Complications following COVID-19 infection or vaccination in Libyan International Medical University students and their Families

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel strain of coronavirus belonging to the genus Beta coronavirus named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged as a major pandemic worldwide. This contagious virus had spread in many different forms, and patients have demonstrated a wide range of symptoms, ranging from moderate to severe illness. This study aims to highlight the important associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, and possible complications at the Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi. This crosssectional survey was conducted among students and their families at Libyan International Medical University in Benghazi, Libya. Among the 100 participants, 72% were between the ages of 18 and 39. Up to (59%) of participants were men. As for the infection with COVID-19, 77% of participants were infected. Most of the participants had no chronic diseases (69%); however, the most common chronic disease was diabetes mellitus (13%). 82% of participants were vaccinated; the most common types of vaccines administered were Sinopharm and Sputnik V (24%). Following vaccination, 71% of participants had no COVID-19 infection, while 29% did get the infection. Regarding this study, after COVID-19 infection, 66% of participants had no complications; however, 17% had pulmonary complications, which was the most common complication among the participants. As for the complications following the vaccination, 81% of participants had none, while there were pulmonary and neurological complications in 7­6%. The results of the study showed that the most frequent complications noticed among the participants following the COVID-19 infection and vaccination were pulmonary and neurological complications.

La pandemia de COVID-19 y el cumplimiento de las guías alimentarias en una comunidad universitaria de Chile / COVID-19 pandemic and adherence to food- based dietary guidelines in a Chilean university community

Introducción. La pandemia de SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 y las restricciones sanitarias afectaron la disponibilidad, acceso y consumo de alimentos, impactando la alimentación y el estado nutricional. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la pandemia SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 sobre el cumplimiento de las Guías Alimentarias Basadas en Alimentos de Chile, en una comunidad universitaria, antes y durante la pandemia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva con 427 participantes. Se aplicó una encuesta online con preguntas basadas en los mensajes de las GABA. La encuesta se validó por juicio de expertos y análisis psicométrico, evaluando la concordancia con el estadístico de Kappa (K=89,95) y la confiabilidad con el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach (=0,97). Se fijó como período antes de la pandemia al tiempo anterior a marzo del año 2020, y durante la pandemia, entre marzo del 2020 y octubre del 2021. Para medir los cambios antes y durante la pandemia se aplicó el test de simetría considerando un p <0,05 con un intervalo de confianza del 95%, mediante el software estadístico STATA versión 16. Resultados. Se observaron cambios estadísticamente significativos antes y durante la pandemia en los mensajes relacionados con el estado nutricional (p=0,000), consumo semanal de: productos de pastelería (p=0,0040), cecinas y embutidos (p=0,0034), frituras (p=0,0070), legumbres (p=0,0000), aguas (p=0,0000) y lectura e información nutricional de los productos (p=0,0000). Conclusiones. La pandemia de SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 generó cambios en la alimentación y estado nutricional respecto a los mensajes de las guías. Se precisan políticas alimentarias y estrategias educativas en alimentación y en nutrición para emergencias sanitarias(AU)

Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic, as well as health restrictions, impacted food availability, access and consumption, affecting dietary habits and nutritional status. Objective. To determine the effect of the SARS-CoV-2/ COVID-19 pandemic on the adherence to Chilean Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, within a university community, both before and during the pandemic. Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort study involving 427 participants was conducted. An online survey was administered, with questions based on the FBDGs' messages. The survey was validated through expert judgment and psychometric analysis, and agreement was assessed using the Kappa statistic (K = 89.95) while reliability was determined using the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient ( = 0.97). The period before the pandemic was defined as the time prior to March 2020, and the pandemic period was set between March 2020 and October 2021. Changes before and during the pandemic were measured using the symmetry test, considering a p value of <0.05 and a 95% confidence level, using the STATA 16 statistical software. Results. Statistically significant changes were observed before and during the pandemic in messages related to nutritional status (p = 0.000), weekly consumption of bakery products (p = 0.0040), cold meats (p = 0.0034), fried foods (p = 0.0070), legumes (p = 0.0000), water (p = 0.0000), and messages related to reading and nutrition information of products (p = 0.0000). Conclusions. The pandemic led to dietary changes in relation to FBDGs messages. Food policies and food and nutrition education strategies are required to address health emergency contexts(AU)

Psychosocial impact of the implementation of COVID-19 protocols

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally since the first case was diagnosed in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and we are now experiencing the fourth wave. Several measures are being taken to care for the infected and to curtail the spread of this novel infectious virus. The psychosocial impact of these measures on patients, relatives, caregivers, and medical personnel also needs to be assessed and catered for. METHODS: This is a review article on the psychosocial impact of the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. The literature search was done using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. DISCUSSION: Modalities of transportation of the patient to isolation and quarantine centres have led to stigma and negative attitudes towards such individuals. When diagnosed with the infection, fear of dying from COVID-19, fear of infecting family members and close associates, fear of stigmatization, and loneliness are common among COVID-19 patients. Isolation and quarantine procedures also cause loneliness and depression, and the person is at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Caregivers are continually stressed out and have the constant fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Despite clear guidelines to help with closure for family members of people dying from COVID-19, inadequate resources make this unrealistic. CONCLUSION: Mental and emotional distress resulting from fear of SARS-Cov-2 infection, the mode of transmission, and consequences have a tremendous negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of those affected, their caregivers, and relatives. There is a need for the government, health institutions, and NGOs to establish platforms to cater to these concerns

