Cuidados en los servicios de Prótesis frente a la pandemia por covid-19 / Cares in the Prosthetic services toward COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN La covid-19 es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, y es capaz de provocar un cuadro clínico variable. Los individuos que están en contacto estrecho con pacientes positivos de esta enfermedad, tienen un mayor riesgo de infección. Así les sucede a los trabajadores de la salud que atienden directamente a pacientes. Al igual que otros servicios de salud, la atención estomatológica requiere del contacto estrecho entre el profesional y el paciente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las principales recomendaciones para la prevención y control de infecciones por SARS-CoV-2 en los servicios de Prótesis. En la práctica dental, la prevención, el control y la reducción de la transmisión de infecciones se realiza a través del uso del equipo de protección personal y de un conjunto de procedimientos de descontaminación, desinfección y esterilización en cualquier superficie o instrumento. La constante actualización científica y la adopción de medidas de protección antes, durante y después de la atención estomatológica, podrán garantizar el éxito de la atención médica con el mínimo riesgo de contagio (AU).

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is an infectious diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it is able to provoke variable clinical characteristics. The individuals that are in close contact with this disease positive patients are at higher infection risk. That is the case of the heath care workers directly caring for patients. As in any health service, dentistry care requires the narrow contact between the professional and the patient. The aim of this paper was describing the main recommendations for preventing and control SARS-CoV-2 in Prosthetic services. In the dental practice, the prevention, control and reduction of infection transmission is achieved using the personal protection equipment and a whole of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization procedures in any surface or device. The constant scientific updating and adopting protection measures before, during and after the dentistry care can ensure the success of health care with the minimal risk of contagion (AU).

O impacto da covid - 19 na saúde de pessoas institucionalizadas / The impact of COVID-19 on the health of institutionalized persons / El impacto del COVID-19 em la salude de las personas institucionalizada

Introdução:A população idosa constitui um dos grupos mais vulneráveis à infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Tal fragilidade é ainda mais evidente naqueles que residem em Instituições para Idosos, por apresentar maior risco de contaminação e, ainda, de morbimortalidade. Objetivo: Identificar o impacto da COVID-19 na saúde de pessoas idosas residentes nas Instituições de Longa Permanência. Metodologia:Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo de revisão integrativa da literatura, entre os meses de novembro/2020 e março/2021, sintetizando estudos publicados sobre a temática. A partir do objetivo traçado para este estudo, determinamos quais seriam as questões norteadoras: 1. "Quais medidas estão sendo adotadas para minimizar os efeitos da COVID-19 nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos?" 2. "Quais os principais impactos causados por essas medidas?". Estes eixos colaboram para a compreensão dos acontecimentos de significativa relevância social. Resultados:As instituições para idosos, como ambientes coletivos, possuem residentes com elevada vulnerabilidade à infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Naqueles idosos acometidos por quadros de demência e outras doenças neurológicas, o isolamento social aprofunda a gravidade da infecção pela COVID-19, dificultando, assim, as atividades relacionadas à atenção e assistência realizadas pelos cuidadores. Ademais, caracteriza-se como medida fundamental a adoção do rastreamento laboratorial precoce para potencializar a prevenção de casos e promover o controle da infecção. Percebe-se ainda uma deficiência referente à construção de um protocolo com medidas de profilaxia e manejo adequado de modo mais direcionado dentro dessas instituições. Conclusão:Torna-se urgente um olhar mais atento às necessidades da população idosa, especialmente dogrupo institucionalizado, de modo a promover políticas de investimento em cuidados de saúde integrais e realizados por equipe multiprofissional (AU).

Introduction:The elderly population is one of the groups most vulnerable to infection by the new coronavirus. Such fragility is even more evident in those who live in Institutions for the Aged, as it presents a higher risk of contamination and, even, of morbidity and mortality. Objective: To identify the impact of COVID-19 on the health of elderly people residing in Long Term Institutions for the Aged. Methodology:This is a retrospective study of integrative literature review, between the months of November/2020 and March/2021, synthesizing published studies on the theme. Based on the objective outlined for this study, we determined what the guiding questions would be: 1. "What measures are being taken to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on Long Term Care Institutions for the Aged?" 2. "What are the main impacts caused by these measures?. These axes contribute to the understanding of events of significant social relevance. Results:Institutions for the aged, as collective environments, have residents with high vulnerability to infection with the new coronavirus. In those aged people affected by dementia and other neurological diseases, social isolation deepens the severity of the infection by COVID-19, thus hampering the activities related to the care and assistance performed by caregivers. In addition, the adoption of early laboratory screening is characterized as a fundamental measure to enhance the prevention of cases and promote infection control. It is also perceived a deficiency regarding the construction of a protocol with prophylaxis measures and adequate management in a more targeted way within these institutions.Conclusions:It is urgent to look more closely at the needs of the aged population, especially the institutionalized group, in order to promote investment policies in comprehensive health care carried out by a multidisciplinary team (AU).

