scholarly journals An Integrated Strategy for the Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Observational Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Cattelan ◽  
Lolita Sasset ◽  
Eugenia Di Meco ◽  
Silvia Cocchio ◽  
Francesco Barbaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Strategy ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Secondary Endpoint ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
North East ◽  
Hospital Infection Control

Background: Since the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, a large number of infections have been reported among healthcare workers (HCWs). The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs involved in the first management of infected patients and to describe the measures adopted to prevent the transmission in the hospital. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between February 21 and April 16, 2020, in the Padua University Hospital (north-east Italy). The infection control policy adopted consisted of the following: the creation of the “Advanced Triage” area for the evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 cases, and the implementation of an integrated infection control surveillance system directed to all the healthcare personnel involved in the Advance Triage area. HCWs were regularly tested with nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2; body temperature and suggestive symptoms were evaluated at each duty. Demographic and clinical data of both patients and HCWs were collected and analyzed; HCWs’ personal protective equipment (PPE) consumption was also recorded. The efficiency of the control strategy among HCWs was evaluated identifying symptomatic infection (primary endpoint) and asymptomatic infection (secondary endpoint) with confirmed detection of SARS-CoV-2. Results: 7595 patients were evaluated in the Advanced Triage area: 5.2% resulted positive and 72.4% was symptomatic. The HCW team was composed of 60 members. A total of 361 nasopharyngeal swabs were performed on HCWs. All the swabs resulted negative and none of the HCWs reached the primary or the secondary endpoint. Conclusions: An integrated hospital infection control strategy, consisting of dedicated areas for infected patients, strict measures for PPE use and mass surveillance, is successful to prevent infection among HCWs.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a home-based 7-day infection control strategy for healthcare workers following high-risk exposure to severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A cohort study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Carla Benea ◽  
Laura Rendon ◽  
Jesse Papenburg ◽  
Charles Frenette ◽  
Ahmed Imacoudene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Strategy ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Risk Exposure ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Respiratory Coronavirus ◽  
Second Wave

Abstract Objective: Evidence-based infection control strategies are needed for healthcare workers (HCWs) following high-risk exposure to severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we evaluated the negative predictive value (NPV) of a home-based 7-day infection control strategy. Methods: HCWs advised by their infection control or occupational health officer to self-isolate due to a high-risk SARS-CoV-2 exposure were enrolled between May and October 2020. The strategy consisted of symptom-triggered nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing from day 0 to day 7 after exposure and standardized home-based nasopharyngeal swab and saliva testing on day 7. The NPV of this strategy was calculated for (1) clinical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis from day 8–14 after exposure, and for (2) asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 detected by standardized nasopharyngeal swab and saliva specimens collected at days 9, 10, and 14 after exposure. Interim results are reported in the context of a second wave threatening this essential workforce. Results: Among 30 HCWs enrolled, the mean age was 31 years (SD, ±9), and 24 (80%) were female. Moreover, 3 were diagnosed with COVID-19 by day 14 after exposure (secondary attack rate, 10.0%), and all cases were detected using the 7-day infection control strategy: the NPV for subsequent clinical COVID-19 or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 detection by day 14 was 100.0% (95% CI, 93.1%–100.0%). Conclusions: Among HCWs with high-risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2, a home-based 7-day infection control strategy may have a high NPV for subsequent COVID-19 and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 detection. Ongoing data collection and data sharing are needed to improve the precision of the estimated NPV, and here we report interim results to inform infection control strategies in light of a second wave threatening this essential workforce.

scholarly journals The Incidence, Risk Factors, Predictors, and Prognoses of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Immunocompetent Mechanical Ventilation Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihui Zhang ◽  
Xuesong Liu ◽  
Ling Sang ◽  
Sibei Chen ◽  
Zhan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Cytomegalovirus Reactivation ◽  
Cmv Reactivation ◽  
Immunocompetent Patients

Abstract Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation can seriously affect the clinical prognoses of critically ill patients. However, the epidemiology and predictors of CMV in immunocompetent patients with mechanical ventilation are not very clear. Methods: A single-center, prospective observational study (conducted from June 30, 2017 to July 01, 2018) with a follow-up of 90 days (September 29, 2018) that included 71 CMV-seropositive immunocompetent patients with mechanical ventilation at a 37-bed university hospital general intensive care unit (ICU) in China. Routine detection of CMV DNAemia was performed once a week until 28 days (Day1, 7, 14, 21, 28) and serology, laboratory findings, and clinical data were obtained at admission.Results: Among 71 patients, 13 (18.3%) showed CMV reactivation within ICU 28-day admission. The median time to reactivation was 7 days. CMV reactivation was related to various factors, including body weight, body mass index (BMI), sepsis, NT-proBNP, BUN, and Hb levels (P< 0.05). In the multivariate regression model, BMI, Hb level, and sepsis were associated with CMV reactivation patients (P< 0.05). Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of BMI, Hb and BMI combined Hb was 0.69, 0.70, 0.76, respectively. The rate of complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization expense, length of ICU stay, and 90-day all-cause mortality rate in patients with CMV reactivation was significantly higher than in those without CMV reactivation (P< 0.05).Conclusions: Among immunocompetent patients with mechanical ventilation, the incidence of CMV reactivation was high. CMV reactivation can lead to various adverse prognoses. BMI, Hb, and sepsis were independent risk factors for CMV reactivation. BMI and Hb may predict CMV reactivation.

