-
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden) Jun 2024The study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients' perceptions of the quality of their oncological treatment and care.
AIM
The study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients' perceptions of the quality of their oncological treatment and care.
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery and oncological resources were repurposed, potentially leading to prolonged treatment and reduced access to innovative therapies and clinical trials. Still, little is known about how patients perceived the quality of their treatment.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2020 among cancer patients at the Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Patients were invited to complete an online questionnaire on clinical, socioeconomic, emotional, behavioural, and quality-related aspects of oncological cancer care. Patients who experienced reduced treatment quality and those who reported no or slight reductions were compared using multiple logistic regression, exploring the associations with patient characteristics, behaviours, and fear of cancer progression or recurrence.
RESULTS
A total of 2,040/5,372 patients experienced changes in their treatment plans during the pandemic, and 1,570/5,372 patients experienced reduced treatment quality, with 236 reporting a high degree of reduction. Patients with breast, head and neck, and upper gastrointestinal cancers were more likely to experience reduced treatment quality. Altered interactions with healthcare providers, along with isolation, lack of social support, and heightened fear of cancer progression, were significant risk factors for experiencing reduced cancer care quality.
INTERPRETATION
We identified subgroups of cancer patients needing targeted communication and care during health crises affecting cancer treatment. The findings underscore the importance of safeguarding the needs of vulnerable patient populations in future healthcare emergencies.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Male; Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Aged; Denmark; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Quality of Health Care; Adult; SARS-CoV-2; Surveys and Questionnaires; Medical Oncology; Pandemics
PubMed: 38946287
DOI: 10.2340/1651-226X.2024.40141 -
The American Journal of Psychiatry Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Psychiatry; Societies, Medical; United States; COVID-19
PubMed: 38946269
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.24181005 -
Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC Mar 2024Introduction Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Existing studies are highly heterogeneous. We aimed to assess the prevalence of TE in a...
Introduction Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Existing studies are highly heterogeneous. We aimed to assess the prevalence of TE in a cohort of patients with severe disease hospitalized for acute COVID-19. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at the University Clinic of Dermatology, part of the COVID-19 University Hospital Network throughout the pandemic. The acute phase data were extracted from electronic hospital records. Details about hair loss were obtained at two follow-up points, 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge, using telephone interviews. Results A total of 77 patients were successfully followed up, and 40 (48.8%) were male. The mean age was 55.91, SD=10,588. Overall, 68.8% of patients reported TE. Among these, 52.8% reported early onset, and 50.9% reported moderate hair loss. 11 (20.7%) reported complete hair regrowth within three months, and an additional 32 (60.3%) reported complete regrowth within six months. 4 (7.5%) patients have chronic TE. Female sex (p<0.0001), anemia (p=0.019), hypoproteinemia (p=0.037), and severe pneumonia (p=0.004) were associated with TE. Age, fever, SpO2, CRP levels, in-hospital complications, and raised D-dimers were not associated with TE. Discussion Our study confirmed a high prevalence of COVID-19-associated TE in hospitalized patients. Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were associated with TE, shedding new light on the possible pathogenesis. COVID-19-associated TE occurs earlier than classic TE and has a good prognosis in most patients. However, chronic ТЕ was reported by 7.5%. Even a small incidence of long-term sequelae during a pandemic could have substantial health consequences.
Topics: Humans; Male; COVID-19; Female; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Adult; Patient Discharge; Aged; Alopecia; Prevalence; Cohort Studies; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38946185
DOI: No ID Found -
Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis :... Jun 2024Functional decline occurs during dialysis initiation, particularly in unplanned cases. To prevent unplanned hemodialysis, we aimed to identify associated factors from...
INTRODUCTION
Functional decline occurs during dialysis initiation, particularly in unplanned cases. To prevent unplanned hemodialysis, we aimed to identify associated factors from the first referral to the nephrology department to hemodialysis initiation and assess patient prognosis post-unplanned hemodialysis initiation.
METHODS
This retrospective study involved 257 Japanese patients initiating hemodialysis and compared patient characteristics based on whether hemodialysis was planned or unplanned at a single center. Patient outcomes were evaluated in collaboration with maintenance hemodialysis centers.
