Impacts of protective face masks on ocular surface symptoms among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: To assess the impacts of prolonged protective face masks (PFM) wear on ocular surface symptoms among healthcare professionals (HCPs), and how these symptoms affected PFM wear. METHODS: Thirty-question survey forms were distributed via social media platform to 396 HCPs (110 doctors, 164 nurses, and 122 health technicians) between September 8 and 30, 2021. Participants who could not be reached via social media were given a face-to-face questionnaire. Aside from sociodemographic data, the questionnaire inquired about PFM wear, PFM types, ocular surface symptoms, and how PFM wear has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 74.5% of HCPs reported wearing PFMs, mostly surgical ones (76.8%), for half a day at work but not at home, with redness (29.3%) being the most frequently encountered ocular surface symptom, followed by burning (15.7%), pain (14.1%), tingling (10.9%), and rash (6.6%). The presence of associated restrictions in conjunction with PFM-related ocular symptoms was more likely in dry and hot environments. There was no significant relationship between PFM type, PFM-wearing duration, and HCPs' daily activities (p > 0.05). Despite the lack of a significant relationship between PFM types and ocular surface symptoms (p > 0.05), there was a significant relationship between PFM-wearing duration and ocular pain (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PFM-related ocular surface symptoms can be alleviated by properly wearing PFMs, reducing wear time, and using long-acting topical lubricants. This could improve PFM wear compliance, prevent disease transmission, and ultimately help with COVID-19 protection.

Knowledge and Attitude of New Coronavirus Epidemic (COVID-19) Among Health Care Workers

Objective: The recent spread of new coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic causing worldwide concern is a public health emergency situation. The risk of getting infected due to close contact with the infected patients as well as the concern levels of the health professionals on this issue are very high. The aim of this study is to evaluate the concern level of being infected of the health professionals, as well as their view and perception of different applications used during the treatment of the COVID-19 cases together with their whole approach during this pandemic situation. Methods: The study was conducted through an online survey that was sent to all the health professionals of a pandemic hospital in a city in Turkey between 8-15 May 2020. This online survey was sent to all the professionals through social media platforms. The survey included both multiple-choice and true-false questions regarding COVID-19 diagnosis, clinical staging, treatment approach, concerns, knowledge, and awareness of the situation together with some social demographic characteristics of the health professionals. SPSS v20 program was used to evaluate the statistical analysis of the data collected. Data are shown through mean ± standard deviation and percentage. Results: The study population consisted of 250 (59.9%) doctors and 169 (41.1%) assistant healthcare professionals and the average age of the participants was 33.21±6.88 years. Of 128 participants who smoked during the pandemic 76 (18.1%) wanted to quit smoking. Three hundred and ninety (93.1%) participants thought that they were in a group with high risk of being infected and that they concerned about this matter. Of the participants 109 (26.01%) had COVID-19 positive relatives or friends. Sixty four (15.3%) participants claimed to have a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and 3 (0.7%) of them reported that their COVID-19 PCR tests were positive. Eighty-four (20.04%) stated that they used hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis. Conclusion: The healthcare professionals working in the pandemic hospital during the pandemic stated that they generally had sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 and believed that our country would be successful with its fight against this pandemic. Moreover, our study proved the importance of knowledge levels in fighting communicable diseases. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] Amaç: Yeni coronavirüs hastalığı (COVID-19) salgını, uluslararası endişe duyulan bir halk sağlığı acil durumudur. Bu çalışma, mevcut salgın sırasında sağlık çalışanları arasında enfekte olma endişesini, tutumlarını, tedavi ve COVID-19 ile mücadeledeki çeşitli uygulama modifikasyonları konusundaki görüş ve davranış tarzlarını değerlendirmek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yöntemler: Türkiye'de bir ilin pandemi hastanesindeki sağlık personeline 8-15 Mayıs 2020 tarihleri arasında bir çevrimiçi anket uygulayarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ankette sosyodemografik özelliklere dair sorular ile beraber COVID-19 tanı, klinik, tedavi tutumu, kaygı, bilgi ve farkındalık ile ilgili çoktan seçmeli sorular ve doğru yanlış soruları soruldu. Bulgular: Katılımcıların 250'si (%59,9) doktor, 169'u (%41,1) yardımcı sağlık personelinden oluşuyordu, yaş ortalamaları 33,21±6,88 yıl idi. Sağlık sektöründe çalıştığı için COVÍD-19 bulaşma riskinin yüksek olduğunu düşünenlerin ve kaygı duyanların sayısı ise 390 (%93,1) kişidir. Yüz dokuz (%26,01) kişinin yakınlarında COVID-19 testi pozitif çıktığı beyan edilmiştir. Altmış dört (%15,3) sağlık çalışanı polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu (PCR) testi yaptırdığını bildirmiştir ve 3 (%0,7) sağlık çalışanı da COVID-19 PCR testin pozitif çıktığını bildirilmiştir. Sonuç: Salgın sırasında pandemi hastanesinde çalışan sağlıkçılar COVÍD-19 hakkında genel olarak yeterli bilgiye sahip olduklarını ve ülkemizin salgınla mücadelede başarılı olacağına inandıklarını ortaya koymuştur. (Turkish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Bezmialem Science is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI 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 s.)

