scholarly journals Undiagnosed AIDS in Patients with Progressive Dyspnoea: An Occupational Risk for Healthcare Workers in Croatia

2011 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kornelija Miše ◽  
Maja Vučković ◽  
Anamarija Jurčev-Savičević ◽  
Ivan Gudelj ◽  
Irena Perić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Good Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Progressive Dyspnoea ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Increased Risk

Undiagnosed AIDS in Patients with Progressive Dyspnoea: An Occupational Risk for Healthcare Workers in CroatiaPulmonary diseases are well documented and diverse in many patients with HIV in clinical stages 3 and 4. It is not unusual that these patients, most of whom do not know that they are already HIV-infected, are first examined and hospitalised by respiratory medicine specialists. While HIV-infection is relatively simple to diagnose if accompanied by advanced clinical manifestations and is regularly checked in patients with increased risk, this is not the case in low-risk patients, particularly in countries with low-level HIV epidemic and therefore low index of suspicion. Regular examination involves a series of tests, often including bronchoscopy with transbronchal lung biopsy in order to identify an interstitial lung disease and/or progressive dyspnoea. It is not uncommon that patients provide false or incomplete information about their lifestyle, which can mislead the clinician. At this point, HIV-infection is usually not suspected and healthcare workers may not strictly be following the safety principles which are otherwise applied when HIV-infection is known or suspect, although universal precautions are routine practice. At this point, the risk of exposure is the highest and HIV-transmission to healthcare workers is the most likely to occur. The cases presented here indicate that patients with progressive dyspnoea, which is typical of interstitial lung diseases, should undergo HIV-testing as a part of good clinical practice, even in a country with low-level HIV epidemic.

scholarly journals Self-reported Occupational Risk for COVID-19 in Hospital Doctors from Black Asian & Minority Ethnic Communities in UK

The Physician ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Daga ◽  
Indranil Chakravorty ◽  
JS Bamrah ◽  
Geeta Menon ◽  
Subodh Dave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Ethnic Communities ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hospital Doctors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Minority Ethnic

Emerging data from COVID-19 pandemic shows a trend for increased risk for healthcare workers in the UK, compared to other countries. In addition, there is a disproportionately high risk observed in healthcare workers from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This high risk is independent of biological or demographic variables. This paper presents sub-analysis of a larger survey of healthcare workers, particularly describing possible occupational risk of COVID-19 in a subset of doctors in UK hospitals from a BAME background. The results show higher rates of inability to access personal protection or comply with social distancing. The inability to self-isolate was associated with a 1.7x higher risk of COVID-19. The results of this survey suggest further research is needed to explore and understand institutional factors that may explain excess risks to BAME hospital doctors.

Comparative analysis of polymorphic variants of IL-17A and MMP-1 genes with the risk of developing chronic periodontitis in petrochemical workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (10) ◽  
pp. 687-693
Author(s):  
Iskander I. Zaidullin ◽  
Denis O. Karimov ◽  
Lilija K. Karimova ◽  
Milyausha F. Kabirova ◽  
Rasima R. Galimova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethylene Oxide ◽  
Chronic Periodontitis ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Periodontal Tissues ◽  
Dental Examination ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Harmful Substances

The susceptibility to the development and progression of inflammatory periodontal diseases, which depends on genetic and external factors (smoking, stress, oral hygiene), varies widely. In the development of these diseases, an important role is played not only by the presence of periodontal pathogenic microorganisms, but also by the presence of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, immunoregulatory defects. The immune system plays a key role in the physiological and pathological processes of periodontal tissues. In this regard, IL17, produced by CD4+ Th cells, which has both Pro-inflammatory and protective activity, is of particular interest in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The aim of study was to identify the relationship between polymorphic loci of the IL-17A (rs2275913) and MMP-1 (rs1799750) genes and clinical manifestations of chronic periodontitis in petrochemical workers. Dental examination was performed in 92 ethylene oxide production workers with chronic periodontitis and 74 patients with chronic periodontitis who did not come into contact with chemical factors (control group). Genotyping of polymorphisms rs2275913 of the IL17A gene and rs1799750 of the MMP1 gene was performed by allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hygienic assessment of the degree of air pollution of the working area with harmful substances was carried out by gas chromatography according to the guidelines for the determination of harmful substances in the air № 5098-89, № 3119-84. When comparing the results of studies of both groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency distributions of allelic variants and genotypes of the IL-17A and MMP-1 genes. The AA/AG genotypes of the IL-17A gene were associated with an increased risk of severe disease compared to the GG genotype in workers in the main group (OR=6.1; 95% CI 1.33-28.5; p=0.021) and in the control group (OR=7.26; 95% CI 1.34-39.25; p=0.016). Carriers of the A allele in the control group increased the risk of severe chronic periodontitis by 2.4 times compared to carriers of the G allele (OR=2.41; 95% CI 1.19-4.87; p=0.014). During the dental examination of employees of the ethylene oxide plant, the clinical course of periodontal diseases was more severe in comparison with the control group, and the number of patients with severe periodontitis was twice as high. It was found that the AA/AG genotypes of the IL-17A gene and the carrier of the A allele are associated with increased susceptibility to the development of severe chronic periodontitis. The association between the MMP-1 gene polymorphism and the risk of severe forms of chronic periodontitis has not been established. A risk factor for the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases in employees of the petrochemical complex is a complex of harmful production factors.

