ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly evolving, thereby posing a profound challenge to the global healthcare system. Cardiometabolic disorders are associated with poor clinical outcomes in persons with COVID-19. Healthcare challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic are linked to resource constraints including shortage of Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE), laboratory tests and medication. In this context, a group of clinical experts discussed the endocrine and cardiology vigilance required in times of COVID-19. Further, the group proposed certain resource husbandry recommendations to be followed during the pandemic to overcome the constraints. METHOD: The clinical experts discussed and provided their inputs virtually. The expert panel included clinical experts comprising endocrinologists, Consultant Physicians and cardiologists from India. The panel thoroughly reviewed existing literature on the subject and proposed expert opinion. RESULTS: The expert panel put forward clinical practice-based opinion for the management of cardiometabolic conditions including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. As these conditions are associated with poor clinical outcomes, the expert panel recommends that these persons be extra-cautious and take necessary precautions during the ongoing pandemic. Further, experts also provided appropriate, affordable, available and accessible solution to the resource constraint situations in times of COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The clinical expert opinion put forward in this article will serve as a reference for clinicians treating diabetes and cardiovascular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Expert Testimony/trends , Health Resources/trends , Metabolic Diseases/epidemiology , Blood Glucose/drug effects , Blood Glucose/metabolism , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/prevention & control , Cardiotonic Agents/therapeutic use , Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Humans , Hypertension/diagnosis , Hypertension/drug therapy , Hypertension/epidemiology , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , India/epidemiology , Metabolic Diseases/diagnosis , Metabolic Diseases/drug therapyABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put a huge pressure on healthcare systems across the globe, more so in developing countries. Not only patients of acute febrile illness and respiratory problems but also patients with other acute and chronic diseases are facing challenges while seeking healthcare, getting laboratory investigations done and obtaining medications. Healthcare workers have their challenges including limited resources, lack of personal protective equipments, and fear of contracting COVID-19. Resource husbandry, which refers to the judicious use of available stocks, is a vital concept that needs to be promoted during such challenging times to combat the shortage of medical resources while simultaneously providing effective treatment to the patients. Some easily implementable concepts of resource husbandry can have a significant impact and result in minimising trouble for many patients during a challenging time.