scholarly journals Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers of a German COVID-19 Treatment Center

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7057
Author(s):  
Lionel Larribère ◽  
Jelizaveta Gordejeva ◽  
Lisa Kuhnhenn ◽  
Maximilian Kurscheidt ◽  
Monika Pobiruchin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Phase ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Patient Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
Low Prevalence

To date, more than 160 million people have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection among 3067 healthcare workers (HCW) in a German COVID-19 treatment center during the early phase of the pandemic (July 2020) based on the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and self-reported previous PCR results. The results demonstrate a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 107 [3.5%]) with no increased risk for employees with a high level of patient exposure in general or working in COVID-19-confined areas in particular. This suggests that the local hygiene standards implemented in our hospital during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic were effective in preventing patient-to-HCW transmission. No evidence for highly mobile staff serving as a vector for SARS-CoV-2 transmission could be found. In addition, impairment of smell and/or taste was strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 history.

scholarly journals Evaluation of factor VIII value in normal women and whom encountered recurrent pregnancy loss: is there any significant difference?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1034
Author(s):  
Douaa Al Rez ◽  
Hasan Naser Eldine ◽  
Marwan Alhalabi
Keyword(s):  
Factor Viii ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Normal Women ◽  
High Level

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a serious problem on the women, it defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before the fetus has reached birth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the elevation in the factor VIII and RPL. Because women who have thrombophilia have increased risk of fetal loss in most studies.Methods: A total 72 women were recruited in this case control study. They divided into two groups: the RPL group included 41 women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and the control group included 31 healthy women, who had at least one successful pregnancy and none of them had a history of fetal loss or complicated pregnancy.Results: A majority of the patients of this study didn't have a high level of factor VIII, 9 of 41 (22%) patients of RPL group in comparison with 21 of 32 (65,6%) of control group, that suffer from the increase rate of FVIII, this means that factor VIII doesn't effect on RPL.Conclusions: The present study showed that the serum elevation in the factor VIII is not significantly associated with RPL.

High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Subfractions in Adolescent Twins

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-189
Author(s):  
Joann N. Bodurtha ◽  
Richard Schieken ◽  
Jere Segrest ◽  
Walter E. Nance
Keyword(s):  
High Density Lipoprotein ◽  
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
High Density ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
Adolescent Twins

Data on the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and subfractions in 102 adolescent twin pairs and their parents are presented. Children with a family history of premature cardiovascular death had lower levels of HDL2-C than did those without such a history. White girls reporting a high level of physical activity had higher levels of HDL-C and HDL2-C than did their more sedentary peers. In general, children of mothers who smoked had lower HDL2-C than did children of nonsmoking mothers. These findings suggest that low levels of HDL2-C in children may identify families in which there is an increased risk of coronary heart disease and that parental smoking may contribute to changes in this risk factor in the children of smokers as well as in the smokers themselves.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Antibodies in a Large Sample of Belgian Healthcare Workers

2000 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido Moens ◽  
Robert Vranckx ◽  
Liesbeth De Greef ◽  
Pierre Jacques
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
General Hospitals ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of

AbstractObjective:To assess the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Belgian (Flemish) healthcare workers.Design:A seroprevalence survey of HCV IgG antibodies.Setting and Participants:A systematic sample of 5,064 employees from 22 general hospitals in Flanders and Brussels, Belgium, was tested at the annual occupational medical examination. Together with demographic and occupational data, information was collected on the frequency of blood contact, needlestick injuries, and medical and surgical history. The blood samples were tested using the third-generation Abbott Screen Kit test, with confirmation by Matrix, LIA, and an in-house polymerase chain reaction and the Quantiplex-HCV b-DNA test.Results:21 persons were found to be positive for HCV markers. The overall prevalence was 0.41% (95% confidence interval [CI95], 0.24-0.59). A statistically significant association was found with a history of blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 4.14; CI95, 1.67-10.31) and with history of a clinically apparent hepatitis (OR, 3.98; CI95,1.60-9.90). Although the ORs for the frequency of blood contact were slightly elevated (between 1.17 and 2.73), this association was not significant. Moreover, a history of needlestick injuries showed a nonsignificant OR of 1.28 (CI95, 0.53-3.09), and no statistically significant difference was found with a variety of duties and tasks. The ORs for potential occupational risk factors were adjusted according to age, gender, antecedents, and other confounders using a logistic regression analysis. Based on this procedure, the ORs decreased slightly.Conclusions:Flemish healthcare workers showed a lower HCV seropositivity than is seen in the general population; a history of blood transfusion and of clinically apparent hepatitis was most strongly associated with the presence of HCV markers. We concluded that employees in Flemish regional general hospitals are not at an overall increased risk for HCV infection, although occasional transmission through percutaneous injuries is possible, and prevention therefore remains imperative.

