grant access to PrEP access. Key messages Barriers to access PrEP have to be lowered. Healthcare personnel has to be involved in PrEP's benefits communication.

scholarly journals COVID-19 infections among Healthcare Workers and Transmission within Households

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin L. Schwartz ◽  
Camille Achonu ◽  
Sarah A. Buchan ◽  
Kevin A. Brown ◽  
Brenda Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Testing Bias

AbstractImportanceProtecting healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 is a priority to maintain a safe and functioning healthcare system. The risk of transmitting COVID-19 to family members is a source of stress for many.ObjectiveTo describe and compare HCW and non-HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, as well as the frequency of COVID-19 among HCWs’ household members.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing reportable disease data at Public Health Ontario which captures all COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study comparing demographic, exposure, and clinical variables between HCWs and non-HCWs with COVID-19 as of 14 May 2020. We calculated rates of infections over time and determined the frequency of within household transmissions using natural language processing based on residential address.Exposures and OutcomesWe contrasted age, gender, comorbidities, clinical presentation (including asymptomatic and presymptomatic), exposure histories including nosocomial transmission, and clinical outcomes between HCWs and non-HCWs with confirmed COVID-19.ResultsThere were 4,230 (17.5%) HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, of whom 20.2% were nurses, 2.3% were physicians, and the remaining 77.4% other specialties. HCWs were more likely to be between 30-60 years of age and female. HCWs were more likely to present asymptomatically (8.1% versus 7.0%, p=0.010) or with atypical symptoms (17.8% versus 10.5%, p<0.001). The mortality among HCWs was 0.2% compared to 10.5% of non-HCWs. HCWs commonly had exposures to a confirmed case or outbreak (74.1%), however only 3.1% were confirmed to be nosocomial. The rate of new infections was 5.5 times higher in HCWs than non-HCWs, but mirrored the epidemic curve. We identified 391 (9.8%) probable secondary household transmissions and 143 (3.6%) acquisitions. Children < 19 years comprised 14.6% of secondary cases compared to only 4.2% of the primary cases.Conclusions and RelevanceHCWs represent a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario but with low confirmed numbers of nosocomial transmission. The data support substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of general population cases. Protecting HCWs through appropriate personal protective equipment and physical distancing from colleagues is paramount.Key PointsQuestionWhat are the differences between healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers with COVID-19?FindingsIn this population-based cross-sectional study there were 4,230 healthcare workers comprising 17.5% of COVID-19 cases. Healthcare workers were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a rate 5.5 times higher than the general population with 0.8% of all healthcare workers, compared to 0.1% of non-healthcare workers.MeaningHigh healthcare worker COVID-19 burden highlights the importance of physical distancing from colleagues, appropriate personal protective equipment, as well as likely substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of COVID-19 in the general population.

scholarly journals Invention, Innovation, and Imitation in India—Necessity Arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (02) ◽  
pp. 077-086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph L. Mathew ◽  
T. Lazar Mathew
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
The Public ◽  
Technology Platforms ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Support Devices ◽  
Antibody Tests

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated tremendous innovation in India, driven by unprecedented novel needs, sense of urgency, availability of time during the lockdown, funding by Government agencies, and accelerated processing of projects. Therefore, the country has witnessed widespread innovation and imitation of existing technologies in recent weeks, but very few inventions. One novel invention, the Artificial Breathing Capability Device (ABCD) is being speeded up by the current necessity. Other innovations and imitations include (i) healthcare devices/products intended for diagnosis, management, or monitoring of suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients (in healthcare institutions); (ii) improvisations in personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers and other personnel (including the public); (iii) adaptation of information technology platforms for telehealth, telemedicine, telemonitoring, and tele-education; and (iv) repurposing of existing resources/technologies for COVID-19. Some fruits of these efforts include (i) respiratory support devices (by mechanization of manual ventilation, ventilator splitters, etc.), (ii) personal protective equipment (PPE) (novel face masks, face shields/splash guards, intubation boxes, aerosol guards, etc.), (iii) novel sanitization products, processes or deployment methods, (iv) diagnostic tests (including rapid antibody tests, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] methods, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification [LAMP]), and (v) various adaptations such as repurposing and retrofitting of existing technologies aligned to the needs of COVID-19. These innovations and imitations have laudable features such as extremely rapid development of products (not merely concepts or prototypes); collaboration among individuals, institutions, and industry; willingness of players to work outside traditional comfort zones; and teamwork among stakeholders. Social media and lay press publicity create a sense of achievement and hope in a nation bogged down by the realities of COVID-19. However, these positive developments are associated with unique problems, especially duplication of effort, disregard of intellectual property (IP) issues, unhealthy competition amongst institutions, and failure to consider the needs for which solutions are proposed. The haste for developing products has bypassed the important steps of peer review, laboratory testing, and clinical validation to ensure the safety and efficacy of end users. These unintended side effects of the innovation race can be overcome by coordinated efforts through an innovation pathway proposed in this article under a broader innovation ecosystem.

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