Introducción: la población anciana es uno de los grupos más vulnerables a la infección por el nuevo coronavirus. Tal fragilidad es aún más evidente en quienes viven en Instituciones de Ancianos, ya que presenta un mayor riesgo de contaminación e, incluso, de morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivo: Identificar el impacto del COVID-19 en la salud de los ancianos que residen en Instituciones de Atención de Larga Duración. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de revisión integradora de la literatura, entre los meses de noviembre/2020 y marzo/2021, sintetizando los estudios publicados sobre el tema. Con base en el objetivo delineado para este estudio, determinamos cuáles serían las preguntas orientadoras: 1. "¿Qué medidas se están tomando para minimizar los efectos del COVID-19 en las Instituciones de Atención de Larga Duración para el Anciano?" 2. "¿Cuáles son los principales impactos provocados por estas medidas?". Estos ejes contribuyen a la comprensión de hechos de relevancia social significativa.Resultados:Las instituciones para los ancianos, como entornos colectivos, tienen residentes conalta vulnerabilidad a la infección por el nuevo coronavirus. Aquellos ancianos afectados por demencia y otras enfermedades neurológicas, el aislamiento social profundiza la gravedad de la infección por COVID-19, dificultando así las actividades relacionadas con el cuidado y asistencia que realizan los cuidadores. Además, la adopción del cribado precoz de laboratorio se caracteriza por ser una medida fundamental para potenciar la prevención de casos y promover el control de infecciones. También se percibe una deficiencia en la construcción de un protocolo con medidas de profilaxis y manejo adecuado de manera más focalizada dentro de estas instituciones. Conclusiones: Es urgente mirar más de cerca las necesidades de la población anciana, especialmente del grupo institucionalizado, para promover políticas de inversión en la atención integral de salud llevadas a cabo por un equipo multidisciplinario (AU).

Anticoncepción hormonal y COVID-19 / Hormonal contraception and COVID-19

La enfermedad producida por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 se identificó por primera vez en diciembre de 2019 en la ciudad de Wuhan, en la República Popular China, y en pocos meses se convirtió en una pandemia. Desde el comienzo ha sido un desafío mundial, que amenazó la salud pública y obligó a tomar medidas estrictas de aislamiento social. Como consecuencia de la emergencia sanitaria se ha producido una reducción importante de la actividad asistencial, que puso en riesgo el acceso y la continuidad de los métodos anticonceptivos, exponiendo a mujeres a embarazos no intencionales. Los derechos sexuales y reproductivos resultan esenciales y deben garantizarse siempre. (AU)

The disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was identified for the first time in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, in the People's Republic of China, and within a few months it became a pandemic. From the beginning, it has been a global challenge, threatening public health, having to take strict measures of social isolation. As a consequence of the health emergency, there has been a significant reduction in healthcare activity, putting access and continuity of contraceptive methods at risk, exposing women to unintended pregnancies. Sexual and reproductive rights are essential and must always be guaranteed. (AU)

Relación de las medidas de mecánica ventilatoria y radiográficas con el tiempo de conexión a ventilación mecánica en pacientes COVID-19: un análisis preliminar / Relations of ventilatory mechanical and radiographic measures with the connection time to mechanical ventilation in patients COVID-19: a preliminary analysis

RESUMEN: Los pulmones son el sitio predominante en la infección por COVID-19. Esta puede conducir al síndrome distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA). Frente a su sintomatología severa, la ventilación mecánica (VM), y sus valores de mecánica ventilatoria aparecen como una herramienta fundamental. Un complemento, para analizar el estado de avance de esta patología es la radiografía de tórax (RT), aunque en ocasiones esta depende de la experiencia del equipo de salud. Así el objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar la relación de las medidas de mecánica ventilatoria y radiográficas con el tiempo de conexión a VM en pacientes COVID-19. Estudio retrospectivo, que incluyó a 23 pacientes en VM. Se recolectó información de variables de mecánica ventilatoria; PEEP, presión plateau, presión de distensión y compliance estática. Desde la RT se midió, altura y ancho pulmonar, ángulo costodiafragmático y espacio intercostal. Los resultados indicaron que las variables de mecánica ventilatoria tales como el PEEP y el plateau se relacionaron significativamente con el tiempo de conexión a VM (r=0,449; p=0,035 y r=0,472; p=0,026), mientras que las variables radiográficas construidas en base al ángulo costodiafragmático y el espacio intercostal presentaron similares comportamientos (r= 0,462; p=0,046 y r=-0,543; p=0,009). En conclusión, la presión resultante de la programación del ventilador mecánico junto a cambios estructurales observados en la RT, se relacionan con el tiempo de conexión a VM.