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody during COVID-19 pandemic in Fayoum District, Egypt: a community-based pilot survey

Introduction: controlling the worldwide pandemic, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), could be impossible due to the hesitancy about the available vaccines and the difficulty to implement strict restrictions. Little information is available about herd immunity in the highly vulnerable region of North East Africa, Egypt. Objectives: to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic in one of the highly vulnerable populations in Egypt, Fayoum district of Fayoum Governorate. Additionally, to assess the predictive value of symptoms and other associated risk factors towards a positive COVID-19 test. Methods: in this cross-sectional community-based pilot study, immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that are specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1-RBD) protein were tested during the period from February 2021 to July 2021. Results: out of 155 participants, 60.6% were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Out of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, 76.5% and 56.2% were seropositive, respectively. Surprisingly, only one individual had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Previous history of COVID-19; such as symptoms and gender are statistically significant predictors of high seroconversion independent of age, comorbidities, and level of education. Conclusion: this study which disclosed unexpectedly high SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among the Egyptians, might provide a clear insight into COVID-19 transmission patterns and state of immunity. Further study with a larger sample size on a large scale is required to represent the whole local population.

Long COVID: An approach to clinical assessment and management in primary care

Long COVID is an emerging public health threat, following swiftly behind the surges of acute infection over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that there are already approximately 100 million people suffering from Long COVID globally, 0.5 million of whom are South African, and for whom our incomplete understanding of the condition has forestalled appropriate diagnosis and clinical care. There are several leading postulates for the complex, multi-mechanistic pathogenesis of Long COVID. Patients with Long COVID may present with a diversity of clinical phenotypes, often with significant overlap, which may exhibit temporal heterogeneity and evolution. Post-acute care follow-up, targeted screening, diagnosis, a broad initial assessment and more directed subsequent assessments are necessary at the primary care level. Symptomatic treatment, self-management and rehabilitation are the mainstays of clinical care for Long COVID. However, evidence-based pharmacological interventions for the prevention and treatment of Long COVID are beginning to emerge. This article presents a rational approach for assessing and managing patients with Long COVID in the primary care setting.

Avaliação audiológica em bebês nascidos de mães que tiveram covid-19 no período gestacional / Audiological assessment in babies born to mothers who had covid-19 during gestation / Evaluación audiológica en bebés nacidos de madres que tenían covid-19 durante la gestación

Introdução: No final de dezembro de 2019, um grupo de casos inexplicáveis de pneumonia foi relatado em Wuhan, China. Alguns dias depois, o agente causador dessa misteriosa doença foi identificado como um novo coronavírus que se disseminou de forma rápida. As infecções maternas, contraídas antes ou durante a gravidez, podem ser transmitidas ao feto, durante a gestação (infecção congênita), durante o parto (infecção perinatal) e pela amamentação (infecção pós-natal) e podem causar danos ao feto ou ao recém-nascido. Objetivo: descrever a avaliação audiológica realizada em uma série de crianças cujas mães tiveram COVID-19, em sua forma leve, no período gestacional. Metodologia: Para a avaliação audiológica foram realizadas a anamnese e os exames de emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção, nas frequências de 1,5 a 12KHz e pontencial auditivo de tronco encefálico por click. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 47 recém-nascidos recém-nascidos. Os resultados dos testes das emissões otoacústicas evocadas por produto de distorção indicaram funcionalidade das estruturas avaliadas apontando normalidade da função coclear com nível de resposta adequado para a média de resultados obtidos até a frequência de 11kHz para a amplitude de resposta e para a relação sinal-ruído. Foi possível encontrar em toda a amostra a presença das ondas I, III e V na intensidade de 80dBHL e presença da onda V nas intensidades de 50 e 35dBHL bilateralmente. Conclusão: Não foi estabelecida uma correlação direta da infecção materna pelo vírus da covid-19 com os achados audiológicos nos recém- nascidos. Cabe mencionar que esse foi um estudo preliminar e que essas crianças precisam continuar em acompanhamento para investigação de futuros desfechos tardios no aparelho auditivo.

Introduction: In late December 2019, a cluster of unexplained pneumonia cases was reported in Wuhan, China. A few days later, the causative agent of this mysterious disease was identified as a new coronavirus that spread rapidly. Maternal infections, contracted before or during pregnancy, can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy (congenital infection), during childbirth (perinatal infection) and through breastfeeding (postnatal infection) and can cause harm to the fetus or newborn. -born. Objective: to describe the audiological evaluation carried out in a series of children whose mothers had COVID-19, in its mild form, during the gestational period. Methodology: For the audiological evaluation, anamnesis and distortion product otoacoustic emissions tests were carried out, at frequencies from 1.5 to 12KHz and brainstem auditory potential by click. Results: The sample consisted of 47 newborns. The results of the distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions tests indicated functionality of the evaluated structures, pointing to normal cochlear function with an adequate response level for the average of results obtained up to a frequency of 11kHz for the response amplitude and the signal-to-noise ratio. . It was possible to find in the entire sample the presence of waves I, III and V at an intensity of 80dBHL and the presence of wave V at intensities of 50 and 35dBHL bilaterally. Conclusion: A direct correlation between maternal infection by the Covid-19 virus and audiological findings in newborns was not established. It is worth mentioning that this was a preliminary study and that these children need to continue being monitored to investigate future late outcomes with the hearing aid.

