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Martins RHG, de Azevedo ES, Müller JVC, Loli A. Dysphonia and COVID-19: A Review. J Voice 2025:S0892-1997(24)00419-3. [PMID: 39814621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Revised: 11/18/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vocal symptoms are frequent in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and may occur during or after infection. OBJECTIVE To conduct a descriptive review on the topic "dysphonia and COVID-19" in order to alert specialists to these symptoms associated with the virus and sequelae. METHODOLOGY A literature review was carried out in the main databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, between April 2020 and April 2024 using descriptors that related COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) to voice disorders. RESULTS In total, 41 studies, 13 case reports, 6 retrospective, and 22 prospective, 5139 patients (2131 M, 2991 F), mean age of 51 years. The prevalence of dysphonia ranged from 0.39% to 79%. The most prevalent vocal symptoms were hoarseness, cough, dry throat, sore throat, reflux, aphonia, phonasthenia, stridor, and hypersecretion. Videolaryngoscopic findings: unilateral paralysis (145), bilateral paralysis (16), erythema (84), benign lesions (56), muscle tension dysphonia (54), granulomas (33), edema (31), stenosis (22), atrophy (19), incomplete glottal closure (12), and ventricular hypertrophy (6). Auditory-perceptual analyses identified mild/moderate vocal impairment in infected patients and persistence of changes in the long-COVID period. Acoustic analyses indicated significant changes in Jitter, Shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio (NHR), and maximum phonation time in patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSION Dysphonia caused by COVID-19 infection is common, both in the acute and chronic phases of the disease. The main causes include vocal fold paralysis, inflammatory laryngitis, and muscle tension dysphonia. All patients who present vocal symptoms after COVID-19 infection should undergo videolaryngoscopy and subjective and acoustic vocal analyses to identify sequelae of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Helena Garcia Martins
- Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery Department, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Alessandra Loli
- Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery Department, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Guntinas-Lichius O, Bitter T, Takes R, Lee VHF, Saba NF, Mäkitie AA, Kowalski LP, Nixon IJ, Ferlito A. Post COVID-19 and Long COVID Symptoms in Otorhinolaryngology-A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2025; 14:506. [PMID: 39860512 PMCID: PMC11765628 DOI: 10.3390/jcm14020506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Revised: 01/02/2025] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Post/Long COVID (syndrome) is defined as a condition with symptoms persisting for more than 12 weeks after the onset of SARS-CoV-2 infection that cannot be explained otherwise. The prevalence of self-reported otorhinolaryngological Post/Long COVID symptoms is high. The aim of this review was to analyze the current literature regarding the actual prevalence, knowledge of the etiopathology, and evidence-based treatment recommendations of otorhinolaryngology-related Post/Long COVID symptoms. A systematic literature search of articles published since 2019 in PubMed and ScienceDirect was performed and resulted in 108 articles. These were the basis for this review and formed a comprehensive series of consented therapy statements on the most important of otorhinolaryngology-related Post/Long COVID symptoms. Otorhinolaryngological symptoms did not appear isolated but as part of a multi-organ syndrome. Self-reported otorhinolaryngology-related Post/Long COVID symptoms were often not confirmed by objective testing. The confirmed prevalence estimated for anosmia, dysgeusia, cough, facial palsy, hoarseness/dysphonia, acute hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo/dizziness was about 4%, 2%, 4-19%, 0%, 17-20%, 8%, 20%, and 5-26%, respectively. There are manifold theoretical concepts of the etiopathology of different symptoms, but there is no clear evidence-based proof. This certainly contributes to the fact that there is no effective specific treatment option for any of the symptoms mentioned. Healthcare pathways must be established so that otorhinolaryngological Post/Long COVID symptoms can be recognized and evaluated and otorhinolaryngologists can provide counseling. This would also help to establish and selectively include patients in clinical trials investigating specific therapeutic concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Bitter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Robert Takes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Victor H. F. Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong;
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Nabil F. Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Antti A. Mäkitie
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Luiz P. Kowalski
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01509-010, Brazil;
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Iain J. Nixon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH1 3EG, UK;
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- International Head and Neck Scientific Group, 35100 Padua, Italy;