Long-Term Unemployment in Poland in 2008-2012 - Tendencies, Structure and Selected Determinants

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-359
Author(s):  
Leszek Kucharski
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Young People ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Increased Risk

This study presents the structure and tendencies in long-term unemployment in Poland in the years 2008-2012. This study identifies the groups of people with an increased risk of long-term unemployment. The analyses produced the following conclusions. The groups with the highest risk of long-term unemployment include: singles, people aged of 55 and above and people with a low level of education. Young people with university and general secondary education faced the lowest risk of long-term unemployment. 

Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection of stage 4 (severely symptomatic stage) in the practice of a health professional

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
A. Nikitina ◽  
A. Rusanova ◽  
A. Zhilenkova
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Health Professional ◽  
Clinical Picture ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Significant Problem ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Future Practice

HIV infection is a significant problem in the modern world, because there are more and more infected people every year. This article will consider: the clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of this disease in different countries. Based on these data, the following conclusions will be made to help doctors in their future practice correctly approach the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease.

Study of sharp injuries and blood splash exposures among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Bangalore

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Sivananjiah Pradeep ◽  
Suman Gadicherla Raghu ◽  
Prathab A G ◽  
Banashankari G Rudresh ◽  
Radhika Kunnavil
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Sharps Injury ◽  
Sharps Injuries

The working environment of healthcare workers (HCW) exposes them to sharp injuries. This communication attempts to examine the injury registers, incidence of sharps injuries and blood splash exposures, and the post-exposure prophylaxis status of employees in a tertiary care hospital. Analysis included records form 54 locations of two units of a tertiary hospital attached to a Medical College. Maintenance of the injury register overall was highly satisfactory in both units. Two hundred and nine injuries were recorded from both units of the hospital. The majority of injuries (60.5%) occurred in the age group of 20-30 years with 70% among females. Waste handlers were at increased risk during waste management procedures. Thirty two percent of sharps injury injuries occurred in wards. Of the ward nursing staff, 25.3% received sharps injuries. Post-exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B (primary dose) was given to 25 HCWs; 11 received booster doses. The basic regimen for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was given to 4 HCWs. Awareness about records maintenance, regular documentation, awareness and training, and implementation of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the incidence of injuries. Key words: Sharps, injury register, Health care workers (HCW),Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Benefits and Limits of Antiretroviral Drug Monitoring in Routine Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-197
Author(s):  
Thomas Maitre ◽  
Patrice Muret ◽  
Mathieu Blot ◽  
Anne Waldner ◽  
Michel Duong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Therapeutic Range ◽  
Drug Monitoring ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Measured Concentration ◽  
The University

Background: HIV infection is a chronic disease for which therapeutic adherence and tolerance require particular attention. Objective: This study aimed to assess whether and when therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could be associated with a benefit in routine practice. Methods: All HIV-infected patients who underwent at least one TDM at the University Hospital of Dijon (France) between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2012 were retrospectively included. Compliance with the recommendations, the results (antiretroviral concentrations), any subsequent therapeutic modifications, and the virological results at 4-8 months were analysed each time TDM was performed. TDM was defined as “practically relevant” when low or high antiretroviral concentrations led to a change in therapy. Results: Of the 571 patients who followed-up, 43.4% underwent TDM. TDM complying with recommendations (120 patients) was associated with a higher proportion of antiretroviral concentrations outside the therapeutic range (p=0.03). Antiretroviral treatment was modified after TDM in 22.6% of patients. Protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and raltegravir were more significantly modified when the measured concentration was outside the therapeutic range (p=0.008, p=0.05 and p=0.02, respectively). Overall, 11.7% of TDM was considered “practically relevant”, though there was no significant correlation between subsequent changes in antiretroviral treatment and undetectable final HIV viral load. Conclusions: TDM may be a useful tool in the management of HIV infection in specific situations, but the overall benefit seems moderate in routine practice. TDM cannot be systematic and/or a decision tool per se, but should be included in a comprehensive approach in certain clinical situations.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 1089-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Shields ◽  
Sian E Faustini ◽  
Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽  
Sian Jossi ◽  
Erin Aldera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Internal ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

scholarly journals Safer primary healthcare facilities are needed to protect healthcare workers and maintain essential services: lessons learned from a multicountry COVID-19 emergency response initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e005833
Author(s):  
Leena N Patel ◽  
Samantha Kozikott ◽  
Rodrigue Ilboudo ◽  
Moreen Kamateeka ◽  
Mohammed Lamorde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
National Level ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Facility Level ◽  
Ensure Patient Safety ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Facility Level

