Anesthesia and analgesia
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In late December 2019, several cases of pneumonia of unknown origin were reported from China, which in early January 2020 were announced to be caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus was later denominated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and defined as the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite massive attempts to contain the disease in China, the virus has spread globally, and COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Here we provide a short background on coronaviruses, and describe in more detail the novel SARS-CoV-2 and attempts to identify effective therapies against COVID-19.
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With increasing numbers of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases due to efficient human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the United States, preparation for the unpredictable setting of labor and delivery is paramount. The priorities are 2-fold in the management of obstetric patients with COVID-19 infection or persons under investigation (PUI): (1) caring for the range of asymptomatic to critically ill pregnant and postpartum women; (2) protecting health care workers and beyond from exposure during the delivery hospitalization (health care providers, personnel, family members). The goal of this review is to provide evidence-based recommendations or, when evidence is limited, expert opinion for anesthesiologists caring for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on preparedness and best clinical obstetric anesthesia practice.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jul 2020
ReviewThe COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects on Low and Middle-Income Countries.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly around the world with devastating consequences on patients, health care workers, health systems, and economies. As it reaches low- and middle-income countries, its effects could be even more dire, because it will be difficult for them to respond aggressively to the pandemic. There is a great shortage of all health care providers, who will be at risk due to a lack of personal protection equipment. ⋯ The necessary resources to treat patients will be in short supply. The end result could be a catastrophic loss of life. A global effort will be required to support faltering economies and health care systems.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jul 2020
ReviewCardiac Biomarkers for the Prediction and Detection of Adverse Cardiac Events After Noncardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review.
Yearly, more than 200 million people worldwide undergo noncardiac surgery, of whom about 5% will develop cardiovascular complications. Prevention, early recognition, and prompt treatment of these adverse cardiovascular events is therefore an important concern in perioperative medicine. The present narrative review aims to provide an overview and critical analysis of the currently available evidence on the role of biomarkers in perioperative cardiac risk assessment and monitoring of perioperative cardiac events before and after noncardiac surgery.
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The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in China in December 2019. Since then, it has spread across the world to become one of the most serious life-threatening pandemics since the influenza pandemic of 1918. This review article will focus on the specific risks and nuanced considerations of COVID-19 in the cancer patient. Important perioperative management recommendations during this outbreak are emphasized, in addition to discussion of current treatment techniques and strategies available in the battle against COVID-19.