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Methwani DA, Deosthale N, Khadakkar S, Dhote K, Harkare V. Study of Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations in Symptomatic COVID-19-Positive Patients at Tertiary Health Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 28:e597-e602. [PMID: 39464359 PMCID: PMC11511268 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), also referred to as the 2019 novel coronavirus, is caused by a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. This infectious agent spreads through respiratory routes, primarily utilizing aerosols. In our study, we shed light on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations, which can be considered as prognostic clinical biomarkers to reduce forthcoming complications among such critically ill patients. This makes it feasible for researchers to investigate or fetch early diagnosis in such cases with ease without the use of large, extensive hospital-base setups. Objective To study the otorhinolaryngological (ENT) manifestations in symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Methods From January to December 2021, a cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of ENT of a tertiary care hospital in central India. All eligible symptomatic COVID-19 patients admitted to this institution during the study period were consecutively enrolled. The Institutional Ethics Committee gave its permission for the project. Results Out of the total of 1,375 patients, 78% of the patients diagnosed with COVID exhibited symptoms related to the ENT, while the remaining 22% did not display any ENT manifestations. Anosmia (71.2%), sore throat (55.62%), headache (44.3%), and loss of taste (66.3%) were among the most common ENT symptoms. Conclusion The present study highlights ENT manifestations, which play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 patients, ensuring faster treatment and isolation for better containment of the disease. Symptomatic treatment has shown efficacy, but objective tests are needed to prevent overestimation, understand pathogenesis, and enhance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disha Amar Methwani
- Department of ENT, N. K. P. Salve Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nitin Deosthale
- Department of ENT, N. K. P. Salve Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sonali Khadakkar
- Department of ENT, N. K. P. Salve Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kanchan Dhote
- Department of ENT, N. K. P. Salve Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vivek Harkare
- Department of ENT, N. K. P. Salve Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Akhlaghi A, Darabi A, Mahmoodi M, Movahed A, Kaboodkhani R, Mohammadi Z, Goreh A, Farrokhi S. The Frequency and Clinical Assessment of COVID-19 in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2024; 103:NP98-NP103. [PMID: 34414811 DOI: 10.1177/01455613211038070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), as an inflammatory airway disease, could be a risk factor for COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and severity of symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with CRS and to assess the association between the status of CRS symptoms and the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. METHODS In this observational and cross-sectional study, 207 adult CRS patients participated. The patients, who presented the symptoms of COVID-19, were examined by taking the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test. A questionnaire was completed by each patient, regarding their demographic and clinical data. In addition, the GA2LEN and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) standard questionnaires were used to identify the comorbid allergic condition and QoL of CRS patients. RESULTS The frequency of patients with COVID-19 was 25 (12.1%) of which 22 were treated as outpatients, 2 of them admitted in wards and 1 at intensive care unit. The severity of hyposmia in the patients was 2 (8%) as mild, 5 (20%) moderate, and 11 (72%) as anosmia. The most common allergic and underlying comorbid diseases were allergic rhinitis (88%) and thyroid disorders (28%). Further, the average SNOT-22 score in 4 SNOT-22 domains (nasal, otologic, sleep, and emotional symptoms) was significantly decreased in CRS patients after a period of one year since the pandemic started (40.1 ± 18.0 vs. 46.3 ± 17.7; P < .0001). DISCUSSION This study showed a low frequency of COVID-19 in patients with CRS and about the same rate of infection positivity in the general population; therefore, we concluded that CRS could not be considered as a risk factor for COVID-19. Interestingly, the lower average score of SNOT-22 after one year of the pandemic in the patients with CRS confirmed the necessity for performing the standard health protocols by the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allahkarm Akhlaghi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Darabi
- Department of Epidemiology, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Marzieh Mahmoodi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Ali Movahed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Reza Kaboodkhani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Mohammadi
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Amir Goreh
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Shokrollah Farrokhi
