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1.
Clin Chim Acta ; 544: 117357, 2023 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2315526
2.
Surg Endosc ; 36(6): 4542-4551, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1838334

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During laparoscopy, the abdominal cavity is insufflated with carbon dioxide (CO2) that could become contaminated with viruses and surgical smoke. Medical staff is potentially exposed when this gas leaks into the operating room through the instruments and past trocar valves. No detailed studies currently exist that have quantified these leakage pathways. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify the gas leakages through trocars and instruments, during minimally invasive procedures. METHODS: A model of the surgical environment was created, consisting of a rigid container with an interface for airtight clamping of laparoscopic equipment such as trocars and surgical instruments. The model was insufflated to 15 mm Hg using a pressure generator and a pneumotachograph measured the equipment gas leak. A protocol of several use cases was designed to simulate the motions and forces the surgeon exerts on the trocar during surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-three individual trocars and twenty-six laparoscopic instruments were measured for leakage under the different conditions of the protocol. Trocar leakages varied between 0 L/min and more than 30 L/min, the instruments revealed a range of leakages between 0 L/min and 5.5 L/min. The results showed that leakage performance varied widely between trocars and instruments and that the performance and location of the valves influenced trocar leakage. CONCLUSIONS: We propose trocar redesigns to overcome specific causes of gas leaks. Moreover, an international testing standard for CO2 leakage for all new trocars and instruments is needed so surgical teams can avoid this potential health hazard when selecting new equipment.


Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide , Laparoscopy , Equipment Failure , Humans , Laparoscopy/methods , Surgical Instruments/adverse effects
3.
J Occup Environ Hyg ; 19(2): 102-110, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1569454

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has created shortages of personal protective equipment. In resource-constrained situations, limited cycles of disinfection and extended use of gloves is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conserve supplies. However, these guidelines are based on limited evidence. In this study, serial cycles of hand hygiene were performed on gloved hands using an ethanol-based hand rub (six and 10 cycles), 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution (10 cycles), or soap and water (10 cycles) on latex and nitrile medical exam gloves from the United States and India. A modified water-leak test evaluated glove integrity after repeated applications of these disinfecting agents. When aggregated, dilute bleach demonstrated the lowest difference between treatment and control arms: -2.5 percentage points (95% CI: -5.3 to 0.3) for nitrile, 0.6 percentage points (95% CI: -2.6 to 3.8) for non-powdered latex. For U.S.-purchased gloves tested with six and 10 applications of ethanol-based hand rub, the mean difference in failure risk between treatment and control gloves was within the prespecified non-inferiority margin of five percentage points or less, though some findings were inconclusive since outside the margin. The aggregated difference in failure risk between treatment and control was 3.5 percentage points (0.6 to 6.4) for soap and water, and 2.3 percentage points (-0.5 to 5.0) and 5.0 percentage points (1.8 to 8.2) for 10 and 6 applications of ethanol-based hand rub, respectively. Most leaks occurred in the interdigital webs (35%) and on the fingers (34%). This indicates that some combinations of glove types and disinfection methods may allow for extended use. Ten applications of dilute bleach solution had the least impact on glove integrity. However, the majority of glove and exposure combinations were inconclusive. Additional testing of specific glove and disinfectant combinations may inform future strategies to guide extended use during glove shortages. Additional considerations, not evaluated here, include duration of use, disinfectant chemical permeation, and the effects of hand temperature, movement, and manipulation of instruments on glove integrity.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Disinfectants , Disinfection , Equipment Failure , Gloves, Protective , Gloves, Surgical , Humans , SARS-CoV-2
4.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 12110, 2021 06 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1517640

