ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to compare the efficacy and reproducibility of three existing systems in a group of healthy individuals for vHIT. A prospective randomized study was conducted on 12 healthy individuals. The vHIT tests were carried out. The values of the gains for the 3SCCs of each ear were collected using the three devices. The expected average gain of 1 was the gain standard. The statistical significance in the difference in gains were assessed. There is good reproducibility of the results of the vHIT examination. EyeSeeCam appeared to be the worst performing system with a slightly overstated average gain of 1.15. Otometrics has longest average examination time per patient. Synapsis is the system with the best quality/time invested and easiest to access. Video head impulse system depends on the examiner's preference, reproducible and superimposable depending on the examiner and experience.
ABSTRACT
RESUMEN La satisfacción y la experiencia positiva del paciente distinguen el panorama general de la atención médica cubana. El enfrentamiento al COVID-19 ha puesto a prueba las fortalezas y debilidades del Sistema de Salud Cubano. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, entre el 12 de marzo y el 30 de abril de 2020. La satisfacción con la atención médica se evaluó según el cuestionario SERVPERF, y se tuvieron en cuenta las dimensiones de: empatía, capacidad de respuesta, fiabilidad y seguridad. La mayoría de los pacientes expresaron sentirse muy satisfechos con la atención médica recibida en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico ‟Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero" durante su hospitalización por esta afección.
ABSTRACT Patient satisfaction and positive experience distinguish the general panorama of Cuban medical care. The confrontation with COVID-19 has tested the strengths and weaknesses of the Cuban Health System. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the satisfaction of patients seen at ‟ Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero" Clinico-Surgical University Hospital. An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between March 12 and April 30, 2020. Satisfaction with medical care was evaluated according to the SERVPERF questionnaire, and the dimensions: empathy, responsiveness, reliability and assurance were taken into account. Most of the patients expressed feeling very satisfied with the medical care received at ‟Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero" Clinico-Surgical University Hospital during their hospitalization due to this condition.
Subject(s)
Patient Satisfaction , Coronavirus Infections , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus , Health ServicesABSTRACT
IntroductionThe Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a recent outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). In Cuba, the first case of COVID-19 was reported on March 11. Elderly with multiple comorbidities are particularly susceptible to adverse clinical outcomes in the course of SARS CoV-2 infection. During the outbreak, a local transmission event took place in a nursing home in Villa Clara province, Cuba, in which nineteen elderly residents were positive for SARS-CoV-2. MethodsBased on the increased susceptibility to viral-induced cytokine release syndrome inducing respiratory and systemic complications in this population, the patients were included in an expanded access clinical trial to receive itolizumab, an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody. ResultsAll the patients had underlying medical conditions. The product was well tolerated. After the first dose, the course of the disease was favorable and 18 out of 19 (94.7%) patients were discharged clinically recovered with negative RT-PCR at 13 days (median). One dose of itolizumab, circulating IL-6 decreased in the first 24-48 hours in patients with high baseline values, whereas in patients with low levels, this concentration remained over low values. To preliminary assess the effect of itolizumab, a control group was selected among the Cuban COVID-19 patients, which did not receive immunomodulatory therapy. Control subjects were well-matched regarding age, comorbidities and severity of the disease. Every three moderately ill patients treated with itolizumab, one admission in intensive care unit (ICU) was prevented. Discussion/ConclusionItolizumab was well tolerated. Its effect is associated with a reduction and controlling IL-6 serum levels. Moreover, treated patients had a favorable clinical outcome, considering their poor prognosis. This treatment is associated significantly with a decrease the risk to be admitted in ICU and reduced 10 times the risk of death. This study corroborates that the timely use of itolizumab, in combination with other antiviral and anticoagulant therapies, is associated with a reduction the COVID-19 disease worsening and mortality. The humanized antibody itolizumab emerges as a therapeutic alternative for patients with COVID-19 and suggests its possible use in patients with cytokine release syndrome from other pathologies.