Transoral Dermoid Cyst Excision: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 159 (6) ◽  
pp. 981-986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Pyeong Kim ◽  
Dong Kun Lee ◽  
Jeong Hwan Moon ◽  
Jung Je Park ◽  
Seung Hoon Woo
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Dermoid Cyst ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Transoral Surgery ◽  
Cyst Excision ◽  
Surgery Group ◽  
Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Objective Transoral surgery is becoming a preferred technique because it does not leave any scar after surgery. However, transoral surgery for a dermoid cyst of the oral cavity is not standardized yet, due to the anatomic complexity of this region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a transoral dermoid cyst excision. Study Design Multicenter prospective observational study. Setting University hospital. Subjects and Methods This study was designed as a 4-year prospective multicenter evaluation of dermoid cyst excisions within the floor of mouth. Clinical outcomes and complications related to procedures were evaluated among patients. The primary outcome was the efficacy of the procedure, and the secondary outcome was cosmetic satisfaction of each procedure. Results Twenty-one patients underwent transoral dermoid cyst excisions, and 22 underwent transcervical excisions. In the transoral surgery group, the mean size of the dermoid cyst was 5.35 cm (95% CI, 4.79-5.91), and in the transcervical surgery group, it was 6.19 cm (95% CI, 5.67-6.71). There was no significant differences with respect to overall demographic characteristics between the groups. However, the duration of the operation was shorter with the transoral group than with the transcervical group ( P = .001), and cosmetic satisfaction was much better in the transoral group ( P < .001). Conclusion Transoral dermoid cyst excision is a potentially safe and effective method that can lead to easy and quick removal of an oral cavity dermoid cyst, with excellent cosmetic outcomes.

Oxytocin administration for induction and augmentation of labour in Polish maternity units– an observational study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Baranowska ◽  
Anna Kajdy ◽  
Iwona Kiersnowska ◽  
Dorota Sys ◽  
Urszula Tataj-Puzyna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Labour Induction ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
National Guidelines

Abstract BackgroundThere is not enough data regarding practices and protocols that healthcare personnel follow and the amount of oxytocin that women receive during labour. Empirical evidence indicates that compliance with the guidelines improves the quality of healthcare and reduces adverse effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate oxytocin supply practices of oxytocin for labour induction and augmentation in Polish maternity units.MethodsThe article presents a prospective observational study. Data collection took place in two selected maternity units between January 15 and July 31, 2019 (n=545). Inclusion criteria were women in term pregnancies, undergoing oxytocin induction or augmentation of labour. Exclusion criteria were women who were in preterm labour, aged less than 18 years, and women whose baby was known to have a malformation. ResultsThe average total amount of oxytocin administrated to women before birth was 7,329µg following labour induction and 3.952µg following labour augmentation. The actual administration of oxytocin deviated both from the unit and national guidelines in 93,6% of all observed labours. We found no statistically significant correlation between the amount of oxytocin administered and mode of delivery, immediate postpartum blood loss or Apgar scores. There was no observed effect of total oxytocin on short-term perinatal outcomes. Hospitals with similar protocols did not differ significantly in terms of total oxytocin amount, induction to stimulation ratio—the only observed difference was the mode of delivery. ConclusionsThere is a need for a thorough analysis to find out the reasons for the observed discrepancies between protocols and practice.

scholarly journals Citywide preparedness for a pandemic: A crosssectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices about respiratory infection prevention in Bogotá, Colombia

Biomédica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supl. 2) ◽  
pp. 159-165
Author(s):  
Jorge Alberto Cortés ◽  
Pilar Espitia ◽  
Yuliet Liliana Rosero-Lasso
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Local Health Authority ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Introduction: Healthcare personnel plays an important role in the prevention of acute respiratory infections in hospital settings.Objective: Our aim was to establish the level of knowledge about respiratory virus infections and the attitudes and practices among healthcare workers, leaders of infection control committees in hospitals of Bogotá, Colombia.Materials and methods: We used a self-administered questionnaire of 28 items during the monthly meeting sponsored by the local health authority. “Yes or no” and “true or false” questions were applied to measure knowledge. Attitudes and practices were measured with a Likert-type scale according to the agreement degree.Results: We surveyed 70 healthcare workers. Respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge as 80% of them answered correctly more than five questions. A total of 54.4% showed a low degree of agreement when asked if their institutions have the policy to stay home when they are sick with respiratory symptoms and 67.1% never or rarely remain at home under such conditions.Conclusion: Healthcare worker leaders of infection control committees in Bogotá’s ospitals have adequate knowledge about the prevention of seasonal respiratory viruses. There is a need for implementing urgent sick leave policies as a measure to prevent the spread of potential coronavirus infections in hospitals.