Introducción: A finales de diciembre de 2019, se informó un grupo de casos de neumonía inexplicable en Wuhan, China. Unos días después, el agente causante de esta misteriosa enfermedad fue identificado como un nuevo coronavirus que se propagó rápidamente. Las infecciones maternas, contraídas antes o durante el embarazo, pueden transmitirse al feto durante el embarazo (infección congénita), durante el parto (infección perinatal) y a través de la lactancia (infección posnatal) y pueden causar daños al feto o al recién nacido. Objetivo: describir la evaluación audiológica realizada a una serie de niños cuyas madres tuvieron COVID-19, en su forma leve, durante el período gestacional. Metodología: Para la evaluación audiológica se realizaron pruebas de anamnesis y otoemisiones acústicas de productos de distorsión, en frecuencias de 1,5 a 12KHz y potencial auditivo de tronco encefálico mediante click. Resultados: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 47 recién nacidos. Los resultados de las pruebas de distorsión producto de emisiones otoacústicas evocadas indicaron funcionalidad de las estructuras evaluadas, apuntando a una función coclear normal con un nivel de respuesta adecuado para los resultados promedio obtenidos hasta una frecuencia de 11kHz para la amplitud de respuesta y la relación señal-ruido. . Se pudo encontrar en toda la muestra la presencia de ondas I, III y V con una intensidad de 80dBHL y la presencia de la onda V con intensidades de 50 y 35dBHL de forma bilateral. Conclusión: No se estableció una correlación directa entre la infección materna por el virus Covid-19 y los hallazgos audiológicos en los recién nacidos. Cabe mencionar que este fue un estudio preliminar y que estos niños necesitan seguir siendo monitoreados para investigar futuros resultados tardíos con el audífono.

Neuromuscular Alterations Associated with COVID-19. A Scientific Literature Review

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought short, medium, and long-term consequences on the quality of life of those affected. Among the complications are those related to the involvement of the nervous system and the structures involved in body movement, with sequelae that may be transitory and/or definitive, and require rehabilitation. Objective: Identify the neuromuscular alterations that affect body movement, associated with COVID-19. Material and methods: A search was made for observational works published in the SCOPUS, PubMed, EBSCO, and Nature databases between January 2020 and June 2022 under the PRISMA methodology, to answer the PICO question: what are the neuromuscular alterations that can potentially affect movement, associated with COVID-19? The established filters were type of study, language, age, availability, publication dates. The MeSH terms were SARS-Cov-2, COVID-19, Long Covid, Motor Activity Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Disorders, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Myelitis Transverse, Stroke, Patient, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases. The methodological quality was evaluated according to STROBE and the level of evidence was established according to CEBM. Results: In the first search, 645 articles were identified. 637 were discarded by filters, titles, duplicate abstracts, methodological quality, and level of evidence. There were 8 articles selected for the present review in which neuromuscular alterations of central and peripheral origin were identified, such as myalgias, fatigue, polyneuroradiculopathies, CNS inflammation, among others, with clinical manifestations that affect movement. Conclusion: COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease that can affect the nervous system with symptoms of neuromuscular alterations that compromise body movement.

Introducción: La pandemia por la COVID-19 ha traído consecuencias a corto, mediano y largo plazo sobre la calidad de vida de los afectados. Entre las complicaciones se encuentran aquellas relacionadas con la afectación del sistema nervioso y las estructuras involucradas en el movimiento corporal, con secuelas que pueden ser transitorias y/o definitivas, y requieren rehabilitación Objetivo: Identificar las alteraciones neuromusculares que afectan el movimiento corporal, asociadas a la COVID-19. Material y métodos: Se hizo una búsqueda de trabajos observacionales publicados en las bases de datos SCOPUS, PubMed, EBSCO y Nature entre enero de 2020 y junio de 2022 bajo metodología PRISMA, para dar respuesta a la pregunta PICO: ¿cuáles son las alteraciones neuromusculares que potencialmente pueden afectar el movimiento, asociadas a la COVID-19? Los filtros establecidos fueron tipo de estudio, idioma, edad, disponibilidad y fechas de publicación. Los términos MesH fueron SARS-Cov-2, COVID-19, Long Covid, Motor Activity Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Disorders, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Myelitis Transverse, Stroke, Patient, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases. La calidad metodológica se evaluó según STROBE y el nivel de evidencia se estableció según CEBM. Resultados: En la primera búsqueda se identificaron 645 artículos. Posteriormente se descartaron 637 por filtros, títulos, resúmenes duplicados, calidad metodológica y nivel de evidencia. Así, quedaron seleccionados 8 para la presente revisión, en los cuales se identificaron alteraciones neuromusculares de origen central y periférico, como mialgias, fatiga, polineuroradiculopatías, inflamación del SNC, entre otras, con manifestaciones clínicas que afectan el movimiento. Conclusión: La COVID-19 es una enfermedad multisistémica que puede afectar el sistema nervioso con síntomas de alteraciones neuromusculares que comprometen el movimiento corporal.

