pandemics

SARS-CoV-2

National Institutes of Health (U.S.)

Guidance on how to evaluate and manage patients with prolonged COVID symptoms. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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As the pandemic of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection continues, there is another pandemic that shadows it—the growing population of people who have new, continuing, or recurring symptoms long after initial infection. Many refer to this condition as “long COVID,” and the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) official name for the condition is postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Whatever we call it, the current limited understanding of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and course of this condition makes caring for these patients a vexing challenge.

Author/s:

Laine, C., Cotton, D.

Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2

Saige Blanchard — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

January 3, 2022

Journal/Publication:

Journal of the American Medical Association

Publisher:

American Medical Association

Publication Date:

February 10, 2021

Issue:

Volume:

325

Pages:

998-999

URL:

Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2

Type:

Community-Based Research Results

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1001/jama.2021.1505

Keywords

MeSH

A summary of what we know about the effectiveness of masks for preventing the spread of SARS COV2. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the efficacy of community mask wearing to reduce the spread of respiratory infections was controversial because there were no solid relevant data to support their use. During the pandemic, the scientific evidence has increased. Compelling data now demonstrate that community mask wearing is an effective nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce the spread of this infection, especially as source control to prevent spread from infected persons, but also as protection to reduce wearers’ exposure to infection.

Author/s:

Brooks, J. T., Butler, J. C.

Cervical cancer screening guideline for individuals at average risk

Bethie Seay — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

November 14, 2021

Journal/Publication:

JAMA

Publication Date:

November 12, 2021

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

DOI (1):

10.1001/jama.2021.13448

MeSH

female

Adult

aged

uterine cervical neoplasms

early detection of cancer

Papillomavirus Infections

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s most recent recommendations regarding cervical cancer screening.

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Major recommendations

Begin screening at age 25 years regardless of sexual history or HPV vaccination status (strong recommendation)

Primary HPV testing every 5 years through age 65 years (strong recommendation)

If primary HPV testing is not available use cotesting (HPV+ cytology) every 5 years or every 3 years if cytology only (strong recommendation)

Discontinue screening at age 65 years if no history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more severe diagnosis in last 25 years and adequate negative prior screening in last 10 years (qualified recommendation)

Author/s:

Chor, J., Davis, A. M., Rusiecki, J. M.

Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Anosmia 1 Year After COVID-19 Diagnosis

Saige Blanchard — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

June 30, 2021

Journal/Publication:

Journal of the American Medical Association

Publisher:

JAMA Network Open

Issue:

Volume:

URL:

Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Anosmia 1 Year After COVID-19 Diagnosis

Type:

Clinical Research Results

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.15352

Keywords

PMID (1):

34165581

MeSH

Patients who develop anosmia with COVID-19 almost always recover some or all of their olfactory function over the course of a year. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Since the pandemic was declared in early 2020, COVID-19–related anosmia quickly emerged as a telltale sign of infection.1,2 However, the time course and reversibility of COVID-19–related olfactory disorders, which may persist and negatively affect patients’ lives, require further study. To clarify the clinical course and prognosis, we followed a cohort of patients with COVID-19–related anosmia for 1 year and performed repeated olfactory function evaluations for a subset of patients.

Author/s:

Renaud, Marion, Thibault, Claire, Normand, F. L., Mcdonald, E. G., Gallix, B., Debry, C., Venkatasamy, A.

Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Devin Evans — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

December 21, 2020

Journal/Publication:

Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology

Publication Date:

December 9, 2020

URL:

Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.4779

Keywords

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome

coronavirus

children

PMID (1):

33295957

MeSH

A summary of mucocutaneous manifestations of post-COVID MIS-C in children hospitalized in the U.S. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Importance: To date, no study has characterized the mucocutaneous features seen in hospitalized children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or the temporal association of these findings with the onset of systemic symptoms.

Objective: To describe the mucocutaneous findings seen in children with MIS-C during the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City in 2020.

Design, setting, and participants: A retrospective case series was conducted of 35 children admitted to 2 hospitals in New York City between April 1 and July 14, 2020, who met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and/or epidemiologic criteria for MIS-C.

Main outcomes and measures: Laboratory and clinical characteristics, with emphasis on mucocutaneous findings, of children who met criteria for MIS-C. The characterization of mucocutaneous features was verified by 2 board-certified pediatric dermatologists.

Results: Twenty-five children (11 girls [44%]; median age, 3 years [range, 0.7-17 years]) were identified who met definitional criteria for MIS-C; an additional 10 children (5 girls [50%]; median age, 1.7 years [range, 0.2-15 years]) were included as probable MIS-C cases (patients met all criteria with the exception of laboratory test evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] infection or known exposure). The results of polymerase chain reaction tests for SARS-CoV-2 were positive for 10 patients (29%), and the results of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G tests were positive for 19 patients (54%). Of the 35 patients, 29 (83%) exhibited mucocutaneous changes, with conjunctival injection (n = 21), palmoplantar erythema (n = 18), lip hyperemia (n = 17), periorbital erythema and edema (n = 7), strawberry tongue (n = 8), and malar erythema (n = 6) being the most common findings. Recognition of mucocutaneous findings occurred a mean of 2.7 days (range, 1-7 days) after the onset of fever. The duration of mucocutaneous findings varied from hours to days (median duration, 5 days [range, 0-11 days]). Neither the presence nor absence of mucocutaneous findings was significantly associated with overall disease severity.

Conclusions and relevance: In this case series of hospitalized children with suspected MIS-C during the COVID-19 pandemic, a wide spectrum of mucocutaneous findings was identified. Despite their protean and transient nature, these mucocutaneous features serve as important clues in the recognition of MIS-C.

