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 ◽  
...  

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).

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1187-1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibu Mundiyanapurath ◽  
Anne Tillmann ◽  
Markus Alfred Möhlenbruch ◽  
Martin Bendszus ◽  
Peter Arthur Ringleb

IntroductionEndovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke is safe and efficient. However, patients receiving oral anticoagulation were excluded in the larger trials.ObjectiveTo analyze the safety of endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and elevated international normalized ratio (INR) values.MethodsRetrospective database review of a tertiary care university hospital for patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with endovascular therapy. Patients with anticoagulation other than vitamin K antagonists were excluded. The primary safety endpoint was defined as symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH; ECASS II definition). The efficacy endpoint was the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score after 3 months, dichotomized into favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) and unfavorable outcome (mRS 3–6).Results435 patients were included. 90% were treated with stent retriever. 27 (6.2%) patients with an INR of 1.2–1.7 and 21 (4.8%) with an INR >1.7. 33 (7.6%) had sICH and 149 patients (34.3%) had a favorable outcome. Patients with an elevated INR did not have an increased risk for sICH or unfavorable outcome in multivariable analysis. The additional use of IV thrombolysis in patients with an INR of 1.2–1.7 did not increase the risk of sICH or unfavorable outcome. These results were replicated in a sensitivity analysis introducing an error of the INR of ±5%. They were also confirmed using other sICH definitions (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke (SITS), National Institute of neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Heidelberg bleeding classification).ConclusionsEndovascular therapy in patients with an elevated INR is safe and efficient. Patients with an INR of 1.2–1.7 may be treated with combined IV thrombolysis and endovascular therapy.


Author(s):  

Objective: To report the experience lived during the Integrated Multiprofessional Residency in Family Health at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Pernambuco – FCM/UPE – at the interface with the Residency in Hospital Dentistry with a focus on Oncology at the University of Pernambuco developed at the Oncology Center at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital of the University of Pernambuco – CEON/HUOC/UPE. Methods: This is an experience report of dental practice in the context of professional training, in SUS, both in primary, secondary and tertiary care. Results: It is noticeable the need for greater professional qualification of the graduate, their integration in the Services of the institutionalized network and their performance with efficiency in multiprofissional teams, emphasizing the importance of professional training through Residencies, allowing the dental surgeon to improve in the diferente fields of Dentistry activities and, in particular, rescuing the inter-trans-multidisciplinary performance in both primary and hospital care and in the area of oncology. It was noticed that the integrated performance of the dental surgeon in a multidisciplinar team in low and medium complexity with resolvability in oral care is essential for the quality of care in the hospital context. Conclusion: Dental care directly impacts the quality of care and patient’s lives. The training of the dental surgeon throug the Residencies can provide skills and contribute with the other professions to the patient’s quality of life. In addition to its assistance character, the Dentistry Service – CEON/HUOC/UPE assumes an important education function, serving as a teaching research and extension field.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arno Mohr ◽  
Mia Kloos ◽  
Christian Schulz ◽  
Michael Pfeifer ◽  
Bernd Salzberger ◽  
...  

Abstract IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the adherence to vaccinations, especially pneumococcal vaccinations, in lung cancer patients.MethodsThe study was performed at the University Hospital Regensburg, Germany. All patients with a regular appointment scheduled between December 1, 2020, and April 29, 2021, and who provided informed consent were included. Available medical records, vaccination certificates and a questionnaire were analyzed.Results136 lung cancer patients (NSCLC n = 113, 83.1%, SCLC n = 23, 16.9%) were included. A correct pneumococcal vaccination according to national recommendations was performed in 9.4% (12/127) of patients.A correct vaccination was performed for tetanus in 50.4% (6/131), diphtheria in 34.4% (44/128), poliomyelitis in 25.8% (33/128), tick-borne encephalitis in 40.7% (24/59), hepatitis A in 45.5% (7/11), hepatitis B in 38.5% (5/13), shingles in 3.0% (3/101), measles in 50.0% (3/6), pertussis in 47.7% (62/130), influenza in 54.4% (74/136) and meningococcal meningitis in 0% (0/2).ConclusionAdherence to pneumococcal vaccinations, as well as other vaccinations, is rather low in lung cancer patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S271-S271
Author(s):  
Eun Ju Choo ◽  
Se Yoon Park

