The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Orthopaedic Surgery Hospital Admissions and Workload in a Major Trauma Center.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to important restrictions in social life of civilians worldwide and there were lower admission rates mainly in surgical departments in many hospitals. This study presents how COVID-19 pandemic affected admissions at the orthopaedic and trauma surgery department of a major trauma center. A retrospective study was conducted that recorded all patients examined at the outpatient orthopaedic clinic and the emergency orthopaedic department, as well as patients admitted to the orthopaedic surgery clinic and patients that underwent operative procedures between March 23 and May 4, 2020 (first lockdown period) and between March 23 and May 4, 2019 (control period). In addition, all patients with hip fractures that required hospitalization and underwent hip surgery were identified during the same time periods. During lockdown period 1 compared with the lock-down period 2 were observed: 70% and 61% decrease in the number of patients examined at the outpatient clinic and the emergency orthopaedic department respectively. The number of patients admitted to the orthopaedic surgery clinic declined by 41%, whereas operative procedures decreased by 22%. Regarding hip fractures timing to surgery during the first period was significantly less compared with second lockdown period, however, hospitalization days remained almost unchanged over the two time lockdown periods. Restrictions during the first lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic caused an important decrease in the number of patients and theaters in all orthopaedic departments in one of the major trauma centers in Athens. However, the incidence of hip fractures in elderly was not significantly decreased. Further similar studies are needed to identify variations and patterns of these parameters in other trauma centers.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Anatomy Education During COVID-19 Pandemic.

The pandemic of COVID-19 has radically changed the anatomy education approaches. This happens because medical students, due to the necessity of remote education, didn't have access to cadavers, which was the principal method of dissection training. Circumstances like these encouraged the health care providers to innovate new teaching methods with the help of virtual and augmented reality to outdistance the restrictions. This review aims to examine the pioneer technological and educational tools and their usage in the future. Detailed research was performed via the PubMed database using the following keywords "Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Anatomy Education, and COVID-19". No further filters were used. All the existing evidence suggests that the vast majority was negatively affected by the COVID-19 era. Using new technological methods in anatomy training could not effectively replace the absence of the traditionally used teaching methods like dissection, prosection, and lectures by physical presence. Although the new digital anatomy teaching approaches seem to be very promising, it is not clear if they can fully replace the traditional anatomy education methods.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Coverage and Key Public Health Indicators May Explain Disparities in COVID-19 Country-Specific Case Fatality Rate Within European Economic Area

Aim To investigate the reasons for disparity regarding the country-specific COVID-19-related case fatality rate (CFR) within the 30 countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). Materials and methods Data regarding population, area, COVID-19-associated infections/deaths, vaccination, life expectancy, elderly population, infant mortality, gender disparity, urbanization, gross domestic product (GDP), income per capita, health spending per capita, physicians, nursing personnel, hospital beds, ICU beds, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking from all EEA countries were collected from official sources on January 16, 2022. Correlation coefficients were computed, and optimal scaling using ridge regression was used to reach the most parsimonious multivariate model assessing any potential independent correlation of public health parameters with COVID-19 CFR. Results COVID-19 CFR ranges from 0.1% (Iceland) to 4.0% (Bulgaria). All parameters but population density, GDP, total health spending (% of GDP), ICU beds, diabetes, and obesity were correlated with COVID-19 CFR. In the most parsimonious multivariate model, elderly population rate (P = 0.018), males/total ratio (P = 0.013), nurses/hospital beds (P = 0.001), physicians/hospital beds (P = 0.026), public health spending (P = 0.013), smoking rate (P = 0.013), and unvaccinated population rate (P = 0.00005) were demonstrated to present independent correlation with COVID-19 CFR. In detail, the COVID-19 CFR is estimated to increase by 1.24 times in countries with vaccination rate of <0.34, 1.11 times in countries with an elderly population rate of ≥0.20, 1.14 times in countries with male ratio values ≥0.493, 1.12 times in countries spending <2,000$ annually per capita for public health, 1.14 and 1.10 times in countries with <2.30 nurses and <0.88 physicians per hospital bed, respectively, and 1.12 in countries with smoking ratio ≥0.22, while holding all other independent variables of the model constant. Conclusion COVID-19 CFR varies substantially among EEA countries and is independently linked with low vaccination rates, increased elderly population rate, diminished public health spending per capita, insufficient physicians and nursing personnel per hospital bed, and prevalent smoking habits. Therefore, public health authorities are awaited to consider these parameters in prioritizing actions to manage the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in the setting of COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has been reported as a rare adverse event in association with thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS:  We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of investigator-initiated registries including confirmed CVST cases, with the aim to calculate (1) the odds ratio of TTS-CVST versus non-TTS-CVST after vector-based vaccines and (2) after non-vector-based vaccines, (3) the in-hospital mortality ratio of TTS-CVST compared to non-TTS-CVST; and (4) the dependency or death at discharge among TTS-CVST compared to non-TTS-CVST cases. RESULTS: Two eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising a total of 211 patients with CVST associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Vector-based COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a higher likelihood of TTS-associated CVST than with non-TTS-CVST (OR: 52.34, 95% CI 9.58-285.98). TTS-CVST was also associated with higher likelihood of in-hospital mortality (OR: 13.29; 95% CI 3.96-44.60) and death or dependency at discharge compared to non-TTS-CVST (OR: 6.70; 95% CI 3.15-14.26). TTS-CVST was recorded with a shorter interval between vaccination and symptom onset [Mean Difference (MD):-6.54 days; 95% CI - 12.64 to - 0.45], affecting younger patients (MD:-9.00 years; 95% CI - 14.02 to - 3.99) without risk factors for thromboses (OR:2.34; 95% CI 1.26-4.33), and was complicated more frequently with intracerebral hemorrhage (OR:3.60; 95% CI 1.31-9.87) and concomitant thromboses in other sites (OR:11.85; 95% CI 3.51-39.98) compared to non-TTS-CVST cases. CONCLUSIONS: TTS-CVST following COVID-19 vaccination has distinct risk factor profile, clinical phenotype and prognosis compared to non-TTS-CVST. Further epidemiological data are required to evaluate the impact of different treatment strategies on outcome of TTS-CVST cases following COVID-19 vaccination.

