COVID-19 and the Otolaryngologist - Preliminary Evidence-Based Review

The Laryngoscope

Vukkadala, Neelaysh; Qian, Z. Jason; Holsinger, F. Christopher; Patel, Zara M.; Rosenthal, Eben.

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly swept across the world since its identification in December 2019. Otolaryngologists are at unique risk due to the close contact with mucus membranes of the upper respiratory tract and have been among the most affected healthcare workers in Wuhan, China. We present information on COVID-19 management relevant to otolaryngologists on the frontlines of this pandemic and provide preliminary guidance based on practices implemented in China and other countries and practical strategies deployed at Stanford University. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Keywords

COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; clinical practice guidelines; evidence-based medicine; infectious disease.

Prolonged Viral Shedding in Feces of Pediatric Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection

Xing, Yu-Han; Ni, Wei; Wu, Qin; Li, Wen-Jie; Li, Guo-Ju; Wang, Wen-Di; Tong, Jian-Ning; Song, Xiu-Feng; Wing-Kin Wong, Gary; Xing, Quan-Sheng

Abstract

Objective

To determine the dynamic changes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in respiratory and fecal specimens in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

From January 17, 2020 to February 23, 2020, three paediatric cases of COVID-19 were reported in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and treatment data were collected. Patients were followed up to March 10, 2020, and dynamic profiles of nucleic acid testing results in throat swabs and fecal specimens were closely monitored.

Results

Clearance of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory tract occurred within two weeks after abatement of fever, whereas viral RNA remained detectable in stools of pediatric patients for longer than 4 weeks. Two children had fecal SARS-CoV-2 undetectable 20 days after throat swabs showing negative, while that of another child lagged behind for 8 days.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 may exist in children's gastrointestinal tract for a longer time than respiratory system. Persistent shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in stools of infected children raises the possibility that the virus might be transmitted through contaminated fomites. Massive efforts should be made at all levels to prevent spreading of the infection among children after reopening of kindergartens and schools.

Keywords

SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Pediatric patient, Fecal shedding

The Association Between International And Domestic Air Traffic And The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection

Lau, Hien; Khosrawipour, Veria; Kocbach, Piotr; Mikolajczyk, Agata; Ichii, Hirohito; Zacharksi, Maciej; Bania, Jacek; Khosrawipour, Tanja

Abstract

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Many countries are facing increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases, which are, in their origin mostly attributed to regular international flight connections with China. This study aims to investigate this relation by analyzing available data on air traffic volume and the spread of COVID-19 cases.

Methods

and findings: We analyzed available data on current domestic and international passenger volume and flight routes and compared these to the distribution of domestic and international COVID-19 cases.

Results

Our data indicate a strong linear correlation between domestic COVID-19 cases and passenger volume for regions within China (r2 = 0.92, p = 0.19) and a significant correlation between international COVID-19 cases and passenger volume (r2 = 0.98, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The number of flight routes as well as total passenger volume are highly relevant risk factors for the spread of current COVID-19. Multiple regions within Asia, as well as some in North America and Europe are at serious risk of constant exposure to COVID-19 from China and other highly infected countries. Risk for COVID-19 exposure remains relatively low in South America and Africa. If adequate measures are taken, including on-site disease detection and temporary passenger quarantine, limited but not terminated air traffic can be a feasible option to prevent a long-term crisis. Reasonable risk calculations and case evaluations per passenger volume are crucial aspects which must be considered when reducing international flights.