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 and other disease pathogens, which take a disproportionate toll on HCWs, with substantial cost to health systems. Improved infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes can protect HCWs, especially in resource-limited settings where the health workforce is scarcest, and ensure patient safety and continuity of essential health services. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with ministries of health and development partners to implement an emergency initiative for HCWs at the primary health facility level in 22 African countries. Between April 2020 and January 2021, the initiative trained 42 058 front-line HCWs from 8444 health facilities, supported longitudinal supervision and monitoring visits guided by a standardised monitoring tool, and provided resources including personal protective equipment (PPE). We documented significant short-term improvements in IPC performance, but gaps remain. Suspected HCW infections peaked at 41.5% among HCWs screened at monitored facilities in July 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic in Africa. Disease-specific emergency responses are not the optimal approach. Comprehensive, sustainable IPC programmes are needed. IPC needs to be incorporated into all HCW training programmes and combined with supportive supervision and mentorship. Strengthened data systems on IPC are needed to guide improvements at the health facility level and to inform policy development at the national level, along with investments in infrastructure and sustainable supplies of PPE. Multimodal strategies to improve IPC are critical to make health facilities safer and to protect HCWs and the communities they serve.

scholarly journals Eastern Cape Healthcare Workers Acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 (ECHAS): Cross-Sectional (Nested Cohort) Study Protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Oladele Vincent Adeniyi ◽  
David Stead ◽  
Mandisa Singata-Madliki ◽  
Joanne Batting ◽  
Leo Hyera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection by the virulent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Though data exist on the positivity rate of the SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as well as COVID-19-related deaths amongst HCWs in South Africa, the overall infection rate remains underestimated by these indicators. It is also unclear whether the humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection offers durable protection against reinfection. This study will assess the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence amongst HCWs in the Eastern Cape (EC) and examine the longitudinal changes (rate of decay) in the antibody levels after infection in this cohort. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling of healthcare workers in selected health facilities in the EC, a cross-sectional study of 2250 participants will be recruited. In order to assess the community infection rate, 750 antenatal women in the same settings will be recruited. Relevant demographic and clinical characteristics will be obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) will be used for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. A nested cohort study will be conducted by performing eight-weekly antibody assays (X2) from 201 participants who tested positive for both SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and serology. Logistic regression models will be fitted to identify the independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cumulative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and infection fatality rate among the frontline HCWs will be estimated. In addition, the study will highlight the overall effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures (IPC) per exposure sites/wards at the selected health facilities. Findings will inform the South African Department of Health’s policies on how to protect HCWs better as the country prepares for the second wave of the SARS-CoV pandemic.

scholarly journals Adolescent, Pregnant, and HIV-Infected: Risk of Adverse Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcomes in Young Women from Southern Mozambique

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1564
Author(s):  
Clara Pons-Duran ◽  
Aina Casellas ◽  
Azucena Bardají ◽  
Anifa Valá ◽  
Esperança Sevene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Maternal Morbidity ◽  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
P Value ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
The Impact

Sub-Saharan Africa concentrates the burden of HIV and the highest adolescent fertility rates. However, there is limited information about the impact of the interaction between adolescence and HIV infection on maternal health in the region. Data collected prospectively from three clinical trials conducted between 2003 and 2014 were analysed to evaluate the association between age, HIV infection, and their interaction, with the risk of maternal morbidity and adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women from southern Mozambique. Logistic regression and negative binomial models were used. A total of 2352 women were included in the analyses; 31% were adolescents (≤19 years) and 29% HIV-infected women. The effect of age on maternal morbidity and pregnancy and perinatal adverse outcomes was not modified by HIV status. Adolescence was associated with an increased incidence of hospital admissions (IRR 0.55, 95%CI 0.37–0.80 for women 20–24 years; IRR 0.60, 95%CI 0.42–0.85 for women >25 years compared to adolescents; p-value < 0.01) and outpatient visits (IRR 0.86, 95%CI 0.71–1.04; IRR 0.76, 95%CI 0.63–0.92; p-value = 0.02), and an increased likelihood of having a small-for-gestational age newborn (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.38–0.65; OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.34–0.56; p-value < 0.001), a low birthweight (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.27–0.59; OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.26–0.53; p-value <0.001) and a premature birth (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.24–0.72; OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.32–0.82; p-value < 0.01). Adolescence was associated with an increased risk of poor morbidity, pregnancy and perinatal outcomes, irrespective of HIV infection. In addition to provision of a specific maternity care package for this vulnerable group interventions are imperative to prevent adolescent pregnancy.

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