Retinal microvascular morphology versus COVID-19: What to anticipate?

BACKGROUND: To investigate retinal microvascular morphological changes in previously COVID-19 infected patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and compare the findings to age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, OCTA findings (6.0 × 6.0 mm scan size and scan quality index ≥7/10) from previously COVID-19 infected patients (group 1, 32 patients, 64 eyes) with ≥1 month of complete recovery were compared to healthy subjects (group 2, 33 subjects, 66 eyes) with no history of COVID-19 infection. A positive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test on a naso-pharyngeal swab sample confirmed the diagnosis. The AngioVueAnalytics, RTVue-XR 2017.1.0.155 software measured and recorded OCTA parameters. RESULTS: Group 1 had significantly lower superficial capillary plexus vessel densities in all foveal regions than group 2 (P<0.05). Foveal deep capillary plexus vessel density in group 1 was also significantly lower than in group 2 (P=0.009); however, no significant differences were found in other regions (P>0.05). All foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters were higher in group 1 than in group 2, with significant differences in FAZ area (P=0.019) and foveal vessel density 300 µm area around FAZ (P=0.035), but not FAZ perimeter (P=0.054). The outer retina and choriocapillaris flows were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prior COVID-19 infection seems to be associated with significant changes in retinal microvascular density, as well as FAZ and flow parameters, which may be attributed to different pathogenic mechanisms that lead to SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as thrombotic microangiopathy and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 disruption.

Comparison of First and 21st Day anti SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgM and IgG Responses

Objective: There is no definitive information yet about antibody kinetics produced in response to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection. It is essential to know the antibody levels in different patient groups. Our study compared the immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) type antibody levels developed against COVID-19 infection by age groups and first-time complaints. Materials and Methods: IgM and IgG levels were investigated on the day of diagnosis and on the 21st day on serum samples with a point-of-care tests device in ninety-four COVID-19 patients. Antibody responses were evaluated according to age groups and clinical complaints. Results: First day IgM levels than 21st day and 21st day IgG levels than the first day were significantly higher (p=0.006, p<0.001, respectively). IgG on the first day and IgM on the 21st day was positive (>1). While IgG type antibody response was dominant in children, it was found that a robust antibody response occurred in young adults and over 65 years of age. Conclusion: Anti-spike severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 IgM antibodies remain positive for more extended periods, unlike known infectious agents, and measuring positive IgG values on the first day is insignificant in terms of protection against infection and appears specific to COVID-19. While IgG type antibodies dominate children, strong IgG and IgM type responses can be detected in young adults and the elderly. Different antibody responses may develop according to clinical findings. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] Amaç: Koronavirüs hastalığı-2019 (COVID-19) enfeksiyonuna yanıt olarak üretilen antikor kinetikleri hakkında henüz kesin bilgi yoktur. Farklı hasta gruplarında antikor seviyelerinin bilinmesi hayatidir. Çalışmamızda, COVID-19 enfeksiyonuna karşı geliştirilen immünoglobulin M (IgM) ve immünoglobulin G (IgG) tipi antikor düzeylerinin yaş grupları ve ilk şikayetlere göre karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Doksan dört COVID-19 hastasında tanı günü ve 21. günde hasta-başı test cihazı ile serum örneklerinde IgM ve IgG düzeyleri incelenmiştir. Antikor yanıtları yaş gruplarına ve klinik şikayetlere göre değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Ílk gün IgM düzeyleri 21. günden ve 21. gün IgG düzeyleri birinci günden anlamlı olarak yüksekti (sırasıyla, p=0.006, p<0.001). Ílk gün IgG ve 21. gün IgM düzeyleri pozitif saptanmıştır (>1). Çocuklarda IgG tipi antikor yanıtı baskın olurken, 65 yaş üstü ve genç erişkinlerde güçlü bir antikor yanıtının oluştuğu gözlenmiştir.Sonuç: Başak proteinine karşı oluşan şiddetli akut solunum yolu sendromu-koronavirüsü-2 IgM antikorları, Sars-Cov-2'ye özgün olmak ile birlikte, ilk günden IgG antikorlarının oluşmasına rağmen, enfeksiyona karşı tam bir koruma sağlamıyor gibi görünmektedir. IgG tipi antikorlar çocukluk çağında baskınken, genç yetişkinlerde ve yaşlılarda güçlü IgG ve IgM tipi yanıtlar tespit edilebilmektedir. Klinik bulgulara göre farklı antikor yanıtları gelişebilir. (Turkish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Turkish Journal of Immunology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI 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 s.)