Author/s:

Young, Trevor K., Shaw, Katharina S., Shah, Jinal K., Noor, Asif, Alperin, Risa A., Ratner, Adam J., Orlow, Seth J., Betensky, Rebecca A., Shust, Gail F., Kahn, Philip J., Oza, Vikash S.

Considerations for Wearing Masks: Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Brian Desmarais — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 16:10:50 +0000

Date Added:

November 19, 2020

Publisher:

CDC

Publication Date:

November 12, 2020

URL:

Considerations for wearing Masks: Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Type:

Patient Education Materials

Format:

Web Page

MeSH

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

masks

National Institutes of Health (U.S.)

Advice from the CDC regarding wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Not available.

Best Practices for COVID-19–Positive or Exposed Mothers—Breastfeeding and Pumping Milk

Brian Desmarais — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:12:52 +0000

Date Added:

November 3, 2020

Journal/Publication:

JAMA Pediatrics

Publication Date:

October 26, 2020

URL:

Best Practices for COVID-19–Positive or Exposed Mothers—Breastfeeding and Pumping Milk

Type:

Patient Education Materials

Format:

Web Page

MeSH

Emergency Responders

Coronavirus Infections

Interim Guidance for Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2

Advise to breastfeeding mothers exposed to COVID-19. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Not available.

Author/s:

Sullivan, S.E., Thompson, L.A.

Interim Guidance for Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2

Brian Desmarais — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 14:26:20 +0000

Date Added:

August 20, 2020

Publisher:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Publication Date:

August 16, 2020

URL:

Type:

Public Health Announcements

Format:

Web Page

MeSH

Coronavirus

point-of-care systems

Coronavirus Infections

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Point-Of-Care Testing

U.S.

Interim guidance from the CDC on the use of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Not available.

Interim Guidance for Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2

Brian Desmarais — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 14:24:53 +0000

Date Added:

August 20, 2020

Publisher:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Publication Date:

August 16, 2020

URL:

Interim Guidance for Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2

MeSH

Coronavirus

point-of-care systems

Coronavirus Infections

COVID-19–Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children — United States, March–July 2020

Point-Of-Care Testing

Interim guidance from the CDC on the use of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Not available.

COVID-19–Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children — United States, March–July 2020

Brian Desmarais — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:18:53 +0000

Date Added:

August 11, 2020

Journal/Publication:

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Publisher:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Publication Date:

August 7, 2020

URL:

Type:

Clinical Research Results

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6932e2

MeSH

health personnel

Early Diagnosis

Public Health Practice

A summary from the CDC of what is currently known about COVID-19-related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in the U.S. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe condition that has been reported approximately 2–4 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 in children and adolescents.

What is added by this report?

Most cases of MIS-C have features of shock, with cardiac involvement, gastrointestinal symptoms, and significantly elevated markers of inflammation, with positive laboratory test results for SARS-CoV-2. Of the 565 patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing, all had a positive test result by RT-PCR or serology.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Distinguishing MIS-C from other severe infectious or inflammatory conditions poses a challenge to clinicians caring for children and adolescents. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to expand in many jurisdictions, health care provider awareness of MIS-C will facilitate early recognition, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.

Author/s:

Godfred-Cato, S., Bryant, B., Leung, J.

Persistent Value of the Stethoscope in the Age of COVID-19

Brian Desmarais — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:09:57 +0000

Date Added:

June 22, 2020

Journal/Publication:

The American Journal of Medicine

Publication Date:

June 19, 2020

URL:

Persistent Value of the Stethoscope in the Age of COVID-19

Type:

Best Local Practices

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.018

Keywords

MeSH

Physician-Patient Relations

Active Case Finding With Case Management: The Key to Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic

An interesting review of the history and future of the stethoscope including tips for disinfecting one. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Abstract

The stethoscope has long been at the center of patient care as well as a symbol of the physician-patient relationship. While advancements in other diagnostic modalities have allowed for more efficient and accurate diagnosis, the stethoscope has evolved in parallel to address the needs of the modern era of medicine. These advancements include sound visualization, ambient noise reduction/cancellation, Bluetooth™ transmission, and computer algorithm diagnostic support. However, despite these advancements, the ever-changing climate of infection prevention, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led many to question the stethoscope as a vector for infectious diseases. Stethoscopes have been reported to harbor bacteria with contamination levels comparable to a physician's hand. Although disinfection is recommended, stethoscope hygiene compliance remains low. In addition, disinfectants may not be completely effective in eliminating microorganisms. Despite these risks, the growing technological integration with the stethoscope continues to make it a highly valuable tool. Rather than casting our valuable tool and symbol of medicine aside, we must create and implement an effective method of stethoscope hygiene to keep patients safe.

•Stethoscopes are clinically valuable and integral to the doctor-patient connection

•Technological advancement will augment the utility of the stethoscope

•The stethoscope has high utility for assessment of COVID-19 patients

•Pathogen contamination in light of COVID-19 is a concern for the stethoscope

•Innovations in stethoscope hygiene will allow safe auscultation

Author/s:

Vasudevan, R.S., Horiuchi, Y., Torianni, F.J., Cotter, B., Maisel, S.M., Dadwal, S.S., Gaynes, R., Maisel, A.S.

Active Case Finding With Case Management: The Key to Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic

Brian Desmarais — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:15:11 +0000

Date Added:

June 10, 2020

Journal/Publication:

Lancet

Publication Date:

June 4, 2020

Issue:

Volume:

S0140-6736

URL:

Type:

Public Health Announcements

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31278-2

MeSH