The American journal of the medical sciences
-
The primary target of SARS-CoV-2 is the respiratory tract; nevertheless, the virus can invade extrapulmonary organs, such as the nervous system. Peripheral facial nerve palsy has been reported in COVID-19 cases as isolated, unilateral, or bilateral in the context of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). In the present study, online databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched. ⋯ Finally, 36 patients with facial nerve palsy were included in our study using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or antibody SARS-CoV-2 positive test. Interestingly, 23 (63.8%) of these patients had no typical history of COVID-19, and facial nerve palsy was their first clinical manifestation. The present study concludes that there is enough evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection may present with facial nerve palsy as the initial clinical manifestation.
-
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high mortality. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia seen in critically ill patients. The impact of AF on the outcomes in patients with ARDS is less understood. In this analysis we attempt to evaluate the association of concurrent AF and various clinical outcomes in patients with ARDS. ⋯ AF is associated with worse clinical outcomes, higher length of stay and cost in ARDS hospitalizations as compared to those without AF.
-
Our objective was to safely and remotely assess longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in at-risk health care workers at the onset of the epidemic. ⋯ This remotely conducted, contact-free study did not identify serologic evidence of widespread occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers.
-
Periodontal disease (PD) has been linked to a range of cardiometabolic disorders. However, the association between PD and composite cardiovascular risk has not been studied. We hypothesized that PD would be associated with an elevated atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk (ASCVD) score. ⋯ PD is associated with elevated ASCVD score. Patients with PD should be counseled regarding their elevated cardiovascular risk and risk reduction strategies should be implemented with an emphasis on routine dental care.
-
Estimates of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and factors associated with infection among healthcare personnel (HCP) vary widely. We conducted a serosurvey of HCP at a large public healthcare system in the Atlanta area. ⋯ Among HCP in a large healthcare system, 6.1% had detectable SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Seropositivity was associated with exposures outside of the healthcare setting.