Prevalence of COVID-19 at the Wahgnion-Gold mining site in Burkina Faso and use of RT-PCR initial cycle threshold to monitor the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 load

Background: To control the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is necessary to adequately identify and isolate infectious patients particularly at the work place. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is the recommended confirmatory method for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARSCoV-2 infection in Burkina Faso and to use the initial cycle threshold (Ct) values of RT-PCR as a tool to monitor the dynamics of the viral load. Methodology: Between September 2021 and February 2022, oropharyngeal and/or nasopharyngeal swab samples of consecutively selected COVID-19 symptomatic and apparently healthy workers from the Wahgnion mining site in the South-western Burkina Faso who consented to the study were collected according to the two weeks shift program and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR assay. Patients positive for the virus were followed-up weekly until tests were negative. Association of the initial RT-PCR Ct values with disease duration was assessed by adjusted linear regression approach. Two-sided p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 1506 (92.9% males) participants were recruited into the study, with mean age and age range of 37.18.7 and 18-68 years respectively. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 14.3% (216/1506). Of the 82 patients included in the follow-up study, the longest duration of positive RT-PCR test, from the first positive to the first of the two negative RT-PCR tests, was 33 days (mean 11.6 days, median 10 days, interquartile range 8- 14 days). The initial Ct values significantly correlated with the duration of RT-PCR positivity (with ß=-0.54, standard error=0.09 for N gene, and ß=-0.44, standard error=0.09 for ORF1ab gene, p<0.001). Participants with higher Ct values corresponding to lower viral loads had shorter viral clearance time than those of lower Ct values or higher viral loads. Conclusion: Approximately 1 out of 7 tested miners had SARS-CoV-2 infection and the duration of their RT-PCR tests positivity independently correlated with the initial viral load measured by initial Ct values. As participants with lower initial Ct values tended to have longer disease duration, initial RT-PCR Ct values could be used to guide COVID-19 patient quarantine duration particularly at the work place.

Contexte: Pour contrôler la propagation de la maladie à coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) causée par le syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère coronavirus-2 (SRAS-CoV-2), il est nécessaire d'identifier et d'isoler de manière adéquate les patients infectieux, en particulier sur le lieu de travail. Le test de réaction en chaîne par polymérase en temps réel (RT-PCR) est la méthode de confirmation recommandée pour le diagnostic de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 au Burkina Faso et d'utiliser les valeurs du seuil initial du cycle (Ct) de la RT-PCR comme outil de suivi de la dynamique de la charge virale. Méthodologie: Entre septembre 2021 et février 2022, des écouvillonnages oropharyngés et/ou nasopharyngés de travailleurs symptomatiques COVID-19 et apparemment en bonne santé sélectionnés consécutivement du site minier de Wahgnion dans le sud-ouest du Burkina Faso qui ont consenti à l'étude ont été prélevés selon les deux programme de quart de semaines et testé pour le SRAS-CoV-2 à l'aide d'un test RT-PCR. Les patients positifs pour le virus ont été suivis chaque semaine jusqu'à ce que les tests soient négatifs. L'association des valeurs Ct initiales de la RT-PCR avec la durée de la maladie a été évaluée par une approche de régression linéaire ajustée. Une valeur p bilatérale < 0,05 a été considérée comme statistiquement significative. Résultats: Un total de 1506 participants (92,9% d'hommes) ont été recrutés dans l'étude, avec un âge moyen et une tranche d'âge de 37,1 à 8,7 ans et de 18 à 68 ans, respectivement. La prévalence globale de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 était de 14,3% (216/1506). Sur les 82 patients inclus dans l'étude de suivi, la plus longue durée de test RT-PCR positif, du premier test positif au premier des deux tests RT-PCR négatifs, était de 33 jours (moyenne 11,6 jours, médiane 10 jours, intervalle interquartile 8-14 jours). Les valeurs Ct initiales étaient significativement corrélées à la durée de positivité de la RT-PCR (avec ß=-0,54, erreur standard=0,09 pour le gène N et ß=-0,44, erreur standard=0,09 pour le gène ORF1ab, p<0,001). Les participants avec des valeurs de Ct plus élevées correspondant à des charges virales plus faibles avaient un temps de clairance virale plus court que ceux avec des valeurs de Ct plus basses ou des charges virales plus élevées. Conclusion: Environ 1 mineur testé sur 7 était infecté par le SRAS-CoV-2 et la durée de la positivité de ses tests RTPCR était indépendamment corrélée à la charge virale initiale mesurée par les valeurs Ct initiales. Comme les participants avec des valeurs Ct initiales inférieures avaient tendance à avoir une durée de maladie plus longue, les valeurs Ct initiales de la RT-PCR pourraient être utilisées pour guider la durée de la quarantaine des patients COVID19, en particulier sur le lieu de travail.