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Pokala U, Potnuru S, Kanapalli S, Sailesh AV, P. N. A Comparative Study on the General and Otolaryngological Manifestations of COVID-19 in the Hospitalized Population of the Telangana Region During the First and Second Waves. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 28:e3-e11. [PMID: 38322430 PMCID: PMC10843908 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Some common symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. But ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations such as loss of smell and taste are also very common. Objectives To compare the general and otorhinolaryngological manifestations of COVID-19 and to compare the treatments given and mortality rate during its two waves. Methods This retrospective study was conducted on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Six hundred patients were included in the 1st wave sample and 516 were in the 2nd wave sample. The data collected included demographics, comorbidities, general, and ENT symptoms, need for ventilatory support, oxygen therapy, and mortality for both the waves. Results Fever, malaise, and myalgia were more frequently presented in the first wave than in the second, whereas shortness of breath was more common in the second wave. In the second wave, a significant increase in anosmia cases was reported, whereas sore throat, nasal obstruction, dysphagia, nasal discharge, and sneezing were significantly reduced compared with the first wave ( p < 0.001). The case fatality rate increased from 11.33 to 21.55% ( p < 0.001) from the 1 st to the 2 nd wave. The patients who died in the second wave were younger than those in the first wave. Two doses of vaccination showed protection from the death over those not vaccinated and those who only received one dose ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations are very common along with the general symptoms. As anosmia and dysgeusia are early presenting symptoms in COVID-19 patients, all physicians should screen patients for ENT symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Pokala
- Department of ENT, Mamata Medical College, Khammam, Telangana, India
| | - Shilpa Potnuru
- Department of ENT, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizag, AP, India
| | - Sasikala Kanapalli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vishwabharathi Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | - Naveen P.
- Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam, Telangana, India
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Avcı H, Karabulut B, Eken HD, Faraşoğlu A, Çakil T, Çoruk S, Özel H, Kaya NK, Özbalta SÖ. Otolaryngology-Specific Symptoms May Be Highly Observed in Patients With a History of Covid-19 Infection After Inactivated Coronavirus Vaccination. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2023; 102:715-719. [PMID: 34233498 DOI: 10.1177/01455613211028493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the otolaryngology-specific symptoms that occur after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine and its possible side effects in patients who had Covid-19 infection in the last 6 months before the vaccination. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study comprised 3383 health care workers who were vaccinated against Covid 19. After excluding, the study was conducted with 1710 (51%) participants who agreed to answer the study questions. The participants were divided into 2 groups according to the history of Covid-19 positivity in the last 6 months before vaccination. The presence of symptoms related to otolaryngology practice, including cough, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, hearing loss, dizziness, loss of smell, loss of taste, ear pressure, and facial paralysis was recorded. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 35.79 ± 10.2 (19-71) years and 1454 (85%) of the patients had a history of Covid-19 infection in the last 6 months. Regarding otolaryngology-related symptoms, the most common complaints were rhinorrhea (4.4%), sore throat (3.2%), and nasal congestion (2.9%). The presence of smell and taste loss, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, and hearing loss was significantly more common in patients with a history of Covid-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS The patients with a history of Covid-19 disease might have otolaryngology-specific symptoms more commonly than those without a history of Covid-19 disease in the last 6 months before vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Avcı
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Karabulut
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hazal Duygu Eken
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdussamet Faraşoğlu
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tolga Çakil
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sedef Çoruk
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hanife Özel
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Namık Kemal Kaya
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seva Öztürk Özbalta