ABSTRACT

Wearing surgical masks or other similar face coverings can reduce the emission of expiratory particles produced via breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. Although it is well established that some fraction of the expiratory airflow leaks around the edges of the mask, it is unclear how these leakage airflows affect the overall efficiency with which masks block emission of expiratory aerosol particles. Here, we show experimentally that the aerosol particle concentrations in the leakage airflows around a surgical mask are reduced compared to no mask wearing, with the magnitude of reduction dependent on the direction of escape (out the top, the sides, or the bottom). Because the actual leakage flowrate in each direction is difficult to measure, we use a Monte Carlo approach to estimate flow-corrected particle emission rates for particles having diameters in the range 0.5-20 µm. in all orientations. From these, we derive a flow-weighted overall number-based particle removal efficiency for the mask. The overall mask efficiency, accounting both for air that passes through the mask and for leakage flows, is reduced compared to the through-mask filtration efficiency, from 93 to 70% for talking, but from only 94-90% for coughing. These results demonstrate that leakage flows due to imperfect sealing do decrease mask efficiencies for reducing emission of expiratory particles, but even with such leakage surgical masks provide substantial control.


Subject(s)
Aerosols , Communicable Disease Control/methods , Cough , Exhalation , Filtration , Masks , Virus Diseases/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , COVID-19/prevention & control , Equipment Failure , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Monte Carlo Method , Particle Size , Probability , Respiration , Sneezing , Young Adult
5.
Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed ; 106(5): 561-567, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1455687

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: The current neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend positive pressure ventilation via face mask or nasal prongs at birth. Using a nasal interface may have the potential to improve outcomes for newborn infants. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nasal prong/nasopharyngeal tube versus face mask during positive pressure ventilation of infants born <37 weeks' gestation in the delivery room reduces in-hospital mortality and morbidity. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (through PubMed), Google Scholar and EMBASE, Clinical Trials.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through August 2019. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials comparing nasal prong/nasopharyngeal tube versus face mask during positive pressure ventilation of infants born <37 weeks' gestation in the delivery room. DATA ANALYSIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the Covidence Collaboration Tool, results were pooled into a meta-analysis using a random effects model. MAIN OUTCOME: In-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Five RCTs enrolling 873 infants were combined into a meta-analysis. There was no statistical difference in in-hospital mortality (risk ratio (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.52, p=0.92, I2=11%), rate of chest compressions in the delivery room (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.33, p=0.13, I2=28%), rate of intraventricular haemorrhage (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.70, p=0.13, I2=0%) or delivery room intubations in infants ventilated with a nasal prong/tube (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.39,1.02, p=0.06, I2=52%). CONCLUSION: In infants born <37 weeks' gestation, in-hospital mortality and morbidity were similar following positive pressure ventilation during initial stabilisation with a nasal prong/tube or a face mask.


Subject(s)
Intubation/methods , Masks , Nasopharynx , Positive-Pressure Respiration/methods , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/therapy , Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/complications , Cerebral Intraventricular Hemorrhage/complications , Delivery Rooms , Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/complications , Equipment Failure , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Intensive Care, Neonatal , Intubation/instrumentation , Positive-Pressure Respiration/instrumentation , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/complications , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/mortality , Treatment Outcome
7.
West J Emerg Med ; 22(3): 547-551, 2021 Apr 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1266883

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus 2019 pandemic caused a shortage of disposable N95 respirators, prompting healthcare entities to extend the use of these masks beyond their intended single-use manufacturer recommendation with a paucity of supporting research. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of ED healthcare workers (HCW) ("subjects") required to use respirators at an academic, Level I trauma center. Subjects had been previously fit tested and assigned an appropriately sized N95 mask per hospital protocol. Per study protocol, subjects were fit tested periodically throughout their shifts and on multiple shifts over the eight-week study period. Data points collected included the age of the mask, subjective assessment of mask seal quality, and fit test results. We analyzed the data using Fisher's exact test, and calculated odds ratios (OR) to determine the failure rate of disposable N95 masks following reuse. RESULTS: A total of 130 HCWs underwent fit testing and 127 were included for analysis. Mask failure rate climbed after day 2 of use, with 33.3% of masks failing at day 3, 42.9% at day 4, and 50% at ≥ day 5. Categorizing the masks into those being used for two or fewer days vs those in use for three or more, failure was more common on day 3 of use or older compared to those in the first two days of use (41.8% vs 8.3%, P < 0.0001) with an OR of failure with an older mask of 7.9 (confidence interval [CI], 2.8-22.3). The healthcare workers' assessment of poor seal was 33.3% sensitive (CI, 18.6-51.9) and 95.7% specific (CI, 88.8-98.6) for fit test failure. CONCLUSION: Disposable N95 masks have significant failure rates following reuse in clinical practice. Healthcare personnel also performed poorly in assessing the integrity of the seal of their disposable respirators.