Immunization and vaccination

2021 ◽  
pp. 583-596
Author(s):  
Eleonora A.M.L. Mutsaerts ◽  
Shabir A. Madhi
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
The Public ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vulnerable Patient ◽  
History Of ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Spreading Disease

This chapter describes the history of vaccination, challenges to immunization programmes, the public health benefits of vaccination programmes, and the notable successes in terms of elimination. The broader social and economic effects of vaccination are discussed. For example, healthcare workers have increased risk for acquisition of vaccine-preventable diseases. It is important that healthcare workers can maintain delivery of healthcare services during epidemics. They should also avoid spreading disease to vulnerable patient groups. Appropriate vaccination for BCG, hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, meningococcal, influenza, varicella, and pertussis is recommended, especially if at increased risk of exposure. The Expanded Programme on Immunization recommended vaccines is fully covered. Vaccination of special populations and the future of vaccines is also discussed.

Risk factors for latex sensitization in young children with myelomeningocele

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoud Majed ◽  
Farideh Nejat ◽  
Mostafa El Khashab ◽  
Parvin Tajik ◽  
Mohammad Gharagozloo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Barium Enema ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Specific Ige ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Skin Prick Tests ◽  
Low Prevalence

Object Patients with myelomeningoceles (MMCs) are at increased risk of latex allergy and sensitization. Number of surgeries and history of atopy are known risk factors. The object of this study was to evaluate the role of diagnostic procedures and nonsurgical treatments in latex sensitization in young patients with MMC. Methods Seventy-three children with MMC were included in the study. For each child a questionnaire was administered and serum determination of IgE was performed, and 62 children underwent skin prick tests (SPTs), 60 of which had reliable results. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed, using latex sensitization as the dependent variable. Results The mean age of the 73 patients was 3.8 years. The SPT results were positive in 30.6%, whereas results of testing for latex-specific IgE were positive in only 8.2%. In univariate analysis, history of untethering, barium enema, and number of clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs) per day were significantly associated with positive results on the SPT. Although the number of surgical procedures was significantly higher in patients who had shunts, no significant relationship between the presence of a shunt and latex sensitization was seen. Conclusions The young age of the patients in this study may account for the low prevalence of latex sensitization that was found. In young patients with MMC, the numbers of CICs per day, a history of untethering, circumcision, and a barium enema performed without latex-free equipment could be risk factors for latex sensitization. The use of latex-free gloves in all procedures performed in these cases, nonlatex polyvinyl chloride catheters in CIC, and ordinary nonballoon tips in barium enemas could decrease the risk of sensitization.

Clinician's Corner: Osteoarthritis: A Lifestyle Medicine Assessment of Risks, Prevention, and Treatment

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 256-259
Author(s):  
Clinton L. Greenstone
Keyword(s):  
Knee Injury ◽  
Country Risk ◽  
Musculoskeletal Health ◽  
Lifestyle Medicine ◽  
Sports Involvement ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Strengthening Exercises ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
Risks Prevention

The prevalence of symptomatic osteoarthritis after the age of 55 years ranges from about 30% to 50% in men and 40% to 60% in women. With the increasing age of the population, it is estimated that in 20 years, osteoarthritis will be the fourth leading cause of disability in this country. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include previous knee surgery, occupational bending and lifting, knee injury, and obesity. Many have suggested that recreational activity and high-level sports involvement are associated with increased risk of osteoarthritis. Although high-impact exercises increase the risk of osteoarthritis, physicians need to still recommend appropriate lower impact aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises for all of our patients to improve their general health, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. Clearly, more research is needed to help us understand how to modify the natural history of this condition in more stringent evidence-based fashion. However, lifestyle medicine approaches combined with conventional therapies are effective in decreasing the disability associated with chronic osteoarthritis.