Serosurvey on healthcare personnel caring for patients with Ebola virus disease and Lassa virus in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-390
Author(s):  
Colleen S. Kraft ◽  
Aneesh K. Mehta ◽  
Jay B. Varkey ◽  
G. Marshall Lyon ◽  
Sharon Vanairsdale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Adenovirus Type ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ebola Virus Disease ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Lassa Virus ◽  
Serum Samples

AbstractObjective:Healthcare personnel (HCP) were recruited to provide serum samples, which were tested for antibodies against Ebola or Lassa virus to evaluate for asymptomatic seroconversion.Setting:From 2014 to 2016, 4 patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD) and 1 patient with Lassa fever (LF) were treated in the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU) at Emory University Hospital. Strict infection control and clinical biosafety practices were implemented to prevent nosocomial transmission of EVD or LF to HCP.Participants:All personnel who entered the SCDU who were required to measure their temperatures and complete a symptom questionnaire twice daily were eligible.Results:No employee developed symptomatic EVD or LF. EVD and LF antibody studies were performed on sera samples from 42 HCP. The 6 participants who had received investigational vaccination with a chimpanzee adenovirus type 3 vectored Ebola glycoprotein vaccine had high antibody titers to Ebola glycoprotein, but none had a response to Ebola nucleoprotein or VP40, or a response to LF antigens.Conclusions:Patients infected with filoviruses and arenaviruses can be managed successfully without causing occupation-related symptomatic or asymptomatic infections. Meticulous attention to infection control and clinical biosafety practices by highly motivated, trained staff is critical to the safe care of patients with an infection from a special pathogen.

Evaluation of measured postpartum blood loss after vaginal delivery using a collector bag in relation to postpartum hemorrhage management strategies: a prospective observational study

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Bamberg ◽  
Katja Niepraschk-von Dollen ◽  
Laura Mickley ◽  
Anne Henkelmann ◽  
Larry Hinkson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Postpartum Hemorrhage ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Hemoglobin Content ◽  
Vaginal Deliveries

AbstractTo evaluate the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH via routine use of a pelvic drape to objectively measure blood loss after vaginal delivery in connection with PPH management.This prospective observational study was undertaken at the obstetrical department of the Charité University Hospital from December 2011 to May 2013 and evaluated an unselected cohort of planned vaginal deliveries (n=1019 live singletons at term). A calibrated collecting drape was used to meassure blood loss in the third stage of labor. PPH and severe PPH were defined as blood loss ≥500 mL and ≥1000 mL, respectively. Maternal hemoglobin content was evaluated at admission to delivery and at the first day after childbirth.During the study period, 809 vaginal deliveries were analysed. Direct measurement revealed a median blood loss of 250 mL. The incidences of PPH and severe PPH were 15% and 3%, respectively. Mean maternal hemoglobin content at admission was 11.9±1.1 g/dL, with a mean decrease of 1.0±1.1 g/dL. Blood loss measured after vaginal delivery correlated significantly with maternal hemoglobin decrease.This study suggests that PPH incidence may be higher than indicated by population-based data. Underbuttocks drapes are simple, objective bedside tools to diagnose PPH. Blood loss should be quantified systematically if PPH is suspected.

scholarly journals Factors associated with weaning practices in term infants: a prospective observational study in Ireland

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (10) ◽  
pp. 1544-1554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roslyn C. Tarrant ◽  
Katherine M. Younger ◽  
Margaret Sheridan-Pereira ◽  
Martin J. White ◽  
John M. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Professional Advice ◽  
Dietary History ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Improve Compliance ◽  
History Of ◽  
Usual Diet

The WHO (2001) recommends exclusive breast-feeding and delaying the introduction of solid foods to an infant's diet until 6 months postpartum. However, in many countries, this recommendation is followed by few mothers, and earlier weaning onto solids is a commonly reported global practice. Therefore, this prospective, observational study aimed to assess compliance with the WHO recommendation and examine weaning practices, including the timing of weaning of infants, and to investigate the factors that predict weaning at ≤ 12 weeks. From an initial sample of 539 pregnant women recruited from the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, 401 eligible mothers were followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Quantitative data were obtained on mothers’ weaning practices using semi-structured questionnaires and a short dietary history of the infant's usual diet at 6 months. Only one mother (0·2 %) complied with the WHO recommendation to exclusively breastfeed up to 6 months. Ninety-one (22·6 %) infants were prematurely weaned onto solids at ≤ 12 weeks with predictive factors after adjustment, including mothers’ antenatal reporting that infants should be weaned onto solids at ≤ 12 weeks, formula feeding at 12 weeks and mothers’ reporting of the maternal grandmother as the principal source of advice on infant feeding. Mothers who weaned their infants at ≤ 12 weeks were more likely to engage in other sub-optimal weaning practices, including the addition of non-recommended condiments to their infants’ foods. Provision of professional advice and exploring antenatal maternal misperceptions are potential areas for targeted interventions to improve compliance with the recommended weaning practices.

Risk of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission from Patients to Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Observational Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 759-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Strasser ◽  
Elmar Aigner ◽  
Ilse Schmid ◽  
Andreas Stadlmayr ◽  
David Niederseer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus Transmission
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