Keywords

International flights, Pandemic, Coronavirus, China, COVID-19, Air traffic

ASPHER Statement On The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak Emergency

International Journal of Public Health

Middleton, John; Martin-Moreno, Jose M.; Barros, Henrique; Chambaud, Laurent; Signorelli, Carlo

Introduction

With the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) we are currently experiencing a worldwide emergency affecting all societies. Fortunately, we have learnt much since the 1918/19 influenza pandemic, and we have come a long way towards controlling infectious diseases. Smallpox has been eradicated, cases of measles and poliomyelitis have been drastically reduced, and much has been achieved in mitigating HIV. Still, we now must coordinate efforts on a global scale to stop the spread of COVID-19, an epidemic with grave consequences. Globalization, ease of travel and open borders present challenges; but the degree of scientific progress and the free exchange of rapidly generated knowledge also afford important opportunities not available in previous outbreaks. These opportunities must be put to good use; this is where public health plays a critical role.

Keywords

Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment; Epidemiology

Neurosurgery During The COVID-19 Pandemic: Update From Lombardy, Northern Italy

Acta Neurochirurgica

Zoia, Cesare; Bongetta, Daniele; Veiceschi, Pierlorenzo; Cenzato, Marco; Di Meco, Francesco; Locatelli, Davide; Boeris, Davide; Fontanella, Marco M.

Introduction

Since February, 21st 2020, when the first person infected was reported in Lombardy, Italy rapidly became home to a massive Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Currently, on 21th March, 53,578 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Italy. 6072 patients are now hospitalized. The number of deaths has risen to 4825 while 6072 were declared healed [4]. This data shows that Italy is, currently, the second most affected nation in the world by the epidemic, second only to China

Keywords

RCT; Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment

Social Media And Moral Panics: Assessing The Effects Of Technological Change On Societal Reaction

International Journal of Cultural Studies

Walsh, James P.

Abstract

Answering calls for deeper consideration of the relationship between moral panics and emergent media systems, this exploratory article assesses the effects of social media – web-based venues that enable and encourage the production and exchange of user-generated content. Contra claims of their empowering and deflationary consequences, it finds that, on balance, recent technological transformations unleash and intensify collective alarm. Whether generating fear about social change, sharpening social distance, or offering new opportunities for vilifying outsiders, distorting communications, manipulating public opinion, and mobilizing embittered individuals, digital platforms and communications constitute significant targets, facilitators, and instruments of panic production. The conceptual implications of these findings are considered.

Keywords

digital technologies, folk devils, moral panic, public communication, social media, social problems construction, societal reaction

Learning From History: Coronavirus Outbreaks In The Past

Dermatologic Therapy

Abdelmaksoud, Ayman; Kroumpouzos, George; Jafferany, Mohammad; Lotti, Torello; Sadoughifar, Roxanna; Goldust, Mohamad

Introduction

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -George Santayana
Coronaviruses were considered relatively harmless pathogens until they caused three major outbreaks of severe respiratory disease in the last 20 years. The current pandemic has compelled us to scrutinize the break-outs that have occurred in the past and imposed global threat time and again. Coronavirus is a single stranded enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the subfamily Coronavirinae. Based on the genomic structure, 4 subtypes of this zoonotic virus have been recognized- alphacoronavirus, betacoronavirus, gammacoronavirus and delta coronavirus. Alphacoronavirus and beta coronaviruses infect only mammals whereas gammacoronavirus and delta coronavirus infect mainly birds. Out of the former group, seven viruses are known to cause human disease. Four of these viruses, HCoV 229E, HCoV OC43, HCoVNL63 and HCoVHKU1, cause mild infections whereas three, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and the recently identified SARS-CoV2 cause serious respiratory illnesses in humans (Marra et al., 2003).

Keywords

Epidemiology

Complex Emergencies Of COVID-19: Management And Experience In Zhuhai

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Jin, Hao; Lu, Ligong; Liu, Junwei; Cui, Min

Abstract

The impact of communicable diseases (infectious diseases) on human health is obvious. The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) has made people realise the threat of communicable diseases to mankind. As a city of many migrants, Zhuhai Special Economic Zone experienced great challenges brought about by the COVID-19 epidemic. Experience has been acquired from all aspects of this. A highly reactive, multifunctional and efficient emergency management system should be established, and the significance of information communication should be fully understood for the future.

