Articles: pandemics.
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Hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be classified into different clinical phenotypes based on their demographic, clinical, radiology, and laboratory features. We aimed to validate in an external cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients the prognostic value of a previously described phenotyping system (FEN-COVID-19) and to assess the reproducibility of phenotypes development as a secondary analysis. ⋯ The prognostic impact of FEN-COVID-19 phenotypes was confirmed in our external cohort, although with less difference in mortality between phenotypes A and B than in the original study.
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Observational Study
EXPRESS: Potential Reduction of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-COV2 Symptoms Via Vaccination.
The objective of this observational study is to determine whether vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 alters the clinical presentation of post-COVID conditions (PCC). Self-reported data provided by patients requesting care for PCC at the Mayo Clinic were analyzed to assess for a relationship between vaccination status prior to COVID infection and PCC symptoms. In all, 477 subjects were included in this study. ⋯ After applying Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, decreased abdominal pain remained significant. We conclude that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 may reduce the symptoms of PCC, leading to improved morbidity and function. Further studies on the impact of vaccination on PCC and recovery are needed.
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Despite recommendations for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, studies have documented gaps and disparities in vaccination coverage for adults and adolescents. Understanding the proportion and demographics of those unvaccinated against influenza and/or COVID-19 is important for tailoring appropriate messaging and strategies to increase confidence and uptake. ⋯ During the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately two-thirds of adolescents and three-fourths of adults received exclusive influenza or COVID-19 vaccines or both vaccines in 2021. Vaccination patterns differed by sociodemographic and other characteristics. Promoting confidence in vaccines and reducing barriers to access is needed to protect individuals and families from severe health consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases. Being up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations can prevent a future resurgence of hospitalizations and cases.Key messages42.5% of adults and 28.3% of adolescents received both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, while approximately a quarter (22.4%) of adults and a third (34.0%) of adolescents did not receive either vaccine; 6.0% of adults and 11.4% of adolescents were exclusively vaccinated against influenza and 29.1% of adults and 26.4% of adolescents were exclusively vaccinated against COVID-19.Among adults, exclusive COVID-19 vaccination or dual vaccination was more likely to be associated with older age, non-Hispanic multi/other race, and having a college degree or higher compared to their respective counterparts; exclusive influenza vaccination or neither vaccination was more likely to be associated with younger age, having a high school diploma or less, living below poverty level, and having a previous COVID-19 diagnosis compared to their respective counterparts.Promoting confidence in vaccines and reducing barriers to access is needed to protect individuals and families from severe health consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases. Being up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations can prevent a future resurgence of hospitalizations and cases, especially as new variants emerge.
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The COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic effect on various health systems in terms of admissions and outcomes, including pediatric surgery activity. The aim of this paper was to analyze the outcome of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients admitted to our department during the regional COVID-19 pandemic in North-Eastern Romania. We also evaluated the changes generated in our daily practice by the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic response to this major challenge. ⋯ The SARS-CoV-2 infection had no significant influence on the outcome of pediatric surgical cases included in the study. We noticed a significant (31.54%) decrease in the number of admissions compared to the previous 2-year interval before the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast and adequate adjustment of the daily activity imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic was feasible and may be used in the future should similar epidemiological emergencies occur.
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This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cochlear implantation (CI) recipients in Saudi Arabia. The impact was measured using the results of an online survey that investigated challenges related to access to re/habilitation and programming services, increased dependence on virtual interaction, and emotional impact. ⋯ Collectively, outcomes from this study highlight the importance of shifting towards a more patient -centered model that offers empowerment and self-advocacy. In addition, the outcomes also emphasize the importance of developing and adapting emergency protocols. This will ensure continuation of services provided to CI recipients during scenario disasters like a pandemic.Key messagesPediatric aural re/habilitation was subjected to a significantly greater interruption, compared to adult aural re/habilitation, duringthe COVID-19 shutdown.Cochlear Implant (CI) recipients expressed feelings of anxiety, social isolation, and fear. These feelings were related to sudden changes in their CI functioning, caused by interruption of support services during the pandemic.Patient -centered model can offer emergency protocols that ensure a smooth continuation of cochlear implant-related re/habilitation and services during disaster scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic.