Article Summary
April 14, 2020
Diminishing Marginal Benefit of Social Distancing in Balancing COVID-19 Medical Demand-to-Supply
Liu et al investigate the dynamics of social distancing on an age-stratified US population and the estimated burden on hospital bed availability. Findings suggest an optimal intermittent social-to-no-distancing ratio of 5:1, corresponding to an 80% reduction in healthcare demands. Liu et al. (April 14, 2020). Diminishing Marginal Benefit of Social Distancing in Balancing COVID-19 Medical…
COVID-19: Herd Immunity and Convalescent Plasma Transfer Therapy
The authors discuss the viability of deploying recovered individuals, who may have immunity to COVID-19, as part of emergency response, and the need to validate promising findings from using antibodies in convalescent plasma from recovered patients. Syal. (April 13, 2020). COVID-19: Herd Immunity and Convalescent Plasma Transfer Therapy. Journal. J Med Virol. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25870
Protecting our health care workers while protecting our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison of approaches and early outcomes in two Italian regions, Italy, 2020
The authors determine that the community-based approach used in Veneto was associated with reduced cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and infection among HCWs when compared with the patient-centered approach used in Lombardy. Findings suggest that the impact of COVID-19 can be reduced through strong and aggressive public health efforts to confirm and isolate cases and to minimize…
April 13, 2020
Method for Active Pandemic Curve Management (MAPCM)
A new technique, the method for active pandemic curve management (MAPCM), uses a quasi-open-loop control method to shape the outbreak curve of SARS-CoV-2 spread in a population. This method may make it possible to keep hospitalizations within available healthcare capacity without sacrificing lives while keeping the economy moving. He reports that better results can be…
Symptom Cluster of ICU nurses treating COVID-19 pneumonia patients in Wuhan, China
Yifan et al investigated the symptoms and causes of Somatic Symptom Disorders of 140 ICU nurses treating COVID-19 patients. They reported 5 major symptoms: chest-discomfort-and-palpitation, dyspnea, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Symptoms were classified into 3 clusters: Cluster A, breathing and sleep disturbances; Cluster B, gastrointestinal complaints and pain; and Cluster C, general symptoms. Results provide…
COVID-19 and Diabetes: Knowledge in Progress
Hussain et al reviewed scientific literature for general characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 to provide a better understanding and management of COVID-19 in diabetic patients. They identified chronic inflammation, increased coagulation activity, immune response impairment, and potential direct pancreatic damage by SARS-CoV-2 as underlying mechanisms. They caution against using chloroquine during hypoglycemic events in patients. From…
Factors associated with hospitalization and critical illness among 4,103 patients with Covid-19 disease in New York City
Petrilli et al examined factors associated with hospitalization and critical illness in Covid-19 positive patients treated at a health system in New York City between March 1 – April 2, 2020. The strongest risk factors for hospitalization identified were: age >65 yrs, BMI>40 and heart failure. Strongest critical illness risks were: admission oxygen saturation <88%,…
Association of chemosensory dysfunction and Covid-19 in patients presenting with influenza-like symptoms
Han et al conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate loss of smell and taste as pathognomonic symptom of COVID-19 using an internet-based platform on adult subjects who underwent testing for Covid-19. Smell and taste loss were reported in 68% and 71% of Covid-19-positive subjects, respectively, compared to 16% and 17% of Covid-19-negative patients. Smell and…
Treatment with ACE-inhibitors is associated with less severe disease with SARS-Covid-19 infection in a multi-site UK acute Hospital Trust
The SARS-Cov2 virus binds to the ACE2 receptor for cell entry. Bean et al reported that treatment with ACE-inhibitors was associated with a reduced risk of rapidly deteriorating severe disease. Bean et al. (April 11 2020). Treatment with ACE-inhibitors is associated with less severe disease with SARS-Covid-19 infection in a multi-site UK acute Hospital Trust….
CT features of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia according to clinical presentation: a retrospective analysis of 120 consecutive patients from Wuhan city
Zang et al characterized the chest CT findings of SARS-CoV-2 according to clinical severity in hospital setting in Wuhan City. In their report, they present a summary of clinical features and predominant patterns of abnormalities observed on CT for asymptomatic, typic common, and severe cases. These findings may help clinicians to identify severe patients quickly…
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