Keywords

COVID-19, Epidemic, Public health

COVID 19 in INDIA: Strategies to combat from combination threat of life and livelihood

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection

Krishnakumar, Balaji; Rana, Sravendra

Abstract

INDIA- As for reported in 360 COVID-19 cases (till March 22, 2020), seven people were died, and 23 people were treated successfully.1 This virus can easily affect who having respiratory problem and especially who all have been aged older than sixty. Most of the affected peoples had reached India from different part of the world, as like of carrier. Owing to this, India made several precautionary measures to mitigate/neglect the disease in beginning stage, however, the denser population of country will not be simple to control the same for long time (community spread), if government will not incorporate the visionary strategies. Since attacked several nations have been worried mostly for their people life (health), despite that developing country like India with huge population should consider about the livelihood (for Below Poverty Line (BPL) people), equally with the life. This article will give insights to make effective strategy to culminate the world threat COVID-19 in India.

INDIA- As for reported in 360 COVID-19 cases (till March 22, 2020), seven people were died, and 23 people were treated successfully.1 This virus can easily affect who having respiratory problem and especially who all have been aged older than sixty. Most of the affected peoples had reached India from different part of the world, as like of carrier. Owing to this, India made several precautionary measures to mitigate/neglect the disease in beginning stage, however, the denser population of country will not be simple to control the same for long time (community spread), if government will not incorporate the visionary strategies. Since attacked several nations have been worried mostly for their people life (health), despite that developing country like India with huge population should consider about the livelihood (for Below Poverty Line (BPL) people), equally with the life. This article will give insights to make effective strategy to culminate the world threat COVID-19 in India.

Keywords

Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment

World In Lockdown

New Scientist
Volume 245, Issue 3275, March 2020, Page 7

Hamzelou, Jessica

Introduction

Around a fifth of the global population is in lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, reports Jessica Hamzelou.


HE covid-19 pandemic is speeding up, the World Health Organization's director general has warned. As New Scientist went to press, 382,000 cases of the disease had been confirmed, although the actual number is likely to be much higher. More than 16,500 people have died.

Keywords

Epidemiology

Infectious Without Symptoms

New Scientist
Volume 245, Issue 3275, 28 March 2020, Pages 10-11

Lawton, Graham

Abstract

It is easy to spread the virus without realising you are ill, reports Graham Lawton

WITH more than 380,000 confirmed cases worldwide, one thing is clear about the new coronavirus: it is very good at infecting people. Now studies are starting to reveal just how infectious it is – and when a person with covid-19 is most likely to spread the virus.

Keywords

Epidemiology

You're Only As Young As Your Immune System

New Scientist
Volume 245, Issue 3275, March 2020, Pages 44-48

Lawton, Graham

Introduction

There has never been a more important time to keep your immune system fit and healthy. And as Graham Lawton discovers, there are now ways to keep it younger than you are.

WASH your hands religiously for 20 seconds, sneeze into your elbow, avoid touching your face, stay 1 meter away from all other people and, as a last resort, self-quarantine for a week with only your emergency rations for company. If you want to avoid getting the new coronavirus, all of these are a good idea. But ultimately, one of the most important things standing between you and a deadly bout of COVID-19 is your immune system.

Keywords

Epidemiology



Do You Become Immune Once You Have Been Infected?

New Scientist
Volume 245, Issue 3275, 28 March 2020, Pages 10-11

GI.

Introduction

SAY you have caught COVID-19 and recovered – are you now immune for life, or could you catch it again? We just don't know yet.

In February, reports emerged of a woman in Japan who had been given the all-clear after having COVID-19 but then tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus a second time. There have also been reports of a man in Japan testing positive after being given the all-clear, and anecdotal cases of second positives have emerged from China, too.

