To study the pattern of seroconversion for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in COVID-infected cancer patients and to correlate it clinically - A cross-sectional study.

Background: Though as per literature cancer is also consider an associated risk factor for morbidity and mortality for covid infection but practically most of the cancer patients showed no symptoms with less mortality in second wave of pandemic. So this cross sectional comparative analysis study was designed to see the prevalence of sero-conversion for SARS -coV for IgG in covid infected cancer patients and to compare the IgG antibodies level between covid infected cancer patients and covid infected healthy persons. Material and Method: Covid-19 antibody screening of covid recovered cancer patients as well as covid recovered healthy persons was done in department of Transfusion Medicine.IgG antibody for COVID-19 was detected using microtiter plate with whole-cell antigen coating, an in-house validated kit by NIV ICMR3. Prevalence of sero-conversion was noted down in both the groups and compared. Result: There was more infectivity rate in second covid wave. Case fatality rate was much lesser as compared to 1st wave in cancer patients. In cancer patients maximum seroconversion was seen in younger group i.e. 21-30 yrs. of age, this was in contrast to finding in general population, where minimum seroconversion was seen in younger age group. It was observed that more prevalence of sero conversion was seen in general population as compared to cancer patients, but difference was non-significant. Conclusion: Though cancer patients showed less rate of seroconversion as compared to normal healthy person, but none of them showed any moderate or severe symptoms inspite of being a risk factor for severity of covid. Though larger study are required to comment on statistical conclusion.

A Review of Telemedicine Practice Guidelines for COVID-19 and Global Emergencies.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the palliative care and clinical medicine narrative to reduce exposure, maintain social distancing, and mitigate in-person consultation risks. Telemedicine during such times has emerged as a critical technology to bring medical care to patients while attempting to reduce the virus transmission. The telemedicine practice remains highly unregulated, raising concerns about its implementation. In this article, we review the worldwide scenario of policy instruments on telemedicine and also discuss the recently published telemedicine guidelines in India in detail. The methodology adopted included data collection from primary sources-key expert interviews-and secondary sources-systematic literature review. It was observed that even though countries have included telemedicine in their national health strategy, its adoption and dissemination remain a challenge. There is a need for exhaustive telemedicine practice guidelines focusing on key parameters for convenient, accessible, and cost-effective care to patients.

One for Everyone: A Study of User Satisfaction Among Health-Care Providers Regarding Extended Use of N95 Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of extended use of N95 masks in our hospital during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We also studied the use pattern, user satisfaction, and issues faced during extended use of the mask. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among health-care providers in a large tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India from April 1 to May 31, 2020. A list was prepared from the institute's register, and participants were chosen by random sampling. The data collected from the physical forms were transferred to excel sheets. RESULTS: A total of 1121 responses were received. The most common problem stated with reuse of N95 masks was loss of fit followed by damage to the slings, highlighted by 44.6% and 44.4% of the participants, respectively. A total of 476 (42.5%) participants responded that they would prefer "cup-shaped N95 mask with respirator". The median scores regarding the satisfaction with the quality of masks and their fit was also 4 each. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the extended use of N95 masks was acceptable, with more than 96% of the participants using these masks.