March 12, 2020
COVID-19 Literature Situation Report March 12, 2020
Category: COVID-19 Literature Situation Report
The scientific literature on COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and these articles were selected for review based on their relevance to Washington State decision making around COVID-19 response efforts. Included in these Lit Reps are some manuscripts that have been made available online as pre-prints but have not yet undergone peer review. Please be aware of this when reviewing articles included in the Lit Reps.
Key Takeaways
- One study calls attention to clinical recommendations during the current outbreak for psoriasis patients who may be on immunosuppressive treatments.
- In line with prior reports, another article finds no evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy while also emphasizing the importance of effective protective measures during delivery.
- A new study emphasizes the need for more detailed contact investigations to improve our understanding of COVID-19 transmissibility.
- Several papers in recent days have outlined the importance of hospital preparedness for COVID-19 and have proposed protocols to support these efforts.
Article Summaries
Transmission
SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Travelers returning from Wuhan, China
- In this correspondence based on a follow-up on 94 people who boarded an evacuation flight from Wuhan to Singapore on Jan 30th, the authors highlight the importance of understanding transmission of COVID-19 from asymptomatic people or those with very mild symptoms for successful containment strategies.
Ng et al. (Mar 12, 2020). SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Travelers returning from Wuhan, China. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2003100
Lack of vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, China
- This article reiterates that mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely and highlights the importance of effective implementation of protective measures during delivery.
Li et al. (Mar 5, 2020). Lack of vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, China. Emerging Infectious Disease. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2606.200287
First known person-to-person transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the USA
- This article describes the epidemiologic investigation and contact tracing that was conducted on this first person-to-person transmission in the U.S. that occurred between two people with prolonged, unprotected exposure while the index patient (travel-associated case) was symptomatic.
- The authors note that despite actively monitoring almost 350 contacts and the 75 contacts who further developed COVID-19 symptoms during the 14-day incubation period, all of them tested negative for COVID-19.
- Further detailed reports of contact investigations could improve understanding of the transmissibility of this novel virus.
Ghinai et al. (Mar 12, 2020). First known person-to-person transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the USA. The Lancet.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30607-3
Testing and Treatment
COVID-19 and psoriasis: is it time to limit treatment with immunosuppressants? A call for action
- The authors stress the importance of a therapeutic reassessment of all psoriatic patients because immunosuppressive drugs can weaken the immune system making these patients more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Conforti et al. (Mar 11, 2020). COVID-19 and psoriasis: is it time to limit treatment with immunosuppressants? A call for action. Dermatologic Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.13298
Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting
Preparing for a COVID-19 pandemic: a review of operating room outbreak response measures in a large tertiary hospital in Singapore
- Wong et al describe potential outbreak response measures for tertiary level acute care hospitals preparing for COVID-19.
Wong et al. (Mar 4, 2020). Preparing for a COVID-19 pandemic: a review of operating room outbreak response measures in a large tertiary hospital in Singapore. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-020-01620-9
Detection of Covid-19 in Children in Early January 2020 in Wuhan, China
- This retrospective analysis of 366 children hospitalized in Wuhan early in the COVID-19 outbreak found that the most frequent pathogen identified was influenza A. 6 patients tested positive for COVID-19, presenting with moderate-to-severe symptoms. The findings indicate the COVID-19 infections in children were occurring early in the epidemic.
Liu et al (Mar 12, 2020). Detection of Covid-19 in Children in Early January 2020 in Wuhan, China. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2003717
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Protecting Hospitals From the Invisible
- Klompas emphasizes the need for hospitals to have more aggressive policies on respiratory hygiene and bolstering restrictions on patients, visitors, and health care workers to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Klompas (Mar 11, 2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Protecting Hospitals From the Invisible. Annals of Internal Medicine. Article available here
How Should U.S. Hospitals Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
- The authors describe detailed strategies for hospitals to consider when developing their preparedness plans for COVID-19.
Chopra et al. (Mar 11, 2020). How Should U.S. Hospitals Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Annals of Internal Medicine. Article available here
2019 novel coronavirus patients’ clinical characteristics, discharge rate and fatality rate of meta-analysis
- Li et al summarize clinical data from 10 studies to describe the clinical symptoms, laboratory test data, and epidemiological characteristics of about 2,000 COVID-19 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that men accounted for 60% of COVID-19 patients, which was higher than women, and the case fatality was 7%.
Li et al. (Mar 12, 2020). 2019 novel coronavirus patients’ clinical characteristics, discharge rate and fatality rate of meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Virology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25757
Other Resources and Commentaries
- Virtually perfect? Telemedicine for COVID-19 – NEJM (Mar 12)
- Hollander et al list out various reasons why telemedicine is a great solution for COVID-19.
- ISUOG Interim Guidance on 2019 novel coronavirus infection during pregnancy and puerperium: information for healthcare professionals – Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology (Mar 11)
- In addition to providing interim guidance on COVID-19, the article mentions that while there is no evidence that pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection or that those with COVID-19 are more prone to developing severe pneumonia, the case fatality among pregnant women may be up to 25%. However, note that further research on pregnancy and birth effects of COVID-19 is warranted.
- COVID-19, Australia: Epidemiology Report 6 – (Mar 7) This is the sixth epidemiological report for COVID-19 reported in Australia
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