Keywords

Epidemiology

Providing Pharmacy Services During The Coronavirus Pandemic

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy

Liu, Shao; Luo, Ping; Tang, Mimi; Hu, Qin; Polidoro, Joseph P.; Sun, Shusen; Gong, Zhicheng

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is quickly spreading across China and globally. Pharmacy services are an important pillar in public health to prevent and contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese pharmacists have acted swiftly in the public health response in China, such as drafting professional service guidance to pharmacists and pharmacies, establishing emergency drug formularies, monitoring and resolving drug shortages, establishing remote pharmacy services to prevent human-to-human infections, providing event-driven pharmaceutical care, educating the public on infection prevention and disease management, and participating in clinical trials and drug evaluation. This commentary reviews the unique needs of pharmacy services in the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares our experiences with the international pharmacy community in the response to these needs.

Keywords

China, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pharmaceutical care, Pharmacists, Pharmacy service, Public health

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak: Could Pigs Be Vectors For Human Infections?

Xenotransplantation

Opriessnig, Tanja; Huang, Yao-Wei

Introduction

Coronaviruses (CoVs) have recently received an extraordinary level of global attention due to the discovery of a novel high pathogenic human coronavirus (CoV) in China in December 2019. CoVs are positive‐sense RNA viruses that belong to the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae (Source: International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses—ICTV, Taxonomy history: Orthocoronavirinae. Accessed January 24, 2020). This family can be divided into four genera, α‐CoVs, β‐CoVs, γ‐CoVs, and δ‐CoVs. CoV in humans are common, often associated with mild cold symptoms, and include the α‐CoVs HCoV‐229E and HCoV‐NL63, and the β‐CoVs HCoV‐OC43 and HCoV‐HKU1. In addition, to date three high pathogenic CoVs (all β‐CoVs) are recognized in humans and characterized by moderate (MERS‐CoV) or high (SARS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission rates and association with mortality.

Keywords

Epidemiology

The Epidemiology, Diagnosis And Treatment Of COVID-19

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Zhai, Pan; Ding, Yanbing; Wu, Xia; Long, Junke; Zhong, Yanjun; Li, Yiming

Abstract

In December 2019, the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China spread worldwide, becoming an emergency of major international concern. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes clusters of severe respiratory illness similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Human-to-human transmission has been described with incubation times between 2-14 days, facilitating its spread via droplets, contaminated hands or surfaces. Early diagnosis, quarantine, and supportive treatments are essential to cure patients. We therefore reviewed the literature on all available information about the epidemiology, diagnosis, isolation and treatments of COVID-19. Treatments, including antiviral agents, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, antibodies, convalescent plasma transfusion and vaccines, will be discussed in this article. Additionally, registered trials about treatment were listed to develop approaches for the current urgent demand for therapy.

Keywords

COVID-19, Pandemic, Diagnosis, Isolation, Remdesivir, Clinical trials

Chronic Kidney Disease Is Associated With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection

International Urology and Nephrology

Henry, Brandon Michael; Lippi, Giuseppe

Editor,

As the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak expands, identification of predictive factors for severe infection is essential to enable risk stratification, optimize reallocation of hospital resource, and guide public health recommendations and interventions. Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of both inpatient and outpatient pneumonia. Moreover, the pneumonia-related mortality rate in CKD patients seems to be 14–16 times higher than in the general population. In this article, we aim to explore the potential association between CKD and severity of COVID-19 infection.

Keywords

Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment

Arthralgia as an initial presentation of COVID-19: observation

Rheumatology International

Joob, Beuy; Wiwanitkit, Viroj.

Dear Editor,

Arthralgia is an important clinical complaint seen in many virus infections. For a new emerging disease from China, COVID-19, the data on the rheumatic manifestation are limited. In a clinical epidemiology report published in Lancet, no data on joint complaint of the patients are mentioned. Here, the authors would like to share observation from Thailand, the second country where the disease exists. In Thailand, at present (28 February 2020), there are 40 patients. Of these 40 patients, at least one patient (2.5%) presented with joint pain complaint. The case is a female patient who initially presented with high fever and low platelet count was observed…

Keywords

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Treatment