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Sanmark E, Oksanen LAH, Rantanen N, Lahelma M, Anttila VJ, Lehtonen L, Hyvärinen A, Geneid A. Aerosol generation during coughing: an observational study. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:442-447. [PMID: 35543098 PMCID: PMC10040286 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coronavirus disease 2019 has highlighted the lack of knowledge on aerosol exposure during respiratory activity and aerosol-generating procedures. This study sought to determine the aerosol concentrations generated by coughing to better understand, and to set a standard for studying, aerosols generated in medical procedures. METHODS Aerosol exposure during coughing was measured in 37 healthy volunteers in the operating theatre with an optical particle sizer, from 40 cm, 70 cm and 100 cm distances. RESULTS Altogether, 306 volitional and 15 involuntary coughs were measured. No differences between groups were observed. CONCLUSION Many medical procedures are expected to generate aerosols; it is unclear whether they are higher risk than normal respiratory activity. The measured aerosol exposure can be used to determine the risk for significant aerosol generation during medical procedures. Considerable variation of aerosol generation during cough was observed between individuals, but whether cough was volitional or involuntary made no difference to aerosol production.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sanmark
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L A H Oksanen
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - N Rantanen
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Lahelma
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculties of Science, Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V-J Anttila
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUS Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Lehtonen
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Hyvärinen
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Geneid
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Steenberg B, Sokani A, Myburgh N, Mutevedzi P, Madhi SA. COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout: Aspects of Hesitancy in South Africa. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:407. [PMID: 36851284 PMCID: PMC9966603 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Across the globe, comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination programs have been rolled out. Naturally, it remains paramount for efficiency to ensure uptake. Hypothetical vaccine acceptability in South Africa was high prior to the availability of inoculation in August 2020-three-quarters stated intent to immunize nationally. However, 24 months on, less than one-third have finished their vaccination on a national average, and in the sprawling South Western Townships (Soweto), this figure remains troublingly low with as many as four in every five still hesitant. Medical anthropologists have recently portrayed how COVID-19's jumbled mediatization produces a 'field of suspicion' casting serious doubt on authorities and vaccines through misinformation and counterfactual claims, which fuels 'othering' and fosters hesitancy. It follows that intent to immunize cannot be used to predict uptake. Here, we take this conceptual framework one step further and illustrate how South African context-specific factors imbricate to amplify uncertainty and fear due the productive nature of communicability, which transforms othering into racialization and exacerbates existing societal polarizations. We also encounter Africanized forms of conspiracy theories and find their narrational roots in colonization and racism. Finally, we discuss semblances with HIV and how the COVID-19 pandemic's biomedicalization may inadvertently have led to vaccine resistance due to medical pluralism and cultural/spiritual practices endemic to the townships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bent Steenberg
- South African Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Andile Sokani
- National School of Government, Pretoria, Sunnyside 0001, South Africa
| | - Nellie Myburgh
- South African Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Portia Mutevedzi
- Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance, Emory Global Health Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shabir A. Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
- African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
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9
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Du EY, Moody RA, Simpson MC, Nellore A, Sinnwell JG, Heiland LD, Grace SA, Chen CL. Factors Shifting Preference Toward Telemedicine in the Delivery of Skin Cancer Reconstruction Care. Laryngoscope 2023; 133:294-301. [PMID: 35567379 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Identify which delivery modality for skin reconstruction care, face-to-face (FTF) in-person versus two telemedicine modalities, store-and-forward (S&F) and live video chat (LVC), is patient preferred and how cost, access, wait time, and demographics influence this preference. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. METHODS A 16-question survey querying demographics and five scenario-specific preferences questions for the delivery of skin cancer reconstruction care was created and distributed via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), a crowdsourcing online marketplace, and in-person to Mohs micrographic surgery patients. RESULTS 1394 MTurk and 55 in-person responses were included. While 82.1% of online respondents prefer FTF clinic visits, this decreases to 58.3% with an in-person visit cost (p < 0.01) and furthermore to a minority 43.5% with both an in-person visit cost and wait time (p < 0.01) despite 77.8% believing that usefulness to the surgeon would improve FTF. Both the MTurk and in-person cohorts demonstrated similar response patterns despite considerable demographic differences. Multivariable analyses revealed that telemedicine was preferred by MTurk respondents with Medicaid (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.97 [1.18-3.31]) or Medicare (1.69 [1.10-2.59]) versus private insurance, and prior skin cancer (2.01 [1.18-3.42]) and less preferred by those earning $140,000+ per year (0.49 [0.29-0.82]) compared to those earning <$20,000 per year. CONCLUSIONS FTF visits are preferred for skin cancer reconstruction care; this shifts toward virtual care with a cost and wait time in spite of the perceived quality of care. Individuals with socioeconomic barriers to access prefer telemedicine. MTurk can be a valuable tool for behavioral research in FPRS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 133:294-301, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Y Du