Subject(s)
Equipment Failure/statistics & numerical data , Equipment Reuse , N95 Respirators , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Disposable Equipment , Emergency Service, Hospital , Humans , Pandemics , Prospective Studies
8.
Respir Med ; 185: 106474, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1240604

ABSTRACT

Hypoxemic respiratory failure is a common manifestation of COVID-19 pneumonia. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure were, at times, being intubated earlier than normal; in part because the options of heated humidified high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) were considered potentially inadequate and to increase risk of virus aerosolization. To understand the benefits and factors that predict success and failure of HFNC in this population, we evaluated data from the first 30 sequential patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia to our center who were managed with HFNC. We conducted Cox Proportional Hazards regression models to evaluate the factors associated with high flow nasal cannula failure (outcome variable), using time to intubation (censoring variable), while adjusting for comorbidities and immunosuppression. In the majority of our patients (76.7%), the use of HFNC failed and the patients were ultimately placed on mechanical ventilation. Those at increased risk of failure had a higher sequential organ failure assessment score, and at least one comorbidity or history of immunosuppression. Our data suggest that high flow nasal cannula may have a role in some patients with COVID-19 presenting with hypoxemic respiratory failure, but careful patient selection is the likely key to its success.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Cannula/adverse effects , Noninvasive Ventilation/adverse effects , Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/adverse effects , Pandemics , Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/epidemiology , Equipment Failure , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Noninvasive Ventilation/instrumentation , Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/instrumentation , Respiratory Insufficiency/etiology , SARS-CoV-2
10.
J Vasc Surg ; 73(6): 1881-1888.e3, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1096146

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The hypercoagulability seen in patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) likely contributes to the high temporary hemodialysis catheter (THDC) malfunction rate. We aim to evaluate prophylactic measures and their association with THDC patency. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of our institutions COVID-19 positive patients who required placement of a THDC between February 1 to April 30, 2020, was performed. The association between heparin locking, increased dosing of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis and systemic anticoagulation on THDC patency was assessed. Proportional hazards modeling was used to perform a survival analysis to estimate the likelihood and timing of THDC malfunction with the three different prophylactic measures. We also determined the mortality, rate of THDC malfunction and its association with d-dimer levels. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients with a mortality rate of 71% were identified. THDC malfunction occurred in 31.3% of patients. Thirty-seven patients (77.1%) received heparin locking, 22 (45.8%) received systemic anticoagulation, and 38 (79.1%) received VTE prophylaxis. Overall, the rate of THDC malfunction was lower at a trend level of significance, with heparin vs saline locking (24.3% vs 54.6%; P = .058). The likelihood of THDC malfunction in the heparin locked group is lower than all other groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.45]; P = .005). The rate of malfunction in patients with subcutaneous heparin (SQH) 7500 U three times daily is significantly lower than of the rate for patients receiving none (HR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.001-0.74; P = .032). A trend level significant association was found for SQH 5000 U vs none (P = .417) and SQH 7500 vs 5000 U (P = .059). Systemic anticoagulation did not affect the THDC malfunction rate (P = .240). Higher d-dimer levels were related to greater mortality (HR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.16-9.28; P = .025), but were not significantly associated with THDC malfunction (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 0.42, 7.71; P = .434). CONCLUSIONS: Locking THDCs with heparin is associated with a lower malfunction rate. Prospective randomized studies will be needed to confirm these findings to recommend locking THDC with heparin in patients with COVID-19. Increased VTE prophylaxis suggested a possible association with improved THDC patency, although the comparison lacked sufficient statistical power.