SUMMARY: The lungs are the predominant site of COVID-19 infection. This can lead to severe acute respiratory síndrome (ARDS). In view of its severe symptoms, mechanical ventilation (MV) and its ventilatory mechanics values appear as a fundamental tool. Chest radiography (CR) is a complement to analyze the state of progress of this pathology, although this sometimes depends on the experience of the health team. Thus, the aim of this research was to explore the relationship of ventilatory mechanics and radiographic measures with connection time to MV in COVID-19 patients. Retrospective study, which included 23 patients on MV. Information on ventilatory mechanics variables was collected; PEEP, plateau pressure, distension pressure and static compliance. And from CR, lung height and width, costodiaphragmatic angle and intercostal space were measured. The results indicated that ventilatory mechanics variables such as PEEP and plateau were significantly related to connection time to MV (r = 0.449; p = 0.035 and r = 0.472; p = 0.026), while the radiographic variables Constructed on the basis of the costodiaphragmatic angle and the intercostal space, they showed similar behaviors (r = 0.462; p = 0.046 and r = -0.543; p = 0.009). In conclusion, the pressure resulting from mechanical ventilator programming, together with the structural changes observed in CR, are related to the connection time to MV.

Renal changes in COVID-19 infection

SUMMARY The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection started in China, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, in December 2019, and it was declared a pandemic in mid-March 2020, caused by a new coronavirus strain called SARS-CoV-2. The pathogenesis of kidney injury attributed to SARS- CoV-2 is not well defined yet. Observations show that the kidney damage caused by the new virus mutation is mainly tubular, with impairment of glomerular filtration and high levels of urea and creatinine. A study with seriously ill patients with COVID-19 showed that acute kidney injury was present in 29%. In the face of this evidence, based on recent studies, we can see the great renal contribution as an impact factor in the evolution of COVID-19, not just as a complicator of severity, but maybe part of the initial cascade of the process, requiring a deeper analysis using conventional biomarkers of kidney injury and more aggressive clinical intervention in patients at risk, in an attempt to reduce mortality.

RESUMO Infecção pelo COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) começou na China, cidade de Wuhan, província de Hubei, em dezembro de 2019, e foi declarada pandemia em meados de março de 2020, causada por uma nova cepa de coronavírus chamada SARS-CoV-2. A patogênese da lesão renal atribuída à SARS-CoV-2 ainda não está bem definida. Observações mostram que o dano renal causado pela nova mutação viral é principalmente tubular, com comprometimento da filtração glomerular e apresentação de altos níveis de uréia e creatinina. Estudo com pacientes gravemente enfermos com COVID-19 mostrou que a lesão renal aguda estava presente em 29%. Diante dessas evidências, com base em estudos recentes, podemos ver a grande contribuição renal como um fator de impacto na evolução do COVID-19, não apenas como um complicador da gravidade, mas talvez como parte da cascata inicial do processo, exigindo uma investigação de análise mais profunda usando biomarcadores convencionais de lesão renal e intervenção clínica mais agressiva em pacientes em risco, na tentativa de reduzir a mortalidade.

Generalidades, manejos, cuidados y manifestaciones clínicas del SARS-CoV-2 / Overview, management, care and clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2

Se mantienen los estudios para describir los síntomas clínicos del COVID 19, ya se encuentran documentados a nivel general o sistémico la fiebre, dificultad para respirar, tos seca, fatiga, diarrea y algunos otros menos comunes que se llegan a presentar. La sintomatología se presenta en diferentes etapas que van desde asintomáticas hasta severa y crítica. Con un periodo de incubación de hasta 14 días y con un promedio de seis días que es el momento más común de presencia de los signos y síntomas. Algunas de las manifestaciones orales presentes son: pérdida de la sensación del sabor (ageusia), ausencia del olfato, resequedad de la boca (AU)