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Rylee A Moody
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Matthew C Simpson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Aditya Nellore
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Joseph G Sinnwell
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Luke D Heiland
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Shane A Grace
- Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Collin L Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
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10
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Sinus, middle-ear and mastoid radiological findings of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:76-80. [PMID: 36263731 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122002304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence of radiological inflammation within the paranasal sinuses, middle ear and mastoid in patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine consecutive adults (aged over 18 years) with coronavirus disease 2019 (confirmed on polymerase chain reaction within 7 days of imaging) who underwent computed tomography of the head between 1 March 2020 and 24 June 2020. Lund-Mackay and mastoid and middle-ear opacification scores were used to categorise the extent of sinus and mastoid opacification on axial and coronal computed tomography images. RESULTS Of 147 patients originally identified, only 83 met the inclusion criteria. Sinus opacification was present in 51.8 per cent of patients (n = 43), and middle-ear or mastoid opacification was observed in 24.1 per cent (n = 20). There was no statistically significant difference in sinus or middle-ear and mastoid opacification between patients after stratification based on 30-day all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Radiological computed tomography findings suggest mild mucosal disease within the sinuses, middle ear and mastoid. There was no statistical correlation between such opacification and 30-day mortality.
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Albaharna H, Almubiereek H, Almualim M, Bukhamsin R, Abdelfattah A, Buohliqah L. Efficacy of chlorin dioxide wipes in disinfecting airway devices contaminated with Covid-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1061647. [PMID: 37033491 PMCID: PMC10075250 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1061647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Reprocessing and disinfecting endoscopes is a routine practice in otolaryngology. An effective, safe, and rapid disinfection technique is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To validate the efficacy of chlorine dioxide wipes in disinfecting three types of airway endoscopes contaminated with COVID-19-positive patient secretions. Methods Chlorine dioxide wipes were tested on rigid nasal endoscopes, laryngoscope blades, and flexible bronchoscopes. The endoscopes were disinfected using the wipes after exposure to COVID-19-positive patients. The tested scope was included in the study if the post procedure pre disinfection swab was positive for COVID-19 virus using RT-PCR. We analyzed 38 samples for 19 subjects (scopes) pre and post disinfection with chlorine dioxide wipes from July 2021 to February 2022. Results A total of four rigid endoscopes, four flexible bronchoscopes, and four laryngoscopes were included in the study which represent 24 pre and post disinfection swabs. The others were excluded because of negative pre disinfection swab. All the post disinfection PCR swab results were negative. Conclusion Chlorine dioxide is a convenient, fast, and effective disinfection technique for COVID-19-contaminated airway endoscopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Albaharna
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Hussain Albaharna,
| | - Hassan Almubiereek
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Almualim
- Intensive Care Department, Dr. Sulaiman Alhabib Hospital/Khobar/Qatif, Khobar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rehab Bukhamsin
- Hematopathology Department, Dammam Regional Lab and Blood Bank, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Abdelfattah
- Molecular Department, Dammam Regional Lab and Blood Bank, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamia Buohliqah
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
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HEIDARI FATEMEH, SEYEDEBRAHIMI REIHANEH, YANG PIAO, FARSANI MOHSENESLAMI, ABABZADEH SHIMA, KALHOR NASER, MANOOCHEHRI HAMED, SHEYKHHASAN MOHSEN, AZIMZADEH MARYAM. Exosomes in viral infection: Effects for pathogenesis and treatment strategies. BIOCELL 2023; 47:2597-2608. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2023.043351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2025]
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13