Determinants of time to viral clearance among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals at Millennium COVID-19 care center in Ethiopia: A prospective observational study

Background: Understanding the COVID-19 disease course in terms of viral shedding is important to assist in providing a tailored isolation and treatment practice. Therefore, the current study aimed to estimate time to viral clearance and identify determinants among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals admitted to Millennium COVID-19 Care Center in Ethiopia. Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted among 360 randomly selected SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals who were on follow up from 2nd June to 5th July 2020. Kaplan Meier plots, median survival times, and Log-rank test were used to describe the data and compare survival distribution between groups. Association between time to viral clearance and determinants was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard survival model, where hazard ratio, P-value, and 95% CI for hazard ratio were used for testing significance Results: The Median time to viral clearance was 16 days. The log-rank test shows that having moderate and severe disease, one or more symptoms at presentation, and presenting with respiratory and constitutional symptoms seems to extend the time needed to achieve viral clearance. The Final Cox regression result shows that the rate of achieving viral clearance among symptomatic patients was 44% lower than patients who were asymptomatic (AHR=0.560, 95% CI=0.322-0.975, p-value=0.040). Conclusions: Presence of symptoms was found to be associated with delayed viral clearance implying that symptomatic patients are more likely to be infectious and therefore, attention should be paid to the practices regarding isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latin American anesthesiologists. Observational study / Repercusiones de la pandemia por COVID-19 en anestesiólogos latinoamericanos. Estudio observacional

Abstract Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, causing a global impact on economic, social and public health aspects. This public health situation alerted the international community of anesthesiologists because of the high occupational hazards due to the frequent exposure to patients with COVID-19. Objective: To identify the impact of this pandemic on Latin American anesthesiologists - in a setting with shortage of vaccines - identifying the professionals infected with SARS-CoV-2 and demises, and their geographical distribution. Methods: An observational study was conducted in Latin American anesthesiologists infected SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020. The data was collected from the societies, associations and federations members of the Latin American Confederation of Anesthesia Societies in March 2021. Results: 2,170 anesthesiologists infected with SARS-CoV-2 were identified. Of these, 1,550 were from South America and 620 cases were from Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Among the 2,170 anesthesiologists infected with SARS-CoV-2, 165 deaths were reported in Latin America, with a mean age of 58 years; 79% were males and the mortality rate was 7.6%. Conclusions: COVID-19 is an emerging disease with significant impact on the population of anesthesiologists. The reports from the societies, associations and federations members of the Latin American Confederation of Anesthesia Societies show the impact in terms of infection and number of deaths associated with the pandemic.

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia por el SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, cambió el mundo generando un impacto global en aspectos económicos, sociales y sanitarios. Esta situación sanitaria generó alerta en la comunidad anestesiológica internacional por el alto riesgo ocupacional, debido a la exposición más frecuente a pacientes afectados por COVID-19. Objetivo: Conocer las repercusiones de esta pandemia en los anestesiólogos en Latinoamérica -en un escenario con escasez de vacunas- identificando los profesionales infectados por SARS-CoV-2 y fallecidos y su distribución geográfica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional en anestesiólogos latinoamericanos infectados por SARS-CoV-2 entre marzo y diciembre de 2020. Los datos se obtuvieron en las sociedades, asociaciones y federaciones vinculadas a la Confederación Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Anestesia en marzo de 2021. Resultados: Se identificaron 2.170 anestesiólogos infectados por SARS-CoV-2. De estos, 1.550 correspondieron a Suramérica y 620 casos a Centroamérica, México y el Caribe. Entre los 2.170 anestesiólogos infectados por SARS-CoV-2, se informaron 165 muertes en Latinoamérica, con una edad media de 58 años, 79 % de género masculino y con una tasa de letalidad de 7,6 %. Conclusiones: El COVID-19 es una patología emergente, que causa una gran afectación a la población de médicos anestesiólogos. Los reportes de las sociedades, asociaciones y federaciones vinculadas a la Confederación Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Anestesia demuestran el impacto en términos de infección y muertes relacionadas con la pandemia.

Tromboprofilaxis precoz y evolución en embarazadas con COVID-19 / Early thromboprophylaxis and evolution in pregnant women with COVID-19

Introducción: en marzo del año 2020 se declara Pandemia, por la aparición de un nuevo Coronavirus, el SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). Las mujeres embarazadas presentan un riesgo mayor de presentar procesos tromboembólicos, por lo que se recomienda utilizar de manera profiláctica heparina, para prevención de procesos tromboembólicos durante la infección por SARS-CoV2. Objetivo: Describir la evolución de las embarazadas con infección por SARS-CoV2 con la utilización de heparina de bajo peso molecular, Enoxaparina, ajustada al peso de manera precoz. Metodología: estudio descriptivo prospectivo, observacional, de corte transversal. Resultados: en la evolución de 30 mujeres embarazadas con infección por SARS-CoV2, las edades más frecuentes corresponden a 31 a 35 años, mayor número de infectadas en el segundo trimestre del embarazo, el índice de masa corporal predominante en rango de sobrepeso y obesidad, la dosis de enoxaparina utilizada fue de 40 mg/día, ya que se ajustó al peso de la embarazada, las comorbilidades más frecuentes correspondieron al sobrepeso y obesidad, enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo y diabetes gestacional, la sintomatología resultó muy variada, debido a las distintas variantes del virus, con más frecuencia la rinorrea, congestión nasal, tos, anosmia, disgeusia, cefalea, fiebre y dificultad respiratoria, y la mayoría de las embarazadas no estaban vacunadas. Conclusiones: ninguna de las 30 embarazadas que recibieron heparina de bajo peso molecular (Enoxapina), ajustada al peso, y de manera precoz, con infección por SARS.CoV2, falleció, ni requirió internación en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Una embarazada, fue internada por disnea moderada y saturación de oxígeno menor a 95%. Las restantes embarazadas tuvieron buena evolución en su domicilio, sin ninguna complicación