Abstract Background We investigated the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among healthcare workers (HCWs) and analyzed its risk factors in a tertiary care university hospital in South Korea in a population with intermediate tuberculosis (TB) burden. Methods A standard questionnaire regarding the baseline demographics and risk factors for LTBI was given to each participant. QuantiFERON-TB GOLD In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay and chest radiography were performed to investigate the rate of LTBI. Results A total of 1,429 participants, 213 (14.9%) doctors and 988 (69.1%) nurses and 228 (16.0%) others were enrolled. The mean age of the subjects was 33.0 years old, and 1,175 (82.2%) were female. Of the participants, 94.5% had received BCG vaccine. QFT-GIT assays were positive for 156 subjects (10.9%). Of the 213 doctors, 28 (13.1%) were positive by QFT-GIT, and among the 988 nurses, 94 (9.5%) had positive QFT-GIT results. Experience of working in hospital was significantly associated with positive LTBI test results by QFT-GIT assay. Gender and duration of employment as an HCW were significantly associated with having a positive QFT-GIT result in univariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, duration of employment as an HCW (>15 years) (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–3.43) was independently associated with increased risk of a positive QFT-GIT result. Conclusion A high prevalence of LTBI was found among our HCWs. Considering the association between the experience of working in hospital and high risk of LTBI. The risk for tuberculosis infection among HCWs was higher than general population, which suggests that stricter preventive strategies against nosocomial tuberculosis infection should be implemented. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Crestani ◽  
A Arfi ◽  
S Ploteau ◽  
M Breban ◽  
A-S Boudy ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Could anogenital distance (AGD) be a non-invasive marker of endometriosis and correlated to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine revised score (r-ASRM) and ENZIAN classifications? SUMMARY ANSWER Surgically and histologically proven endometriosis is associated with a short AGD in women of reproductive age but not correlated either to the severity or to the location of the disease. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AGD is a marker of intrauterine androgen exposure and exposure to oestrogen-like chemicals such as phthalates. Moreover, exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as organochlorine chemicals, is associated with endometriosis. It has been suggested that a short AGD in women is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis based on clinical and ultrasound exams. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 in a tertiary-care centre including 168 adult women undergoing pelvic surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Of the 168 women included, 98 patients had endometriosis (endometriosis group) and 70 did not (non-endometriosis group). An operator (not the surgeon) measured the distance from the clitoral surface to the anus (AGD-AC) and from the posterior fourchette to the anus (AGD-AF) before surgery using a millimetre accuracy ruler. Endometriosis was diagnosed on exploration of the abdominopelvic cavity, and the r-ASRM and ENZIAN scores were calculated. All removed tissues underwent pathological examination. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean (±SD) AGD-AF measurements were 21.5 mm (±6.4) and 32.3 mm (±8.1), and average AGD-AC measurements were 100.9 mm (±20.6) and 83.8 mm (±12.9) in the endometriosis and non-endometriosis groups (P < 0.001), respectively. Mean AGD-AF and AGD-AC measurements were not related to r-ASRM stage (P = 0.73 and 0.80, respectively) or ENZIAN score (P = 0.62 and 0.21, respectively). AGD-AF had a better predictive value than AGD-AC for discriminating the presence of endometriosis (AUC = 0.840 (95% CI 0.782–0.898) and 0.756 (95% CI 0.684–0.828)), respectively. For AGD-AF, an optimal cut-off of 20 mm had a specificity of 0.986 (95% CI 0.923–0.999), sensitivity of 0.306 (95% CI 26.1–31.6) and positive predictive value of 0.969 (95% CI 0.826–0.998). In multivariable analysis, the diagnosis of endometriosis was the only variable independently associated with the AGD-AF (β = −9.66 mm 95% CI −12.20–−7.12), P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size was relatively small with a high proportion of patients with colorectal endometriosis reflecting the activity of an expert centre. Furthermore, we did not include adolescents and the AGD-AF measurement could be particularly relevant in this population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The measurement of AGD could be a useful non-invasive tool to predict endometriosis. This could be especially relevant for adolescents and virgin women to avoid diagnostic laparoscopy and empiric treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.