Olfactory Cleft Opacification in COVID-19 Related Smell Loss: CT Findings and Correlation With Objective Testing.

OBJECTIVES: Besides the common symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) including fever, shortness of breath, and cough, a "sudden loss of smell" has recently been added as a diagnostic symptom. The relationship between paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNS CT) and sudden loss of smell in COVID-19 was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups were selected for the study, the COVID-19 and the control groups. The control group consisted of 40 patients who applied to our clinic with headache and therefore underwent PNS CT. The other group consisted of 40 patients with COVID-19 who were diagnosed with sudden loss of smell with the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) olfactory test. Clinical and demographic characteristics, tomography results, and olfactory test scores of patients with COVID-19 loss of smell and control group patients were recorded. The relationship between CT changes in the olfactory cleft and the degree of loss of smell was evaluated. The "Opacification in the olfactory cleft" was accepted as a positive CT finding. RESULTS: Comparison of patients with COVID-19 who had a loss of smell and the control group indicated that a significant difference was observed in terms of CT findings (P = .022). When we evaluated the paranasal CTs obtained from our patients with loss of smell, the CT of 13 patients showed pathological findings (P < .05). As the COVID-19 progressed (pneumonia and respiratory failure), the degree of loss of smell increased (P < .05). A statistically significant relationship was found between the CCCRC score and the presence of PNS CT findings (P = .0012). CONCLUSION: The PNS CT findings are significant in patients with COVID-19 with a loss of smell and were significantly associated with the degree of loss of smell. In patients with olfactory loss due to COVID-19, PNS CT can help in diagnosis. However, for this imaging to be diagnostic, a larger patient series is needed.

D-dimer levels and COVID-19 severity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a fatal and pandemic disease discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, with lots of asymptomatic cases and a long incubation period. The researchers suggested that high d-dimer levels could predict disease severity, lung complications, and thromboembolic events before they occur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the keywords "D-dimer" and "coronavirus" or "D-dimer" and "COVID-19." We used Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) to build forest plots of continuous data and assess differences in serum D-dimer concentrations between severe and non-severe patients with COVID-19 disease. We evaluated p-value < 0.05 as statistically significant and preferred 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULT: The pooled results of all studies revealed that the D-dimer concentrations were significantly higher in patients with more severe COVID-19 (SMD: 2.32 µg/mL; 95% CI, 0.72 3.92 µg/mL, p< 0.001). We evaluated severe patients with total D-dimer levels. D-dimer concentrations were significantly higher in severe patients against total COVID-19 patients (SMD: 2.01 µg/mL; 95% CI, 0.25 to 3.77 µg/mL, p= 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: We do not know the D-dimer increment mechanism in severe patients yet, but we think that these findings will be useful in the early diagnosis of severe disease and the first treatment.