Introduction: in March 2020, a Pandemic was declared, due to the appearance of a new Coronavirus, SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). Pregnant women have a higher risk of presenting thromboembolic processes, so it is recommended to use heparin prophylactically, to prevent thromboembolic processes during SARS-CoV2 infection. Objective: to describe the evolution of pregnant women with SARS-CoV2 infection with the early use of Enoxaparin, adjusted to the weight of low molecular weight heparin. Methodology: prospective, observational, cross-sectional descriptive study. Results: in the evolution of 30 pregnant women with SARS-CoV2 infection, the most frequent ages correspond to 31 to 35 years, the highest number of infected in the second trimester of pregnancy, the predominant body mass index in the range of overweight and obesity. , the dose of enoxaparin used was 40 mg/day, since it was adjusted to the weight of the pregnant woman, the most frequent comorbidities were overweight and obesity, hypertensive disease of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, the symptoms were highly varied, due to the different variants of the virus, more frequently rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough, anosmia, dysgeusia, headache, fever and respiratory distress, and most of the pregnant women were not vaccinated. Conclusions: none of the 30 pregnant women who received low molecular weight heparin (Enoxapine), adjusted for weight, and early, with SARS.CoV2 infection, died or required admission to the Intensive Care Unit. A pregnant woman was hospitalized due to moderate dyspnea and oxygen saturation less than 95%. The remaining pregnant women had a good evolution at home, without any complications

Respuesta inmune contra SARS-CoV-2 en personas con VIH convalecientes de COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 immunity in PWH

Desde principios de la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 se ha debatido el curso de la enfermedad COVID-19 en personas con VIH. Por un lado, la inmunodeficiencia derivada de la infección por VIH y la mayor prevalencia de comorbilidades estarían asociadas al desarrollo de enfermedad grave. Por otro lado, la disfunción inmunológica podría evitar una respuesta inflamatoria exacerbada. En este trabajo de revisión analizamos la evidencia disponible en cuanto a la relación entre la manifestación clínica de COVID-19 y la respuesta inmune humoral y celular contra SARS-CoV-2 en el contexto de la coinfección con VIH. La bibliografía sugiere que las personas con VIH que reciben tratamiento antirretroviral logran respuestas eficaces contra SARS-CoV-2, a pesar de presentar algunas de las funciones celulares alteradas. Esto sugiere un impacto significativo de la terapia antirretroviral, no solo en el control del VIH sino en potenciar la inmunidad para restringir otras infecciones.

Since the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the course of COVID-19 in people with HIV has been debated. On the one hand, the immunodeficiency derived from HIV infec-tion and the higher prevalence of comorbidities would be associated with severe disease. On the other hand, due to its immunological dysfunction, an exacerbated inflam-matory response might be avoided.In this review, we analyzed the evidence regarding the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 and the humoral and cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 during HIV coinfection. The literature suggests that people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment achieved effective responses against SARS-CoV-2, despite having altered cell func-tions. This indicates a remarkable impact of antiretroviral therapy, not only in controlling HIV but also in boosting immunity to restrict other infections

Repercussions of COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review / Repercusiones del COVID-19 en pacientes en hemodiálisis: Una revisión sistemática / Repercussões da COVID-19 em pacientes em hemodiálise: uma revisão sistemática

ntrodution: The immunosuppressive state of patients with CKD increases their risk of developing poor clinical outcomes if they acquire COVID-19 infection. Objetive: To identify the scientific evidence about the repercussions of COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients. Materials and méthods: A systematic review was conducted in this study. The databases Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, and Virtual Health Library were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the adapted Downs and Black checklist. The review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Results:A total of 16 articles were included after the screening process. All articles had a methodological quality higher than 66.8%. The most common repercussions of COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients were the increased mortality rate (75%), development of typical signs and symptoms of the disease such as fever, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue (68.75%), lymphopenia (68.75%), progression to severe acute respiratory syndrome (56.25%), need for mechanical ventilation (50%), and admission to intensive (50%). Conclusión: The hemodialysis patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and, when infected by SARS-CoV-2, these patients have more adverse clinical outcomes, more serious diseases, higher mortality, and worse prognosis than the general population. The repercussions of COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients reveal a need for preventive nursing care in hemodialysis clinics.

Introducción: El estado de inmunosupresión de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) aumenta su riesgo de obtener resultados clínicos desfavorables si llegaran a contraer COVID-19. Objetivo: Identificar la evidencia científica acerca de las repercusiones que tiene el COVID-19 en los pacientes en hemodiálisis. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en este estudio. Se hizo una búsqueda en las bases de datos Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed y Virtual Health Library para identificar estudios relevantes. La calidad metodológica de los estudios se evaluó mediante la lista de chequeo adaptada por Downs y Black. La revisión siguió los lineamientos de la declaración PRISMA. Resultados:Tras el proceso de selección se incluyeron un total de 16 artículos en la revisión. Todos los artículos obtuvieron una calidad metodológica superior a 66,8%. Las repercusiones más comunes del COVID-19 en los pacientes en hemodiálisis fueron el aumento de la tasa de mortalidad (75%), el desarrollo de signos y síntomas típicos de la enfermedad como fiebre, tos, disnea y fatiga (68,75%), linfopenia (68,75%), progresión a un síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (56,25%), necesidad de ventilación mecánica (50%) e ingreso a cuidados intensivos (50%). Conclusiones: Los pacientes en hemodiálisis son más susceptibles a contraer COVID-19 y, cuando contraen el SARS-CoV-2, tienen resultados clínicos más adversos, enfermedades más graves, mayor mortalidad y peor pronóstico que la población general.