Studies are ongoing to describe the clinical symptoms of COVID-19, and fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, diarrea, and some other less common ones that have been reported are already documented at a general or systemic level. Symptomatology occurs at different stages ranging from asymptomatic to severe and critical. With an incubation period of up to fourteen days and with an average of six days, which is the most common moment of presence of signs and symptoms. Some of the oral manifestations present are: Loss of taste sensation (ageusia), absence of olfaction, dry mouth (AU)

Índice neutrófilo-linfocito como factor pronóstico de COVID-19 / Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in COVID-19

En diciembre de 2019 un nuevo coronavirus se identificó como causa de un brote de neumonía y distrés respiratorio en Wuhan, China. En marzo de 2020 fue declarado pandemia. Resulta importante conocer predictores de mala evolución para optimizar estrategias de cuidados. El índice neutrófilo-linfocito (INL) constituye un novedoso marcador pronóstico en enfermedades cardiovasculares, oncológicas e infecciosas. Este trabajo analiza su valor pronóstico en COVID-19. Se evaluó una cohorte retrospectiva de 131 pacientes con COVID-19 confirmado, entre marzo y mayo de 2020. Se analizaron las características basales de la población, la asociación del INL ≥ 3 con COVID-19 grave y la tasa de mortalidad de la enfermedad. La mediana de edad fue de 52 años, 54% fueron hombres. En 21 pacientes se encontraron criterios de gravedad, 9 de ellos requirieron ventilación mecánica. Presentó INL ≥ 3 el 81% (18/21) de los pacientes graves y el 33% (36/110) de los pacientes leves (OR = 8.74. IC del 95%: 2.74-27.86; p < 0.001). La edad y la hipertensión se asociaron con enfermedad grave. La mortalidad observada en la cohorte fue del 7% (9). En 7 de los 9 pacientes fallecidos se observó un INL ≥ 3 (p = 0.03). El INL, en conjunto con otros predictores, podría usarse como un marcador pronóstico temprano dada la alta accesibilidad y el bajo costo de la prueba.

In December 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia and respiratory distress in Wuhan, China. It was declared pandemic in March 2020. It is important to know predictors of poor outcomes in order to optimize the strategies of care in newly diagnosed patients. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) constitutes a novel prognostic marker for oncologic, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. We aimed to assess its prognostic value in COVID-19. We evaluated a retrospective cohort of 131 patients with COVID-19 from March to May 2020. We analyzed the association of an NLR ≥ 3 with severe COVID-19, baseline characteristics of the population and the mortality rate. The median age was 52 years, and 54% were men. 21 patients presented criteria of severe disease, 9 of them required mechanical ventilation. NLR ≥ 3 was found in 81% (18/21) of severe patients and in 33% (36/110) of mild patients (OR = 8.74. 95% CI 2.74-27.86; p < 0.001). Age and hypertension were associated with severe disease. A mortality rate of 7% (9) was obtained. Seven of the 9 patients who died presented NLR ≥ 3, with a significant association between mortality and NLR ≥ 3 (p = 0.03). NLR could be used in conjunction with other predictors, as an early prognostic marker in COVID-19 given its accessibility and low cost.

Coronavirus y el consultorio dental / Coronavirus and the dental office

Hasta el 27 de marzo del 2020 la Organización Mundial de la Salud ya había publicado 67 informes sobre el estado del coronavirus donde reporta a nivel mundial 509164 casos confirmados, 46484 nuevos casos confirmados, 23335 muertos y 2501 nuevos muertos. El odontólogo juega un papel importante ya que los dispositivos que utiliza en la práctica dental tienen el potencial de generar aerosoles, están constantemente contaminados y si no se lleva a cabo una buena desinfección y esterilización se puede llegar a desarrollar una infección cruzada. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo informar sobre esta nueva enfermedad a la comunidad en general y en especial al profesional que vela por la salud bucal de la población. Ya que el odontólogo debe ser capaz de evaluar los casos sospechosos infectados por el nuevo coronavirus. Al mismo tiempo, se pretende que el odontólogo tome conciencia acerca de esta nueva enfermedad y afiance los conocimientos básicos de bioseguridad, para ponerlo en práctica en la consulta odontológica.