Subject(s)
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , COVID-19/complications , Central Venous Catheters , Equipment Failure , Heparin/therapeutic use , Renal Dialysis/instrumentation , Venous Thromboembolism/etiology , Venous Thromboembolism/prevention & control , Aged , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors
11.
Respir Med ; 179: 106312, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1081264

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Efforts to meet increased oxygen demands in COVID-19 patients are a priority in averting mechanical ventilation (MV), associated with high mortality approaching 76.4-97.2%. Novel methods of oxygen delivery could mitigate that risk. Oxygen hoods/helmets may improve: O2-saturation (SaO2), reduce in-hospital mechanical ventilation and mortality rates, and reduce length of hospitalization in hypoxic Covid-19 patients failing on conventional high-flow oxygen delivery systems. METHODS: DesignProspective Controlled Cohort Study. SettingSingle Center. ParticipantsAll patients admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were reviewed and 136/347 patients met inclusion criteria. Study period3/6/2020 to 5/1/2020. 136 participants completed the study with known status for all outcome measures. Intervention or exposureOxygen hoods/helmets as compared to conventional high-flow oxygen delivery systems. MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S): 1) Pre and post change in oxygen saturation (SaO2). 2) In-hospital Mechanical Ventilation (MV). 3) In-hospital Mortality. 4) Length of hospitalization. RESULTS: 136 patients including 58-intervention and 78-control patients were studied. Age, gender, and other demographics/prognostic indicators were comparable between cohorts. Oxygen hoods averted imminent or immediate intubation/MV in all 58 COVID-19 patients failing on conventional high-flow oxygen delivery systems with a mean improvement in SaO2 of 8.8%, p < 0.001. MV rates were observed to be higher in the control 37/78 (47.4%) as compared to the intervention cohort 23/58 (39.7%), a difference of 7.7%, a 27% risk reduction, not statistically significant, OR 95%CI 0.73 (0.37-1.5). Mortality rates were observed higher in the control 54/78 (69.2%) as compared to the intervention cohort 36/58 (62.1%), a difference of 7.1%, a 27% risk reduction, not statistically significant OR 95%CI 0.73 (0.36-1.5). CONCLUSION: Oxygen hoods demonstrate improvement in SaO2 for patients failing on conventional high-flow oxygen-delivery systems and prevented imminent mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mechanical ventilation and mortality rates were reduced with the use of oxygen hoods but not found to be statistically significant. The oxygen hood is a safe, effective oxygen-delivery system which may reduce intubation/MV and mortality rates. Their use should be considered in treating hypoxic COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04407260.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Hypoxia/therapy , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/instrumentation , Respiration, Artificial/instrumentation , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/epidemiology , Equipment Failure , Female , Humans , Hypoxia/etiology , Hypoxia/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Survival Rate/trends , Treatment Failure , United States/epidemiology
13.
J Intensive Care Med ; 36(5): 604-611, 2021 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-999444

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 and ARDS on prolonged mechanical ventilation are at risk for developing endotracheal tube (ETT) obstruction that has not been previously described in patients with ARDS due to other causes. The purpose of this report is to describe a case series of patients with COVID-19 and ARDS in which ETT occlusion resulted in significant clinical consequences and to define the pathology of the obstructing material. METHODS: Incidents of ETT occlusion during mechanical ventilation of COVID-19 patients were reported by clinicians and retrospective chart review was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed comparing event rates between COVID-19 and non-COVID 19 patients on mechanical ventilation over the predefined period. Specimens were collected and submitted for pathological examination. FINDINGS: Eleven COVID-19 patients experienced endotracheal tube occlusion over a period of 2 months. Average age was 69 (14.3, range 33-85) years. Mean APACHE III score was 73.6 (17.3). All patients had AKI and cytokine storm. Nine exhibited biomarkers for hypercoagulability. Average days on mechanical ventilation before intervention for ETT occlusion was 14 (5.18) days (range of 9 to 23 days). Five patients were discharged from the ICU, and 4 expired. Average documented airway resistance on admission was 14.2 (3.0) cm H2O/L/sec. Airway resistance before tube exchange was 28.1 (8.0) cm H2O /L/sec. No similar events of endotracheal tube occlusion were identified in non-COVID patients on mechanical ventilation during the same time period. Microscopically, the material consisted of mucin admixed with necrotic cell debris, variable numbers of degenerated inflammatory cells, oral contaminants and red blood cells. INTERPRETATION: Patients with COVID-19 and ARDS on prolonged mechanical ventilation are at risk for developing ETT obstruction due to deposition of a thick, tenacious material within the tube that consists primarily of mucin and cellular debris. Clinicians should be aware of this dangerous but treatable complication.


Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , COVID-19/complications , Intubation, Intratracheal , Respiration, Artificial , Respiratory Distress Syndrome , APACHE , Aged , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Airway Obstruction/pathology , Airway Obstruction/therapy , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/therapy , Duration of Therapy , Equipment Failure/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Intubation, Intratracheal/adverse effects , Intubation, Intratracheal/instrumentation , Male , Mortality , Respiration, Artificial/instrumentation , Respiration, Artificial/methods , Respiration, Artificial/statistics & numerical data , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/etiology , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/mortality , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy , Retreatment/methods , Retreatment/statistics & numerical data , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Treatment Outcome , United States/epidemiology
14.
BMC Nephrol ; 21(1): 486, 2020 11 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-926325

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have a high risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) that requires renal replacement therapy (RRT). A state of hypercoagulability reduces circuit life spans. To maintain circuit patency and therapeutic efficiency, an optimized anticoagulation strategy is needed. This study investigates whether alternative anticoagulation strategies for RRT during COVID-19 are superior to administration of unfractionated heparin (UFH). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study on 71 critically ill COVID-19 patients (≥18 years), admitted to intensive care units at a tertiary health care facility in the southwestern part of Germany between February 26 and May 21, 2020. We collected data on the disease course, AKI, RRT, and thromboembolic events. Four different anticoagulatory regimens were administered. Anticoagulation during continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) was performed with UFH or citrate. Anticoagulation during sustained low-efficiency daily dialysis (SLEDD) was performed with UFH, argatroban, or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Primary outcome is the effect of the anticoagulation regimen on mean treatment times of RRT. RESULTS: In patients receiving CVVHD, mean treatment time in the UFH group was 21.3 h (SEM: ±5.6 h), in the citrate group 45.6 h (SEM: ±2.7 h). Citrate anticoagulation significantly prolonged treatment times by 24.4 h (P = .001). In patients receiving SLEDD, mean treatment time with UFH was 8.1 h (SEM: ±1.3 h), with argatroban 8.0 h (SEM: ±0.9 h), and with LMWH 11.8 h (SEM: ±0.5 h). LMWH significantly prolonged treatment times by 3.7 h (P = .008) and 3.8 h (P = .002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: UFH fails to prevent early clotting events in the dialysis circuit during COVID-19. For patients, who do not require effective systemic anticoagulation, regional citrate dialysis is the most effective strategy. For patients, who require effective systemic anticoagulation, the usage of LMWH results in the longest circuit life spans. The proposed anticoagulatory strategies are safe, can easily be monitored, and allow an individualized treatment.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , Anticoagulants/administration & dosage , Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Renal Replacement Therapy/methods , Acute Kidney Injury/blood , Acute Kidney Injury/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Arginine/analogs & derivatives , Blood Coagulation , COVID-19 , Citric Acid/administration & dosage , Comorbidity , Coronavirus Infections/blood , Critical Care , Critical Illness , Equipment Failure , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Heparin/administration & dosage , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Pipecolic Acids/administration & dosage , Pneumonia, Viral/blood , Renal Replacement Therapy/instrumentation , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Sulfonamides , Tertiary Care Centers
15.
Blood Purif ; 50(3): 390-398, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-917824