Introdução: O estado imunossupressor dos pacientes com CKD aumenta seu risco de desenvolver maus resultados clínicos se eles adquirirem a infecção COVID-19. Objetivo: Identificar as evidências científicas sobre as repercussões da COVID-19 em pacientes com hemodiálise. Materiais e Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi conduzida neste estudo. As bases de dados Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed e Virtual Health Library foram pesquisadas para identificar estudos relevantes. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada utilizando a lista de verificação Downs e Black adaptada. A revisão seguiu as diretrizes do PRISMA. Resultados: Um total de 16 artigos foram incluídos após o processo de triagem. Todos os artigos tinham uma qualidade metodológica superior a 66,8%. As repercussões mais comuns da COVID-19 em pacientes de hemodiálise foram o aumento da taxa de mortalidade (75%), desenvolvimento de sinais e sintomas típicos da doença como febre, tosse, dispnéia e fadiga (68,75%), linfopenia (68,75%), progressão para síndrome respiratória aguda grave (56,25%), necessidade de ventilação mecânica (50%) e admissão a intensivo (50%). Conclusões: Os pacientes em hemodiálise são mais suscetíveis à infecção por COVID-19 e, quando infectados pela SRA-CoV-2, estes pacientes têm resultados clínicos mais adversos, doenças mais graves, maior mortalidade e pior prognóstico do que a população em geral. As repercussões da COVID-19 em pacientes de hemodiálise revelam uma necessidade de cuidados preventivos de enfermagem em clínicas de hemodiálise.

A propósito de un caso: uso de la silimarina/silibinina como análogo molecular del remdesivir para el tratamiento de pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19 con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda leve o moderado. Reporte de caso / Purpose of a case: use of silymarin / silibinin as a molecular analogue of remdesivir for the treatment of patients diagnosed of COVID-19 with acute mild or moderate respiratory difficulty syndrome. Case report.

The respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV2 is an infectious-contagious viral disease that affects our population, especially older adults and young adults throughout the world. One of the main causes of this pathology is the limited immunization capacity at a global level, especially in developing countries, to combat outbreaks of this disease. It develops in phases of very characteristic respiratory symptoms which can guide an early diagnosis, otherwise it may require hospitalization for treatment; At a global and local level, different therapies have been tried without complete success. Presumptive diagnosis is clinical and confirmatory through nasopharyngeal swabs, which isolate beta virus, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, a name issued by the World Health Organization, who declared the pandemic for this disease in particular. A case of a patient with the disease caused by the virus in question is presented who comes to our health home, for not accessing a more complex hospital unit, due to hospital saturation, with a mild to moderate respiratory syndrome, in view of the impossibility of accessing other treatments, we started the administration of silymarin/silibinin in daily doses twice a day. In order for the treatment tested with different molecules to have a common denominator, which is based on attacking the cascade of inflammatory cytokines derived from the activation of the STAT3 receptor and the modulation of type 1 IFG; with corticotherapy mainly dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone, and molecules such as Remdesivir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin, which continue to be the focus of discussion, so optional treatments are being evaluated to combat the effects of this disease. The incidence of this disease is global, being higher in underdeveloped countries which do not have an appropriate immunization program.

The SARS-COV2 (COVID-19) Pandemic: What Clinicians should Know

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-CoV-2, emerged and was identified as the cause of an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in Wuhan, a city in China, named as COVID-19. Since then the waves of the virus exponentially hit many countries around the globe with high rates of spread associated with variable degrees of morbidity and mortality. The WHO announced the pandemic state of the infection in March 2020 and by June 1st 2020 more than 6 million individuals and more than 370 thousands case fatalities were documented worldwide. In this article, we discussed many aspects regarding this emerged infection based on the available evidence aiming to help clinician to improve not only their knowledge but also their practices toward this infection.

The SARS-COV2 (COVID-19) Pandemic: What Clinicians should Know

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-CoV-2, emerged and was identified as the cause of an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in Wuhan, a city in China, named as COVID-19. Since then the waves of the virus exponentially hit many countries around the globe with high rates of spread associated with variable degrees of morbidity and mortality. The WHO announced the pandemic state of the infection in March 2020 and by June 1st 2020 more than 6 million individuals and more than 370 thousands case fatalities were documented worldwide. In this article, we discussed many aspects regarding this emerged infection based on the available evidence aiming to help clinician to improve not only their knowledge but also their practices toward this infection.