The potential role of the combined PARP-1 and VEGF inhibition in severe SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection.

INTRODUCTION: During the evolution of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, several drug candidates have been proposed for repositioning towards a quest for more effective treatments. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed recent literature (Pubmed, Google, Clinicaltrials.gov), as of the middle of May 2021, for evidence regarding the potential benefit from poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor blockade in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase inhibitors have been suggested as potential agents against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by a variety of mechanisms. vascular endothelial growth factor-associated vascular permeability is implicated with increased vascular leakage and pulmonary oedema. Thus, anti-angiogenesis factors, such as bevacizumab are being investigated in critically ill COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The synergistic potential of these two classes of inhibitors in severe COVID-19 management could be beneficial. Further research should be carried out in order to support this hypothesis.

Diabetes-related acute metabolic emergencies in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: COVID-19 is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) and euglycaemic DKA (EDKA); however, evidence regarding parameters affecting outcome and mortality rates is scarce. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar from January 2020 to 7 January 2021 to identify all studies describing clinical profile, outcome and mortality rates regarding DKA, HHS, DKA/HHS and EDKA cases in COVID-19 patients. The appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute tools were used for quality assessment; quality of evidence was approached using GRADE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess correlations between clinical characteristics and outcome based on case reports. Combined mortality rates (CMR) were estimated from data reported in case report series, cross-sectional studies, and meta-analyses. The protocol was submitted to PROSPERO (ID: 229356/230737). RESULTS: From 312 identified publications, 44 were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Critical COVID-19 necessitating ICU (P = 3 × 10-8), DKA/HHS presence (P = 0.021), and AKI (P = 0.037) were independently correlated with death. Increased COVID-19 severity (P = 0.003), elevated lactates (P < 0.001), augmented anion gap (P < 0.001), and AKI (P = 0.002) were associated with DKA/HHS. SGLT-2i were linked with EDKA (P = 0.004) and negatively associated with AKI (P = 0.023). CMR was 27.1% (95% CI 11.2-46.9%) with considerable heterogeneity (I 2 = 67%). CONCLUSION: Acute diabetes-related metabolic emergencies in COVID-19 patients lead to increased mortality; key determinants are critical COVID-19 illness, coexistence of DKA/HHS and AKI. Previous SGLT-2i treatment, though associated with EDKA, might preserve renal function in COVID-19 patients. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-021-00502-9.