Covid-19: la nueva enfermedad causada por un coronavirus / Covid-19: the new pathology caused by a coronavirus

Resumen: En esta comunicación especial se describe brevemente la situación de la patología causada por el nuevo coronavirus, a la que la OMS ha denominado Covid-19. Se hace un recuento de los casos ocurridos en China continental y en el resto del mundo y se enfatiza el arduo trabajo que el gobierno de China y otros países están realizando para contener la epidemia. También se hace mención del papel que están desempeñando la OMS y otras organizaciones internacionales en las acciones de prevención y control de la enfermedad.

Abstract: In this special communication, a brief description is made of the main events of the new pathology (that WHO has named Covid-19) caused by coronavirus. The cases of Covid-19 occurred in mainland China and the rest of the world are mentioned. It is also emphasized the effort that China and other countries around the world are making to contain the epidemic. Also, it highlights the role that WHO and other international organizations are playing to prevent and control the epidemic.

Predictive value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio on myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the predictive value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we collected and analyzed data form 133 severe COVID-19 patients admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Eastern District) from January 30 to February 18, 2020. Patients were divided into myocardial injury group (n=29) and non-myocardial injury group (n=104) according the presence or absence of myocardial injury. The general information of patients was collected by electronic medical record database system. All patients were followed up for 30 days, the organ injury and/or dysfunction were monitored, the in-hospital death was compared between the two groups, and the disease progression was reevaluated and classified at 14 days after initial hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients. The ROC of NLR was calculated, and the AUC was determined to estimate the optimal cut-off value of NLR for predicting myocardial injury in severe cases of COVID-19. Results: There was statistical significance in age, respiratory frequency, systolic blood pressure, symptoms of dyspnea, previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease history, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, C-reactive protein, platelet counting, aspartate transaminase, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, D-dimer, CD3+, CD4+, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of CO2, blood oxygen saturation, other organ injury, clinical outcome and prognosis between patients with myocardial injury and without myocardial injury (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was a risk factor for myocardial injury (OR=1.066，95%CI 1.021-1.111，P=0.033). ROC curve showed that NLR predicting AUC of myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients was 0.774 (95%CI 0.694-0.842), the optimal cut-off value of NLR was 5.768, with a sensitivity of 82.8%, and specificity of 69.5%. Conclusion: NLR may be used to predict myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients.

Clinical feature changes of a COVID-19 patient from mild to critical condition and cardiopulmonary pathological results / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To analyse the clinical history, laboratory tests and pathological data of a patient who suffered from novel coronavirus pneumonia(COVID-19) and provide reference for the clinical treatment of similar cases. Methods: Data of clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, bronchoscopy, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary pathological results were retrospectively reviewed in a case of COVID-19 with rapid exacerbation from mild to critical condition. Results: This patient hospitalized at day 9 post 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) infection, experienced progressive deterioration from mild to severe at day 12, severe to critical at day 18 and underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT) as well as heart lung transplantation during day 28-45 post infection, and died at the second day post heart and lung transplantation. The patient had suffered from hypertension for 8 years. At the early stage of the disease, his symptoms were mild and the inflammatory indices increased and the lymphocyte count decreased continuously. The patient's condition exacerbated rapidly with multi-organ infections, and eventually developed pulmonary hemorrhage and consolidation, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, malignant ventricular arrhythmias, liver dysfunction, etc. His clinical manifestations could not be improved despite viral RNAs test results became negative. The patient underwent lung and heart transplantation and finally died of multi organ failure at the second day post lung and heart transplantation. Pathological examination indicated massive mucus, dark red secretions and blood clots in bronchus. The pathological changes were mainly diffused pulmonary hemorrhagic injuries and necrosis, fibrosis, small vessel disease with cardiac edema and lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusions: The clinical course of severe COVID-19 can exacerbate rapidly from mild to critical with lung, liver and heart injuries.

Analysis of myocardial injury in patients with COVID-19 and association between concomitant cardiovascular diseases and severity of COVID-19 / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the cardiovascular damage of patients with COVID-19, and determine the correlation of serum N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP） and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI） with the severity of COVID-19, and the impact of concomitant cardiovascular disease on severity of COVID-19 was also evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed on 150 consecutive patients with COVID-19 in the fever clinic of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan from January 19 to February 13 in 2020, including 126 mild cases and 24 cases in critical care. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation of past medical history including hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD）, as well as the levels of serum NT-proBNP and cTnI to the disease severity of COVID-19 patients. Results: Age, hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) and serum creatinine levels of the patients were higher in critical care cases than in mild cases(all P<0.05). Prevalence of male, elevated NT-proBNP and cTnI, hypertension and coronary heart disease were significantly higher in critical cases care patients than in the mild cases(all P<0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, male, elevated NT-proBNP, elevated cTnI, elevated hs-CRP, elevated serum creatinine, hypertension, and CHD were significantly correlated with critical disease status(all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that elevated cTnI(OR=26.909，95%CI 4.086-177.226，P=0.001) and CHD (OR=16.609，95%CI 2.288-120.577，P=0.005) were the independent risk factors of critical disease status. Conclusions: COVID-19 can significantly affect the heart function and lead to myocardial injury. The past medical history of CHD and increased level of cTnI are 2 independent determinants of clinical disease status in patients with COVID-19.