2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1206-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Marschall ◽  
Kathrin Mühlemann

Objective.To examine the duration of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage and its determinants and the influence of eradication regimens.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Setting.A 1,033-bed tertiary care university hospital in Bern, Switzerland, in which the prevalence of methicillin resistance amongS. aureusisolates is less than 5%.Patients.A total of 116 patients with first-time MRSA detection identified at University Hospital Bern between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2003, were followed up for a mean duration of 16.2 months.Results.Sixty-eight patients (58.6%) cleared colonization, with a median time to clearance of 7.4 months. Independent determinants for shorter carriage duration were the absence of any modifiable risk factor (receipt of antibiotics, use of an indwelling device, or presence of a skin lesion) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.20 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.09-0.42]), absence of immunosuppressive therapy (HR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.23-1.02]), and hemodialysis (HR, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.01-0.66]) at the time MRSA was first MRSA detected and the administration of decolonization regimen in the absence of a modifiable risk factor (HR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.36-3.64]). Failure of decolonization treatment was associated with the presence of risk factors at the time of treatment (P= .01). Intermittent screenings that were negative for MRSA were frequent (26% of patients), occurred early after first detection of MRSA (median, 31.5 days), and were associated with a lower probability of clearing colonization (HR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.17-0.67]) and an increased risk of MRSA infection during follow-up.Conclusions.Risk factors for MRSA acquisition should be carefully assessed in all MRSA carriers and should be included in infection control policies, such as the timing of decolonization treatment, the definition of MRSA clearance, and the decision of when to suspend isolation measures.


2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piret Mitt ◽  
Katrin Lang ◽  
Aira Peri ◽  
Matti Maimets

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate a multi-method approach to postdischarge surveillance of surgical-site infections (SSIs) and to identify infection rates and risk factors associated with SSI following cesarean section.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting:Academic tertiary-care obstetric and gynecology center with 54 beds.Patients:All women who delivered by cesarean section in Tartu University Women's Clinic during 2002.Methods:Infections were identified during hospital stay or by postdischarge survey using a combination of telephone calls, healthcare worker questionnaire, and outpatient medical records review. SSI was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System.Results:The multi-method approach gave a follow-up rate of 94.8%. Of 305 patients, 19 (6.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI95)], 3.8-9.6) had SSIs. Forty-two percent of these SSIs were detected during postdischarge surveillance. We found three variables associated with increased risk for developing SSI: internal fetal monitoring (odds ratio [OR], 16.6; CI95, 2.2-125.8; P = .007), chorioamnionitis (OR, 8.8; CI95, 1.1-69.6; P = .04), and surgical wound classes III and IV (OR, 3.8; CI95, 1.2-11.8; P=.02).Conclusions:The high response rate validated the effectiveness of this kind of surveillance method and was most suitable in current circumstances. A challenge exists to decrease the frequency of internal fetal monitoring and to treat chorioamnionitis as soon as possible (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2005;26:449-454).


Author(s):  
Vanessa Rentrop ◽  
Johanna Sophie Schneider ◽  
Alexander Bäuerle ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
Nora Dörrie ◽  
...  

Abstract Due to the SARS CoV-2-virus (COVID-19), anxiety, distress, and insecurity occur more frequently. In particular, infected individuals, their relatives, and medical staff face an increased risk of high psychological distress as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Thus, structured psychosocial emergency concepts are needed. The University hospital of Essen has taken up this challenge by creating the PEC concept to reduce psychosocial long-term consequences for infected patients, relatives, and medical staff at the university hospital. The concept includes professional medical as well as psychological support to convey constructive coping strategies and the provision of adequate tools such as the low-threshold online training program (CoPE It), which is accessible via the webpage www.cope-corona.de.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Suhartoyo Winarno ◽  
Anne Mondal ◽  
Franca Christina Martignoni ◽  
Tanja Natascha Fehm ◽  
Monika Hampl

Abstract Background: Sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) technique in unifocal vulvar cancer (diameter of < 4cm) and unsuspicious groin lymph nodes, the morbidity rate of patients has significantly decreased all over the world. In contrast to SLNB, bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL) has been associated with increased risk of common morbidities. Current guidelines (NCCN, ESGO, RCOG, and German) suggest that in cases of metastasis of unilateral SLNB, groin node dissection with IFL, should be performed bilaterally. However, a publication by Woelber et al. 0% (p=0/28) and Nica et al. 5.3% (p=1/19) contradicted the current guideline. Methods: A single-center analysis conducted in the University Hospital of Dusseldorf, evaluating vulvar cancer patients treated with SLNB retrospectively from 2002 to 2018. Result, discussion and conclusion: Current guideline for bilateral IFL should remain as the standard management because 22.2% women (n=4/18) had contralateral IFL groin metastasis after unilateral SLNB metastasis initially. The depth of tumor infiltrating cells was correlated significantly and positively with the incidence rate of groin metastasis (p=0.0038). Therefore, it is an indication for bilateral IFL.


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