Articles: pandemics.
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Multicenter Study
Multi-center evaluation of cepheid xpert® xpress SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care test during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, rapid diagnostics are paramount to contain the current pandemic. The routinely used realtime RT-PCR is sensitive, specific and able to process large batches of samples. However, turnaround time is long and in cases where fast obtained results are critical, molecular point of care tests (POCT) can be an alternative. Here we report on a multicenter evaluation of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care test. ⋯ Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 point of care test showed equal performance compared to routine in-house testing with a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.26 copies/mL. Other seasonal respiratory viruses were not detected. In clinical samples Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 reaches an agreement of 100 % compared to all in-house RT-PCRs CONCLUSION: Cepheids GeneXpert Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 is a valuable addition for laboratories in situations where rapid and accurate diagnostics are of the essence.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on headache management in Spain: an analysis of the current situation and future perspectives.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on healthcare systems. Spain, where headache is the main reason for outpatient neurology consultation, is one of the countries with the most reported cases of the disease. ⋯ As a consequence of the pandemic, headache care and research activity has reduced considerably. This demonstrates the need for an increase in the availability of telemedicine in our centres in the near future.
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Multicenter Study
Addressing General Surgery Residents' Concerns in the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The purpose of this study was to determine the concerns of General Surgery residents as they prepare to be in the frontlines of the response against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19_). ⋯ General Surgery residents are fully dedicated to taking care of patients with COVID-19 infection despite the risk of personal or familial harm. Surgery departments should protect the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of General Surgery residents in order to increase their ability to provide care in the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2020
Multicenter StudyApproaching Otolaryngology Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Objective. To describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient presentations requiring otolaryngology consultation and provide recommendations for protective measures based on the experience of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) departments in 4 Chinese hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design. ⋯ COVID-19 patients require ENT consultation for many reasons, including tracheotomy. Otolaryngologists play an indispensable role in the treatment of COVID-19 patients but, due to their work, are at high risk of exposure. Appropriate protective strategies can prevent infection of otolaryngologists.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Tracheostomy intervention in intubated COVID positive patients: A survey of current clinical practice among ENT surgeons.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented need for critical care intervention. Prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation has resulted in the need for tracheostomy in some patients. The purpose of this international survey was to assess optimal timing, technique and outcome for this intervention. ⋯ The results of this brief survey suggest that tracheostomy is of benefit in selected patients. There was insufficient data to suggest improved outcomes with either percutaneous vs an open surgical technique.