SARS-Cov-2 infection and severe proximal myopathy secondary to dermatomyositis and overlap systemic sclerosis: A Case Report from Zambia

Background: Myositis has been reported to be associated or triggered by viruses. Genetic and environmental factors are documented risk for myopathies. Viruses have also been shown to modify the clinical course of auto-immune diseases. We therefore report a case of SARS-Cov-2 infection in a 26-year-old female black Zambian patient with proximal myopathy. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 26-yearold chemical factory worker with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-cov-2) infection and proximal myopathy. She presented to a local private hospital with fever, weakness and flu-like symptoms after being exposed to a colleague diagnosed with SARS-cov-2 infection at the time Zambia declared the July 2021 third wave of SARS-cov-2pandemic. She also reported difficulties in climbing stairs, had Raynaud's phenomenon, proximal myopathy, classic dermatomyositis features, symptoms of systemic sclerosis, raised creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and a positive nasopharyngeal PCR test for SARS-Cov-2 infection. Conclusions: We presented, for the first time in Zambia, the case of a patient with SARS-Cov-2 infection and severe proximal myopathy secondary to newly diagnosed dermatomyositis and overlap systemic sclerosis. The myopathy appeared to have been worsened by SARS-Cov-2 viral infection.

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants: a mini-review

SARS-CoV-2 has evolved over time with several mutations, especially on the spike protein, which has led to emergence of various variants. With the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 come new challenges in surveillance, effectiveness of preventive and treatment strategies, and outcome of the disease. Despite the lockdowns, mask mandates and other preventive measures put in place, in addition to over 10 million vaccine doses that have been administered globally as of February 2022, COVID-19 cases have risen to over 435 million and resulted in over 5.9 million deaths, largely as a result of the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants. To review the evolution of these variants, we searched different online database sources using keywords such as "source of SARS-CoV-2", "SARS-CoV-2 origin", "evolution of SARS-CoV-2", "SARS-CoV-2 variants", "variants of concern", "variants of interest", and "variants of high consequence". This was to enable us give a good report about the various variants of SARS-CoV-2 that have emerged so far, and the public health challenges posed by them.

Registros de casos acumulados e novos de variantes de preocupação do COVID-19, Brasil, 2021-2022: Ômicron, Gamma e Delta / Accumulated and new case records of variants of concern of COVID-19, Brazil, 2021-2022: Ômicron, Gamma and Delta / Registros de casos acumulados y nuevos de variantes de preocupación de COVID-19, Brasil, 2021-2022: Ômicron, Gamma y Delta

Objetivo: Analisar a frequência de registros de casos novos e acumulados de variantes de preocupação (VOC) do COVID-19, no "Brasil", nos anos de "2021 e 2022". Método: Pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, comparativa e quantitativa. Os dados foram adquiridos junto ao Ministério da Saúde (MS). Resultados: Foi identificado o universo de 113.318 registros, sendo que a maior preponderância se constituiu de casos acumulados com 95,2% (n=107.925) e a menor de casos novos com 4,8% (n=5.393). A VOC Ômicron registrou a maior preponderância, tanto de casos acumulados quanto de casos novos, contabilizando respectivamente 40,3% (n=43.480) e 98,9% (n=5.334). A VOC Gamma registrou a menor preponderância com 24,7% (n=26.607) casos acumulados e 0,1% (n=4) casos novos. Conclusão: Foi verificado aumento na frequência de registros de casos acumulados e novos de VOC Ômicron, Delta e Gamma do COVID-19, no recorte geográfico e histórico analisados

Objective: To analyze the frequency of records of new and accumulated cases of variants of concern (VOC) of COVID-19, in "Brazil", in the years "2021 and 2022". Method: Exploratory, descriptive, comparative and quantitative research. Data were acquired from the Ministry of Health (MS). Results: A universe of 113,318 records was identified, with the highest preponderance consisting of accumulated cases with 95.2% (n=107,925) and the lowest of new cases with 4.8% (n=5,393). The VOC Ômicron recorded the highest preponderance, both of accumulated cases and of new cases, accounting for 40.3% (n=43,480) and 98.9% (n=5,334) respectively. VOC Gamma recorded the lowest preponderance with 24.7% (n=26,607) accumulated cases and 0.1% (n=4) new cases. Conclusion: There was an increase in the frequency of records of accumulated and new cases of Omicron, Delta and Gamma VOC of COVID-19, in the geographic and historical area analyzed.

Objetivo: Analizar la frecuencia de registros de casos nuevos y acumulados de variantes de preocupación (VOC) de COVID-19, en "Brasil", en los años "2021 y 2022". Método: Investigación exploratoria, descriptiva, comparativa y cuantitativa. Los datos fueron adquiridos del Ministerio de Salud (MS). Resultados: Se identificó un universo de 113.318 registros, siendo la mayor preponderancia los casos acumulados con un 95,2% (n=107.925) y la menor los casos nuevos con un 4,8% (n=5.393). El VOC Ômicron registró la mayor preponderancia, tanto de casos acumulados como de casos nuevos, con un 40,3% (n=43.480) y un 98,9% (n=5.334) respectivamente. VOC Gamma registró la menor preponderancia con 24,7% (n=26.607) casos acumulados y 0,1% (n=4) casos nuevos. Conclusión: Hubo un aumento en la frecuencia de registros de casos acumulados y nuevos de Omicron, Delta y Gamma COV de COVID-19, en el área geográfica e histórica analizada.