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Kryshtopava MA, Alenskaya TL, Azaronak MK, Petrova LG. [Voice disorders associated with novel coronavirus infection]. Vestn Otorinolaringol 2023; 88:30-37. [PMID: 38153890 DOI: 10.17116/otorino20238806130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the features of voice disorders associated with novel coronavirus infection and to develop the clinical algorithm for diagnostic and treatment these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted in patients with dysphonia after COVID-19 (n=60). All patients underwent a comprehensive voice assessment before and after the proposed treatment. The follow-up period was 1 month. RESULTS Functional dysphonia or aphonia with a stable (refractory) or recurrent course was diagnosed in 58 (97%) patients. A tendency to an increase in the value of the latent period of the P300 and MMN in patients with voice disorder was revealed. There was a significant decrease in supraglottic constriction and glottal insufficiency before and after the treatment. The mean VHI-10 decreased from 25.4 before treatment to 15.3 after treatment. The DSI which is based on the set of voice measurements, statistically significant improved from -5.2 to 2.6 in patients as a result of treatment. The average value of MFI-20 improved from 65.4 (8.7) at the beginning of the study to 20.3 (5.3) after treatment. CONCLUSION In patients with dysphonia or aphonia associated with COVID-19 are indicated a refractory type of dysphonia. This was indicated by the study of AEPs of the brain. The clinical algorithm for treatment and diagnostic patients with voice disorders after COVID-19 has been developed. The treatment of this group of patients should be adjunct by the drug therapy, kinesiotaping method and psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Kryshtopava
- Vitebsk State Order of Friendship of Peoples Medical University, Vitebsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - T L Alenskaya
- Vitebsk State Order of Friendship of Peoples Medical University, Vitebsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - M K Azaronak
- Vitebsk State Order of Friendship of Peoples Medical University, Vitebsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - L G Petrova
- Belarusian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Minsk, Republic of Belarus
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Otorhinolaryngology Symptom Assessment Using SNOT 22 Among SARS CoV-2 Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 75:793-799. [PMID: 36571091 PMCID: PMC9760531 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to assess various ENT symptoms in COVID 19 patients, also to investigate the severity of ENT symptoms among COVID 19 patients and find their relation on basis of scores among five discrete domains of SNOT 22 (Sino nasal Outcome Test). A prospective observational study was conducted among 135 patients between 18 to 75 years of age, in the month of September 2020 with COVID-19 infection having mild, moderate disease who were admitted to our hospital. Subjects were divided into groups according to their presenting ENT symptoms based on age, gender and other comorbidities and differences between the groups were examined. The sinonasal symptoms were assessed using the SNOT 22 questionnaire. A strong statistical significance with loss of smell and taste sensation was noted in patients above the age of 40 years. It was also noted that the patients who presented with cough above the age of 40 years were significantly more. Evaluation of sinonasal symptoms using SNOT 22 questionnaire showed that Extranasal rhinologic symptoms, Psychological dysfunction, Sleep dysfunction had significantly higher association among patients who were more than 40 years. We observed that, Extranasal rhinologic symptoms were significantly higher among males than females. There is thus an emergent need to develop a uniform tool to assess the various ENT symptoms. In our study we assessed the patients with COVID 19 using a standard questionnaire to observe the symptomatology, psychological and sleep dysfunctions due to sinonasal issues, and to closely understand the relationship of various symptoms in a meticulous manner.
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15
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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123139. [PMID: 36553146 PMCID: PMC9777296 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulating data indicate that patients with COVID-19 could be affected by sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical trend of SSNHL occurrence during the COVID-19 pandemic by applying a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases were searched. RESULTS The seven included studies had adequate relevance to the topic and the quality was fair. The mean age at SSNHL onset ranged from 39.23 to 62.18 years during the pandemic year period (PYP); a meta-analysis of four studies comparing these data with those of previous periods in the same institutions found a younger age during the PYP (pooled mean -0.2848). The heterogeneity was high (76.1935%) and no frank asymmetry was observed in the funnel plot. The SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate of SSNHL patients ranged from 0% to 57.53%. Standard steroid treatments were applied without significant adverse effects. Comprehensively, hearing improvement was achieved for more than half of the cases. No studies reported long-term follow-up data. CONCLUSIONS Further prospective analyses on large series and a long-term follow up on COVID-related SSNHL cases are necessary to address the open questions regarding the causative link between COVID-19 infection and SSNHL.
