Articles: sars-cov-2.
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Persistent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 are prevalent weeks to months following the infection. To date, it is difficult to disentangle the direct from the indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2, including lockdown, social, and economic factors. ⋯ SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to persistent symptoms over several months, including in young healthy individuals, in addition to the pandemic effects, and potentially more than other common respiratory infections. Symptoms impact functional capacity up to 12 months post infection.
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Case Reports
Acute odynophagia - a new symptom of COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant wave in Sweden.
The objective of this study is to present a novel clinical manifestation of infection with the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus affecting mainly young, vaccinated, and healthy adults. We describe a new group of COVID-19 patients seeking emergency care with symptoms similar to the life-threatening condition epiglottitis. Here, we present a case series and discuss management. ⋯ Previous variants of SARS-CoV-2 infection affected predominantly the lower respiratory tract and were associated with loss of smell and taste in many patients. The Omicron variant seems to affect predominantly the upper airways and cause acute laryngitis without olfactory dysfunction. In some patients, the clinical manifestation is similar to the symptoms of epiglottitis. In such a case, a prompt examination of the larynx is the gold standard to exclude inflammatory edema in the upper airways. None of the patients described in this study developed epiglottitis. In this study, we discuss the management of acute odynophagia in COVID-19 patients.
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Carrara E, Ong DS, Hussein K, et al. ESCMID guidelines on testing for SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic individuals to prevent transmission in the health care setting. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2022;28:672-80. 35124258.
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Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were developed as an alternative to warfarin to treat and prevent thromboembolism, including stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients. The COVID-19 pandemic could increase the risk of stroke and/or the risk of bleeding in patients due to nonadherence or sub/supra-optimal dosing. ⋯ A 19% increase in mean DOAC's accompanied with 20% warfarin prescriptions decline was observed. ITS modelling showed an increase in DOAC prescription volume in March 2020 (+7 million items, p = 0.008). The pre-existing upward trend in DOAC prescriptions slowed during the period (-427,000 items, p = 0.007). Apixaban was the most frequently used DOAC and had the largest step-change in March 2020 (+5 million items, p = 0.010). The mean monthly combined cost of DOACs and warfarin was higher during the period. DOAC prescription trends were consistent across England's regions. Conclusion: The overall oral anticoagulants use in this period was lower than expected, indicating a medical needs gap, possibly due to adherence issues. The potential clinical and logistical consequences warrant further study to identify contributing factors and mitigate avoidable risks.
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The lancet oncology · Jul 2022
Oncological surgeries in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic: an epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive study.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health-care systems worldwide. Elective procedures, including cancer surgeries, were suspended in most hospitals in consequence of the need to prioritise emergencies and to reduce the risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The objective of this work was to understand the variation in the number of cancer surgeries after the partial suspension of these services in Brazil during the pandemic. ⋯ None.