The Survivor Moms’ Companion: Feasibility, Safety, and Acceptability of a Posttraumatic Stress Specific Psychoeducation Program for Pregnant Survivors of Childhood Maltreatment and Sexual Trauma

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mickey Sperlich ◽  
Julia S. Seng ◽  
Heather Rowe ◽  
Heather Cameron ◽  
Anna Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Childhood Maltreatment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Abuse Survivors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Women Abuse ◽  
Symptom Level ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Level

Pregnant women with history of abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have increased risk of adverse mental health and childbearing outcomes. The Survivor Moms’ Companion (SMC) is a psychoeducation program designed to meet the needs of women abuse survivors affected by PTSD during the childbearing year. This article reports on the feasibility, safety, and acceptability findings of an open pilot. Participants completed 10 self-study modules and structured tutoring sessions, and completed self-report measures, including reports of tutor fidelity to the manual, repeated assessment of PTSD symptoms, Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scores, and evaluation interviews. Results indicate that the intervention can be implemented within low-resource settings with high level of fidelity to the manual. Monitoring of PTSD symptom level and distress indicate that the intervention is safe. Participants report satisfaction with the format and content and appreciation for the tutoring component. The SMC appears to be feasible, safe, and acceptable.

Risk of Tuberculous Infection Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary-Care Hospital in Ankara, Turkey

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1067-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramazan Keskiner ◽  
Önder Ergönül ◽  
Ziya Demiroglu ◽  
Sebnem Eren ◽  
Nurcan Baykam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Tuberculous Infection ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Work Duration ◽  
History Of ◽  
Community Exposure ◽  
Radiology Technicians

AbstractObjective:To determine risk factors for tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity among healthcare workers (HCWs).Design:Two-step TST was performed in 2002.Setting:Tertiary-care hospital in Ankara, Turkey.Participants:A sample of 491 hospital HCWs were included. Information related to demographics, profession, work duration, department, and individual and family history of tuberculosis (TB) was obtained by a structured questionnaire.Results:Four hundred eight (83%) had two-step TST positivity. On multivariate analysis, male physicians (relative risk [RR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.23–1.69; P = .001), nurses (RR, 1.5; CI95, 1.29–1.66; P = .005), radiology technicians (RR, 1.7; CI95, 1.35–1.73; P = .002), laboratory technicians (RR, 1.6; CI95, 1.3–1.74; P = .007), and male housekeepers (RR, 1.6; CI95, 1.38–1.7; P < .001) had a higher risk than did female physicians. Among laboratory technicians, radiology technicians had the highest TST positivity (85%). HCWs working for less than 1 year (RR, 0.8; CI95, 0.72–0.98; P = .027) had a lower risk of infection. The HCWs having bacille Calmette–Guérin vaccination (RR, 1.12; CI95, 1.08–1.45) had higher TST positivity.Conclusion:Male physicians, nurses, and laboratory technicians had increased risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in this setting, but community exposure likely accounted for most infections.

scholarly journals Previous COVID-19 infection but not Long-COVID is associated with increased adverse events following BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael K. Raw ◽  
Clive Kelly ◽  
Jon Rees ◽  
Caroline Wroe ◽  
David R. Chadwick
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Prior History ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