Confirmed Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and COVID-19: the value of postmortem findings to support antemortem management

Abstract We present postmortem evidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in a patient with severe COVID-19. Autopsies of COVID-19 confirmed cases were performed. The patient died despite antimicrobials, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor support. Histopathology and peripheral blood galactomannan antigen testing confirmed IPA. Aspergillus penicillioides infection was confirmed by nucleotide sequencing and BLAST analysis. Further reports are needed to assess the occurrence and frequency of IPA in SARS-CoV-2 infections, and how they interact clinically.

COVID-19 gastrointestinal manifestations: a systematic review

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has greatly challenged public health worldwide. A growing number of studies have reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. We performed a systematic review of GI symptoms associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as of the serum levels of biomarkers related to liver function and lesion in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. METHODS: We surveyed relevant articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese up to July, 2020 in the PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, and BVS databases. Moreover, we surveyed potentially important articles in journals such as the NEJM, JAMA, BMJ, Gut, and AJG. RESULTS: This systematic review included 43 studies, including 18,246 patients. Diarrhea was the most common GI symptom, affecting 11.5% of the patients, followed by nausea and vomiting (6.3%) and abdominal pain (2.3%). With regard to clinical severity, 17.5% of the patients were classified as severely ill, whereas 9.8% of them were considered to have a non-severe disease. Some studies showed increased aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase levels in a portion of the 209 analyzed patients and two studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that digestive symptoms are common in COVID-19 patients. In addition, alterations in cytolysis biomarkers could also be observed in a lesser proportion, calling attention to the possibility of hepatic involvement in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals.

Getting to Know SARS-CoV-2: Towards a Better Understanding of the Factors Influencing Transmission

Abstract In November 2002, a virus known as SARS-CoV was identified in Guangdong, China, and it was implicated as the etiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Seventeen years later, in the same month of November, a similar disease with more dramatic outcomes was identified in neighboring Wuhan. It has been six months since the identification of first cases of COVID-19 pandemic; however, unveiling clinical characteristics and modes of transmission of the disease are taking longer than expected. This overview aims to highlight some important points regarding the mode of transmission for which continuously surprising facts are being revealed every day. We also raise some vital questions to alert the scientific community to find the right answers and minimize the drastic fatal outcomes of this disease. It can be stated that SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted as aerosol infection as well as through contacting infected surfaces. The possible role of abdominal gases as a route of spread of the virus should be considered and a fecal sample might be a useful diagnostic tool. Moreover, medical face masks are not protective from virus transmission during treating COVID-19 patients in settings where aerosol-generating procedures are performed. Doffing of PPE for healthcare workers needs more attention as this might be a source of infection unless additional measures of PPE disinfection are employed before doffing.

Teledentistry and the Unified Health System: An Important Tool for the Resumption of Primary Health Care in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract This paper describes the possibilities of using Teledentistry to expand and qualify health care in oral health care networks. WHO already recommended to its member countries, even before the pandemic, Telehealth as a strategy to improve the quality of services, especially in universal systems, as the Unified Health System (SUS). Teledentistry opens opportunities for oral health to resume the provision of various services, remotely, such as: 1) Tracking, active search, monitoring of priority users, those at risk and with systemic problems, suspicions of COVID-19 and contacts, through Telemonitation; 2) Initial listening, individual or collective educational activities, through Teleorientation; 3) Discussion of clinical cases for the definition of the opportunity / need for operative procedures, matrix support, sharing, solution of doubts among professionals and between these and teaching and research institutions, by Teleconsulting, among others. In addition to a review of Teledentistry in the context of the pandemic, we conceptualized the terms used and possibilities offered to SUS professionals, in addition to specifying the possible protocols for recording these activities to provide safe data for their monitoring and evaluation. Besides, we bring a brief discussion with promising experiences, carried out in the pre- and trans-pandemic contexts, which can be important strategies for the resumption of oral health in the post-pandemic scenario.