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March 27, 2020
Evaluation of COVID-19 RT-qPCR test in multi-sample pools.
The authors found that a pooled sampling approach consistently detected single samples of SARS-Cov-2 in pools of up to 32 unique samples, with an estimated false negative rate of 10%. This method could be applied immediately in current clinical testing laboratories, potentially enabling expansion of screening capacities to enable monitoring cohesive groups like hospital staff,…
Serological diagnostic kit of SARS-C 1 oV-2 antibodies using CHO2 expressed full-length SARS-CoV-2 S1 proteins.
The authors report on the development and validation of a SARS-CoV-2 serology ELISA kit for detection of total anti-virus antibody in suspected cases and potentially using this as an at-home testing kit. Sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA kit were both 97.5%, and the kit was used to successfully identify antibodies in a patient who…
Antibodies in Infants Born to Mothers With COVID-19 Pneumonia
A study reviewed outcomes of six neonates, all delivered via C-section to COVID-19-positive mothers. All tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 and had generally favorable outcomes, however had elevated antibody and cytokine levels, indicating potential in-utero infection. A larger study of 33 neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 found that clinical symptoms were mild, outcomes were favorable,…
March 26, 2020
Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Geriatrics and Long-term Care: The ABCDs of COVID-19
This report provides detailed information on the “ABCD’s” of the COVID-19 pandemic for geriatrics healthcare providers: Awareness of potential key clinical differences of COVID-19 in this population; quickly initiating appropriate behaviors to clinically manage the infection in LTCFs; implementing containment strategies to disrupt further spread of the virus; and being knowledgeable about the decisions being…
Critical Supply Shortages — The Need for Ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Ranney et al share several reasons that may have led to the critical shortage of PPE and ventilator supply in the US, and emphasize that a multipronged strategy requiring a concerted approach from local, state and national governments, private sectors and healthcare providers is necessary. Ranney et al. (Mar 25, 2020). Critical Supply Shortages —…
Epidemiological and Clinical Predictors of COVID-19.
Sun et al share results from 4 prediction models that included rapidly ascertainable clinical findings, clinical tests, demographic variables and exposure risk factors. These could be used to identify individuals with a higher probability for COVID-19 and enable prioritization of PCR-testing and containment efforts. Basic laboratory test results were crucial to prediction models. Sun et…
Estimating the maximum daily number of incident COVID-19 cases manageable by a healthcare system.
The COVID-19 Acute and Intensive Care Resource Tool (CAIC-RT) is capable of estimating the maximum daily number of incident COVID-19 cases that a Healthcare system could manage based on age-adjusted case distribution and severity data from the US. This tool can help planners determine a sustainable threshold for resource utilization, and is available online at…
The different clinical characteristics of corona virus disease cases between children and their families in China – the character of children with COVID-19.
This study presents clinical characteristics of COVID-19 from 9 children and their families, indicating that new control measures should include rapid medical assessment and removal of cases from home and increased awareness of the importance of protective measures after symptom onset. Su et al. (Mar 25, 2020). The different clinical characteristics of corona virus disease…
Association of Cardiac Injury With Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.
In this cohort study of 416 patients from 1 hospital in Wuhan, the authors find that cardiac injury was a common condition among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and was associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Although the exact mechanism of cardiac injury needs to be further explored, the findings highlight the need to…
Analysis of Epidemiological and Clinical features in older patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) out of Wuhan.
This retrospective study of 788 COVID-19 patients, 136 of whom were older patients (60+ years), from Wuhan describes the specific epidemiological and clinical features of older COVID-19 patients. The study finds that these older patients were more likely to: be female gender; have high body temperature; show familiar clustering; have co-existing basic diseases, dyspnea, or…
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