AbstractImportanceUnderstanding Adverse Events (AEs) associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has public health implications, especially with regards to vaccine hesitancy.ObjectiveTo establish whether individuals with prior history of COVID-19 were more likely to experience AEs after BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccination, than those without previous COVID-19, and whether COVID-19-vaccination interval influenced AE severity.DesignAn observational study explored AEs after vaccination. Participants were invited to complete an electronic survey, capturing self-reported COVID-19 symptoms, PCR/antibody results, and AEs following first dose of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine. In a subset where PCR/antibody results could be verified, a sensitivity analysis was conducted.SettingThree North-East England hospital Trusts in the United Kingdom.ParticipantsHealthcare workers formed an opportunistic sample – 265 of 974 reported prior positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR and/or antibody.ExposureAll participants had received their first dose of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine.Main Outcomes and MeasuresNature, severity, duration, and onset of self-reported AEs (reported via a modified version of the FDA Toxicity Grading Scale for vaccine-associated AEs), was compared between those with and without a prior history of COVID-19, using 2-way ANCOVA and logistic regression. Effects of age, gender, illness-vaccine interval, and ongoing symptoms (‘Long-COVID’) on AEs, were also explored.ResultsOf 974 respondents (81% female, mean age 48), 265 (27%) reported previous COVID-19 infection. Within this group (symptoms median 8.9 months pre-vaccination), 30 (11%) complained of Long-COVID. The proportion reporting one moderate/severe symptom was higher in the previous COVID-19 group (56% v 47%, OR=1.5 [95%CI, 1.1–2.0], p=.009), with fever, fatigue, myalgia-arthralgia and lymphadenopathy significantly more common. There was no significant relationship between illness-vaccine interval and symptom composite score (rs=0.09, p=.44). Long-COVID was not associated with worse AEs in comparison to the group without previous COVID-19. In the smaller sensitivity analysis cohort (412 people) similar findings were obtained although only myalgia and arthralgia remained significant.Conclusions and RelevancePrior COVID-19 infection but not ongoing Long-COVID symptoms were associated with an increase in the risk of self-reported adverse events following BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccination. COVID-19 illness-vaccination interval did not significantly influence AEs. This data can support education around vaccine-associated AEs and, through improved understanding, help to combat vaccine hesitancy.Key PointsQuestionDoes previous COVID-19 infection or ‘Long-COVID’ increase the frequency of Adverse Events (AEs) following first dose of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccination?FindingsIn a survey-based observational study, healthcare workers in the United Kingdom reported AEs experienced after their first dose of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine. Prior COVID-19 infection, but not Long-COVID, were associated with increased risk of self-reported AEs including lymphadenopathy post-vaccination. Duration since COVID-19 infection did not affect severity of AEs.MeaningOur study can inform education and understanding of AEs associated with COVID-19 vaccination and help to combat vaccine hesitancy.

scholarly journals Staff testing for COVID-19 via an online pre-registration form

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saadiq Moolla ◽  
Arifa Parker ◽  
Mohammed Aslam Parker ◽  
Sthembiso Sithole ◽  
Leila Amien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
Taste Sensation ◽  
Registration Form ◽  
Registration System ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Form Part ◽  
History Of

Background: Healthcare workers are at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and potentially causing institutional outbreaks. Staff testing is critical in identifying and isolating infected individuals while also reducing unnecessary workforce depletion. Tygerberg Hospital implemented an online pre-registration system to expedite staff and cluster testing. Objectives: We aimed to identify (1) specific presentations associated with a positive or negative result for SARS-CoV-2 and (2) staff sectors where enhanced strategies for testing might be required. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study involving all clients making use of the hospital's pre-registration system during May 2020. Results: Of 799 clients, most were young and female with few comorbidities. The most common occupation was nurses followed by administrative staff, doctors and general assistants. Doctors tested earlier compared to other staff (median: 1.5 vs 4 days). The most frequent presenting symptoms were headache, sore throat, cough and myalgia. Amongst those testing positive (n=105), fever, altered smell, altered taste sensation, chills and history of fever were the most common symptoms. Three or more symptoms was more predictive of a positive test, but 12/145 asymptomatic clients also tested positive. Conclusion: Staff coronavirus testing using an online pre-registration form is a viable and acceptable strategy. While some presentations are less likely to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, no symptom can completely exclude it. Staff testing should form part of a bundle of strategies to protect staff including wearing masks, regular hand washing, buddy screening, physical distancing, availability of PPE and special dispensation for COVID-19-related leave.

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