Clinical Profile and Short-Term Outcome of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Neonates from a Government Medical College in West Bengal, India.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a terrifying global pandemic. The presentations in neonates are varied with less case severity compared to adults. AIM: To describe the clinical and laboratory features and outcomes of neonates admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second surge of COVID-19 pandemic in a Government Medical College, West Bengal, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a hospital-based observational cross-sectional study conducted in the newborn unit of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital between 1 April 2021 and 31 July 2021 including all SARS-CoV-2 Real time RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) positive neonates. The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of all the neonates and their outcomes were documented and analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-two neonates were found to be SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive out of which 9 (40.9%) were found to be asymptomatic and 6 (27.27%) required neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Among the symptomatic neonates, most common presentations were respiratory distress (40.9%) and gastrointestinal manifestations (40.9%). Eight (36.36%) neonates required respiratory support. Three (13.6%) neonates had pneumonia of which one had right middle lobe collapse. Laboratory parameters were nonspecific except for the two (9%) cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates. High-resolution computed tomography findings in two cases were suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced changes. Two (9%) neonates died of which one was likely due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infection are mostly asymptomatic. However, clinicians must be vigilant as atypical presentations such as consolidation, collapse, meningitis or multisystem inflammatory syndrome may occur.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates is rare with varied presentations ranging from asymptomatic neonates to a few presenting with multiorgan failure. The disease severity and case fatality are much less than in adults. We studied the clinical and laboratory features and outcomes of 22 neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second surge of COVID-19 pandemic. While nine (40.9%) neonates were asymptomatic, six (27.27%) required NICU admission. Pneumonia is a rare presentation in neonates but severe COVID-19 pneumonia resulting in consolidation and lobar collapse requiring positive pressure ventilation is a possibility. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates is also a clinical entity probably as a result of hyperinflammatory syndrome due to transplacental transfer of antibodies. They require rigorous treatment, close monitoring and regular follow-ups. Amniotic fluid, placental or cord blood testing is essential to ascertain the definite mode of transmission in these neonates.

A Study of Perceived Stress, Burnout, and Job Satisfaction of Doctors and Nonmedical Staff in a Medical College of West Bengal during COVID‑19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID‑19 crisis has placed additional pressure on doctors and the health‑care system in general, and the research shows that extra pressure brings a greater risk of psychological distress. Aims: To study perceived stress levels, burnout, and job satisfaction of doctors and non‑medical staff in a medical college of West Bengal during COVID‑19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional, observational study was carried out on 105 doctors (Group A) and 64 non‑medical staff (Group B) in Burdwan Medical College after taking institutional ethical clearance and informed consent of the subjects. An online semistructured questionnaire was developed, with a consent form attached to it. The specific instruments which were included in the survey were job satisfaction scale, perceived stress scale (PSS), and abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: PSS of Group A was 18.68 ± 4.248 and of Group B was 18.625 ± 4.082;P value: 0.931. There was no significant difference in the perceived stress score between the two groups, but perceived stress scores in both groups were significantly higher than average score. Average score is considered as 13. 44% in Group A had PSS 20 or above and 42% in Group B had PSS 20 or above;P = 0.775 and Chi‑square 0.0816. Job satisfaction score in Group A was 36.97 ± 6.32 and Group B was 37.81 ± 4.99;P value: 0.346. In Group A, 22.12% had scores between 42 and 50 (indicates very high job satisfaction);26.92% had scores between 39 and 41 (high job satisfaction);36.54% had scores between 32 and 38 (average job satisfaction);7.69% had scores between 27 and 31 (low job satisfaction);and 7.69% had scores between 10 and 26 (very low job satisfaction). In Group B, 31.25% had scores between 42 and 50 (indicates very high job satisfaction);18.75% had scores between 39 and 41 (high job satisfaction);37.5% had scores between 32 and 38 (average job satisfaction);and 12.5% had scores between 27 and 31 (low job satisfaction). PSS was negatively correlated with job satisfaction score in both groups with more negative correlation in Group A as compared to Group B (Group A – r value: −0.21069;Group B – r value: −0.08197);satisfaction with medicine scores was 12.96 ± 3.34;depersonalization scores: 5 ± 2.3;personal accomplishment scores: 12.096 ± 3.457;and emotional exhaustion scores: 6.66 ± 3.42. Conclusions: Doctors as well as non‑medical staff perceived high stress during the COVID‑19 pandemic, but they were mostly satisfied with their jobs and burnout scores were not alarming. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University is the property of Wolters Kluwer India Pvt Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)