RESULTS
Unplanned hemodialysis initiation correlated with heart failure history (p < 0.05) and infections like pneumonia (p < 0.001). Patients with unplanned hemodialysis initiation had a worse prognosis than those with planned initiation (p < 0.001), and multivariable Cox regression showed it as an independent risk factor for death (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Hygiene and careful attention to heart failure may reduce unplanned hemodialysis and improve patient well-being and healthcare efficiency. This retrospective analysis highlights crucial considerations for optimizing the initiation of hemodialysis.
PubMed: 38946143
DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.14181 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... Jul 2024BACKGROUND Thrombosis poses a grave threat to patients undergoing kidney transplants, with a heightened risk of mortality. While previous studies have established a link...
BACKGROUND Thrombosis poses a grave threat to patients undergoing kidney transplants, with a heightened risk of mortality. While previous studies have established a link between COVID-19 and thrombosis, the specific association between COVID-19 and thrombosis in this patient population remains unexplored. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing data from 394 individuals who underwent kidney transplantation within the period of September 1, 2015, to April 1, 2023. To evaluate overall survival, we employed Kaplan-Meier analysis and utilized a logistic regression model for risk analysis. Furthermore, we developed a prediction model and assessed its accuracy through calibration curves. RESULTS Out of the 394 patients included in our study, a total of 51 individuals experienced thrombosis, resulting in 2 deaths. Our analysis revealed that COVID-19 infection significantly increased the risk of thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] 8.60, 95% confidence interval 3.13-24.74, P<0.01). Additionally, the use of cyclosporine was found to elevate the risk of death (OR 20.86, 95% CI 7.93-59.24, P<0.01) according to multifactorial analysis. Logistic models were employed to screen variables, and predictive models were constructed based on the presence of COVID-19 infection and the usage of cyclosporine. A nomogram was developed, demonstrating promising accuracy in estimating the risk of thrombosis during internal validation, with a corrected C-index of 0.869. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that both COVID-19 infection and the use of cyclosporine can serve as reliable predictors of thrombosis risk in patients undergoing renal transplantation. Furthermore, we developed a mortality risk prediction model based on COVID-19 in assessing thrombosis.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Transplantation; COVID-19; Thrombosis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Incidence; Adult; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Transplant Recipients; SARS-CoV-2; Logistic Models; Aged; Cyclosporine; Kaplan-Meier Estimate
PubMed: 38946121
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944285 -
Mycoses Jul 2024The impact of COVID-19 on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Argentina and the consequences generated by the pandemic are discussed. From 2018 to 3 years after the...
The impact of COVID-19 on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Argentina and the consequences generated by the pandemic are discussed. From 2018 to 3 years after the pandemic declaration, 285 proven PCM patients were registered. No association between both diseases was documented. PCM frequency decreased to extremely low levels in 2020. Mandatory social isolation and the emotional and psychological effects generated under pandemic circumstances led to delays in diagnosis, severe disseminated cases, and other challenges for diagnosis in subsequent years. Probable underdiagnosis should be considered due to the overlap of clinical manifestations, the low index of suspicion and the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools.
Topics: Paracoccidioidomycosis; Humans; COVID-19; Argentina; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Female; SARS-CoV-2; Aged; Young Adult; Pandemics; Adolescent; Delayed Diagnosis
PubMed: 38946016
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13761 -
Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. Folia... 2024Ensitrelvir fumaric acid (Xocova hereafter ensitrelvir) is a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug for COVID-19. Hokkaido University and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. engaged in joint... (Review)
Review
Ensitrelvir fumaric acid (Xocova hereafter ensitrelvir) is a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug for COVID-19. Hokkaido University and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. engaged in joint research targeting SARS-CoV-2 3C-like (3CL) protease at an early stage and started clinical trials in July 2021. In February 2022, an application was filed for manufacture and sales approval for the indication of "SARS-CoV-2 infection,". Ensitrelvir recieved the first emergency regulatory approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan in November 2022, and has obtained standard approval in March 2024. This emergency approval was based on the confirmed safety in a Phase 2/3 study (T1221) conducted in Japan and other Asian countries (Korea and Vietnam) in patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 and the presumed efficacy in Phase 3 Part (SCORPIO-SR), and the standard approval is based on efficacy from the Phase 3 part. In the Phase 3 part, ensitrelvir administered orally 375/125 mg once daily for five days, in patients with irrespective of risk factors for severe complications and vaccination status, demonstrating a significant reduction vs placebo in the time to resolution of five typical Omicron-related symptoms (stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, feeling hot or feverish, and low energy or tiredness), and also showed a significant reduction in viral RNA on day 4 relative to placebo (P < 0.001). In the Phase 2/3 study, there were no serious adverse events or deaths, indicating good tolerability and safety. We hope that ensitrelvir will contribute as a new treatment option for patients suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; SARS-CoV-2; Tablets; Clinical Trials as Topic; COVID-19; Antiviral Agents; Treatment Outcome; Fumarates; Indazoles; Triazines; Triazoles
PubMed: 38945910
DOI: 10.1254/fpj.24017 -
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the... 2024An overwhelming surge of information regarding preparedness for postvaccination side effects had caused widespread confusion approximately since April 2021, when the...
An overwhelming surge of information regarding preparedness for postvaccination side effects had caused widespread confusion approximately since April 2021, when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination had started for the general population in Japan. Notably, this resulted in a remarkably increased shortage of OTC acetaminophen formulations. The aim of this study was to elucidate the actual responses of the public in such an environment, how individuals acquired and understood information related to the management of postvaccination side effects, and how they obtained and used antipyretic analgesics before and after COVID-19 vaccination. We conducted a web-based survey in January 2022, targeting 400 individuals aged ≥20 years, who had received two COVID-19 vaccine doses, and excluded qualified professionals such as physicians and pharmacists. The results revealed that 67% of the respondents had obtained antipyretic analgesics in anticipation of adverse effects after vaccination, whereas 38% had taken these medicines before and/or after the second vaccination. Possible misappropriation of medicines from others, preventive administration, and lack of dosage and administration confirmation are the problems identified in medication acquisition and usage. Additionally, avoidance of antipyretic analgesics based on information without scientific evidence was observed. This study revealed no small amount of inappropriate use of medicines in situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where there is an "infodemic" of mixed-quality information. Pharmacists, as experts in medication, should play a crucial role in promoting appropriate medication usage by consistently staying updated with the latest scientific evidence and proactively supporting OTC drug selection and counseling medication.
Topics: Humans; Antipyretics; Pharmacists; COVID-19 Vaccines; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Acetaminophen; Japan; Surveys and Questionnaires; Professional Role; Vaccination; Aged; Young Adult; Nonprescription Drugs; COVID-19
PubMed: 38945850
DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00183 -
American Journal of Critical Care : An... Jul 2024Use of noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is debated. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges due to high patient volumes...
BACKGROUND
Use of noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is debated. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges due to high patient volumes and worldwide resource strain.
OBJECTIVES
To determine associations between use of noninvasive ventilation in adult patients with moderate to severe ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, progression to intubation, and hospital mortality.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included patients in an institutional COVID-19 registry. Adult patients were included if they were admitted for COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022, and developed moderate to severe ARDS. Primary outcomes were progression to intubation and hospital mortality in patients who received noninvasive ventilation or mechanical ventilation. A secondary outcome was successful treatment with noninvasive ventilation without intubation.
RESULTS
Of 823 patients who met inclusion criteria, 454 (55.2%) did not receive noninvasive ventilation and 369 (44.8%) received noninvasive ventilation. Patients receiving noninvasive ventilation were more likely to require mechanical ventilation than were patients not receiving noninvasive ventilation. Among patients requiring endotracheal intubation, those receiving noninvasive ventilation had a higher likelihood of mortality. Patients receiving noninvasive ventilation had lower severity-adjusted odds of survival to discharge without intubation than did patients not receiving noninvasive ventilation.
CONCLUSION
Patients with moderate to severe ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia treated with noninvasive ventilation had increased likelihood of progression to endotracheal intubation and hospital mortality.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Noninvasive Ventilation; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Hospital Mortality; Aged; Intubation, Intratracheal; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Respiration, Artificial; Adult
PubMed: 38945818
DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2024663 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... Jul 2024
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Blood Coagulation; SARS-CoV-2; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Host-Pathogen Interactions
PubMed: 38945665
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.03.023