The Role of Medical Students During COVID-19 Era. A Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Since December 2019, the world has been facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic crisis. The rapid and effortless spread of the virus has led the World Health Organization to adopt unprecedented large-scale preventive measures. Our aim is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of medical students, and to evaluate their awareness and aptitude for contributing to the fight against COVID-19 contagion. METHODS: PubMed electronic database was employed for the research using the following terms: "medical students and COVID-19", "mental health of medical students and COVID-19", "knowledge of medical students and COVID-19", "preventive behavior of medical students and COVID-19". RESULTS: Twenty-one articles were included; ten assess the knowledge of medical students on COVID-19, seven present whether they demonstrate appropriate preventive behavior according to global guidelines, seven examine the impact of the pandemic on their mental health, five examine their role on the side of trained healthcare workers. Some articles combine more than one of the above mentioned domains. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students seem to demonstrate an adequate level of knowledge upon COVID-19 and implement proper strategies to prevent its spread. Further training is essential to improve some aspects in this field. Social media has proven to be the optimal source of information for medical students, which is incompatible with their future careers as doctors. The pandemic had a negative impact on medical students, expressed as fear regarding the virus spread; nevertheless, many have felt the need to assist healthcare systems under appropriate precautions.

Willingness of Greek general population to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data indicate that a large part of population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Hence, it is of high importance for public health officials to know whether people are going to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The objective of the present study was to examine the willingness of adult residents in Greece to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: A cross-sectional was survey conducted among the adult general population of Greece between April 28, 2020 to May 03, 2020 (last week of lockdown), using a mixed methodology for data collection: Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and Computer Assisted web Interviewing (CAWI). Using a sample size calculator, the target sample size was found to be around 1000 respondents. To ensure a nationally representative sample of the urban/rural population according to the Greek census 2011, a proportionate stratified by region systematic sampling procedure was used to recruit particpants. Data collection was guided through a structured questionnaire. Regarding willingness to COVID-19 vaccination, participants were asked to answer the following question: "If there was a vaccine available for the novel coronavirus, would you do it?" RESULTS: Of 1004 respondents only 57.7% stated that they are going to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Respondents aged > 65 years old, those who either themselves or a member of their household belonged to a vulnerable group, those believing that the COVID-19 virus was not developed in laboratories by humans, those believing that coronavirus is far more contagious and lethal compared to the H1N1 virus, and those believing that next waves are coming were statistically significantly more likely to be willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Higher knowledge score regarding symptoms, transmission routes and prevention and control measures against COVID-19 was significantly associated with higher willingness of respondents to get vaccinated. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of individuals in the general population are unwilling to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, stressing the need for public health officials to take immediate awareness-raising measures.

The Role of Surgical Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Mini-Review.

Introduction - The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is considered to be highly contagious and restriction of transmission requires the utilization of protective equipment like surgical masks from both healthcare workers and public. The aim of this review is to investigate the role of surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods - A literature research was conducted via PubMed to detect articles featuring the potential protective role of surgical masks when they were worn by healthcare workers or by the general public. Results - Among 114 articles, only 31 met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen additional articles provided useful information according to the aim of this review. Existing literature supports the positive effect of surgical masks on COVID-19 con-lamination. Debate on the efficacy of surgical masks compared with other forms of facial protective devices exists. There seems to be a tendency to favor the use of particulate-filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare professionals who face higher risk of infection. However, surgical masks primarily and cloth masks secondarily seem to be adequate means of protection for the general public and for healthcare workers during procedures where respiratory droplets are not generated. Rational use of surgical masks is imperative; however, reuse after decontamination is not ideal. Conclusions - For optimum protection from COVID-19, the use of surgical masks should be combined with other infection control measures like hand hygiene and social distancing, since the level of their effectiveness is still being investigated. Shortage of surgical masks should be prevented; therefore, rational use plays a crucial role in this direction.

The Greek study in the effects of colchicine in COvid-19 complications prevention (GRECCO-19 study): Rationale and study design.

OBJECTIVE: Colchicine has been utilized safely in a variety of cardiovascular clinical conditions. Among its potential mechanisms of action is the non-selective inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome which is thought to be a major pathophysiologic component in the clinical course of patients with COVID-19. GRECCO-19 will be a prospective, randomized, open-labeled, controlled study to assess the effects of colchicine in COVID-19 complications prevention. METHODS: Patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (under RT PCR) and clinical picture that involves temperature >37.5 oC and at least two out of the: i. sustained coughing, ii. sustained throat pain, iii. Anosmia and/or ageusia, iv. fatigue/tiredness, v. PaO2<95 mmHg will be included. Patients will be randomised (1:1) in colchicine or control group. RESULTS: Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. CONCLUSION: GRECCO-19 trial aims to identify whether colchicine may positively intervene in the clinical course of COVID-19. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04326790).