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased demand nationwide for dialysis equipment, including supplies and machines. To meet the demand in our institution, our surge plan included rapid mobilization of a novel continuous renal replacement treatment (CRRT) machine named SAMI. The SAMI is a push-pull filtration enhanced dialysis machine that can conjugate extremely high single-pass solute removal efficiency with very precise fluid balance control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Machine assembly was conducted on-site by local biomedical engineers with remote assistance by the vendor. One 3-h virtual training session of 3 dialysis nurses was conducted before SAMI deployment. The SAMI was deployed in prolonged intermittent replacement therapy (PIRRT) mode to maximize patients covered per machine per day. Live on-demand vendor support was provided to troubleshoot any issues for the first few cases. After 4 weeks of the SAMI implementation, data on treatments with the SAMI were collected, and a questionnaire was provided to the nurse trainees to assess device usability. RESULTS: On-site installation of the SAMI was accomplished with remote assistance. Delivery of remote training was successfully achieved. 23 PIRRT treatments were conducted in 10 patients. 7/10 of patients had CO-VID-19. The median PIRRT dose was 50 mL/kg/h (IQR [interquartile range] 44 - 62 mL/kg/h), and duration of the treatment was 8 h (IQR 6.3 - 8 h). Solute control was adequate. The user response was favorable to the set of usability questions involving user interface, on-screen instructions, machine setup, troubleshooting, and the ease of moving the machine. CONCLUSION: Assembly of the SAMI and training of nurses remotely are possible when access to vendor employees is restricted during states of emergency. The successful deployment of the SAMI in our institution during the pandemic with only 3-h virtual training supports that operating the SAMI is simple and safe.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , COVID-19/complications , Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy/instrumentation , Hemodialysis Units, Hospital/organization & administration , Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy/instrumentation , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Acute Kidney Injury/blood , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Anticoagulants/administration & dosage , Attitude of Health Personnel , Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy/methods , Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy/nursing , Data Collection , Dialysis Solutions/administration & dosage , Disposable Equipment , Education, Nursing, Continuing , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure , Heparin/administration & dosage , Humans , Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy/methods , Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy/nursing , Maintenance and Engineering, Hospital/organization & administration , Medical Waste Disposal , Prescriptions , Robotics , Surveys and Questionnaires , Virtual Reality
17.
Biomed Eng Online ; 19(1): 75, 2020 Oct 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-810405

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The world is facing an unprecedented outbreak affecting all aspects of human lives which is caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the virus novelty, healthcare systems are challenged by a high rate of patients and the shortage of medical products. To address an increased need for essential medical products, national authorities, worldwide, made various legislative concessions. This has led to essential medical products being produced by automotive, textile and other companies from various industries and approved under the emergency use authorizations or legal concessions of national regulatory bodies. This paper presents a narrative commentary of the available documentation on emergency use authorizations and legal concessions for medical products during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: The basis for narrative commentary includes scientific articles published in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Embase databases, official publications of international organizations: Food and Drug Agency (FDA), World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank and United Nations (UN), and national regulatory agency reports in native languages (English, German, Bosnian, and Croatian) published from November 1, 2019 to May 1, 2020. This paper focuses on three types of essential medical products: mechanical ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic tests. Evidence-informed commentary of available data and potential identified risks of emergency use authorizations and legal concessions is presented. DISCUSSION: It is recognized that now more than ever, raising global awareness and knowledge about the importance of respecting the essential requirements is needed to guarantee the appropriate quality, performance and safety of medical products, especially during outbreak situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency use authorizations for production, import and approval of medical products should be strictly specified and clearly targeted from case to case and should not be general or universal for all medical products, because all of them are associated with different risk level. CONCLUSION: Presented considerations and experiences should be taken as a guide for all possible future outbreak situations to prevent improvised reactions of national regulatory bodies.


Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Commerce/legislation & jurisprudence , Coronavirus Infections , Licensure/legislation & jurisprudence , Manufacturing Industry/legislation & jurisprudence , Pandemics , Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution , Pneumonia, Viral , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic/supply & distribution , Ventilators, Mechanical/supply & distribution , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/standards , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Equipment Failure , European Union , Global Health , Humans , Personal Protective Equipment/standards , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic/standards , Risk Assessment , SARS-CoV-2 , United States , United States Food and Drug Administration , Ventilators, Mechanical/standards
18.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 17(18)2020 Sep 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-750677

ABSTRACT

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks by healthy individuals for prevention has been attracting public attention. However, efficacy depends on proper usage. We set out to determine the prevalence of wearing masks to prevent COVID-19 and compliance with appropriate measures for the correct use of face masks among the general public in Japan where wearing medical masks is a "cultural" normality. This cross-sectional study was based on an internet-based survey completed by 2141 people (50.8% men, aged 20-79 years) who were selected among registrants of an Internet research company between 1 April and 6 April 2020. Participants were asked to indicate how often they wore masks for prevention and to what extent they practiced appropriate measures suggested by the World Health Organization. The prevalence of wearing masks was 80.9% and compliance rates with appropriate measures ranged from 38.3% to 83.5%. Only 23.1% complied with all recommendations. Compliance rates were overall low in men and persons with low household incomes. Our results, hence show that many citizens implement inaccurate measures when using face masks. Therefore, providing guidance on correct usage is essential when encouraging the use of face masks to prevent COVID-19.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Equipment Failure , Masks , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Adult , Aged , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Japan , Male , Middle Aged , SARS-CoV-2 , Young Adult
19.
Skeletal Radiol ; 49(11): 1873-1877, 2020 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-723995

ABSTRACT

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the need for safe and efficient testing as a key containment strategy. Drive-through testing with nasopharyngeal swab has been implemented in many places in the USA as it allows for expeditious testing of large numbers of patients, limits healthcare workers' risk of exposure, and minimizes the use of personal protective equipment. We present a case where the aluminum shaft of the nasopharyngeal swab fractured during specimen collection at a drive-through testing facility and was suspected to have remained in the asymptomatic patient. Initial evaluation with a series of radiographs covering the skull base, neck, chest, and abdomen did not reveal the swab. On further clinical evaluation, the swab was found endoscopically, lodged between the left inferior turbinate and nasal floor, and was removed by an otorhinolaryngologist. Using a phantom model, we aimed to delineate an imaging technique to better visualize the aluminum shaft of the nasopharyngeal swab on radiographs to help in identification. A technique using lower tube voltage (kVp) with tight collimation centered at the nasal bones area produced the best visualization of the aluminum shaft of the swab. Recognition that aluminum foreign bodies may be difficult to visualize radiographically and  optimization of radiograph acquisition technique may help guide clinical management in unusual cases. Further evaluation with computed tomography or endoscopy should be considered in suspected cases where radiographs are negative.


Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/instrumentation , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Equipment Failure , Foreign Bodies/diagnostic imaging , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Specimen Handling/instrumentation , Aged, 80 and over , Aluminum , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Humans , Male , Pandemics , Radiography/methods , SARS-CoV-2 , Surgical Instruments
20.
Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi ; 34(8): 1036-1040, 2020 Aug 15.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-719850

ABSTRACT

At present, the 2019-nCoV epidemic situation is in severe and complex period. In order to prevent the virus from invading and infecting, it is very important and urgent for medical personnel to protect themselves. However, in the process of using protective equipment by medical personnel, the performance of device related pressure injuries (DRPI) caused by pain, numbness, redness, and even breakage caused by the equipment has seriously endangered the health of medical personnel. This article, based on Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Quick Reference Guide 2019, references, and clinical experiences of wound specialists in West China Hospital of Sichuan University, summarize the preventive and protective measures of West China Hospital for medical personnel to prevent DRPI, so as to provide clinical preventive measurements for medical personnel.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Equipment Failure , Personal Protective Equipment/adverse effects , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Wounds and Injuries/prevention & control , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , China , Health Personnel , Humans , Pandemics , Pressure , SARS-CoV-2
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