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Mahmoud MS, Taha MS, Mansour OI, Fadel M, Mady OM, Teaima AA. Comprehensive evaluation of otorhinolaryngological symptoms in COVID-19 patients. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9175524 DOI: 10.1186/s43163-022-00263-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the incidence and natural course of otorhinolaryngological symptoms of COVID-19 infection and its relations to each other and patient’s demographics. Methods This is a prospective study conducted on symptomatic adult patients proven to be infected with COVID-19. Detailed history was taken from each patient including onset of symptoms. Symptoms were followed up tightly. We focus on otorhinolaryngological (ORL) symptoms and their duration and onset in relation to other symptoms. Data were collected and analyzed in detail. Results Six-hundred eighty-six patients were included in the study, their age ranged from 19-75 years old, and of them 55.1% were males. Cough was found in 53.1% of cases followed by sore throat in 45.8%, anosmia/ hyposmia in 42.3%, headache in 42%, rhinorrhea in 19.5%, dry mouth in 7.6%, globus in 6.1%, epistaxis in 4.4%, and hearing loss in 0.6%. In non-ORL symptoms, fever was found in 54.2%, malaise in 55.1%, dyspnea in 49.3%, and diarrhea in 27.2%. The first symptom was anosmia in 15.7% of cases, sore throat in 6.1 %, cough in 7.9%, and headache in 13.4% of cases. Fever was the first symptom in 22.7%, malaise in 25.1%, and diarrhea in 6.4%. Headache occurred for 5.5 ± 2 days, anosmia/hyposmia 3 to > 30 days, sore throat 4.1 ± 1.2 days, rhinorrhea 4.3 ± 1.1, cough 7.4 ± 2.5 days, fever 4.7 ± 2 days, and malaise 6.5 ± 2.4 days. The cluster of COVID-19-related symptoms showed nine principal components. Conclusion Otorhinolaryngological symptoms are main symptoms in COVID-19 infection, and they should be frequently evaluated to detect suspected cases especially in pauci-symptomatic patients and to properly manage infected patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43163-022-00263-5.
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Exacerbation of Activated Latent Tuberculosis Following COVID-19: A Case Report. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.52547/jommid.10.4.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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Mansour OI, Taha MS, Mahmoud MS, Ezzat WF, Askoura A, Allam MF, Girgis SA, Omran A, Agwa SH, Mohamed MN. SARS COV-2 and other viral etiology as a possible clue for the olfactory dilemma. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9125552 DOI: 10.1186/s43163-022-00251-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Post-viral anosmia is responsible for more than 40% of cases of anosmia. Anosmia has been a neglected symptom in the primary healthcare setting until the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection highlighted new atypical symptoms of the disease, including anosmia, which has become one of the diagnostic symptoms of the disease, and epidemiological concern. We aimed to detect the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection within patients presented with anosmia and to test for other respiratory viruses in the negative COVID-19 patients. We also detected the recovery of anosmia and IgM/IgG against COVID-19. We prospectively included 60 outpatients with the major complaint of anosmia. Nasopharyngeal swabs were done for SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR, and if negative, PCR to other respiratory pathogens was tested. After one month, we inquired about the recovery of smell loss together with testing for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. Forty-six patients (76.7%) were SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and 14 (23.3%) were negative. Rhinovirus was the commonest isolated pathogen in the negative cases (5/14). Complete recovery of anosmia occurred in 34 patients (56.7%), while partial recovery in 24 (40.0%), and no recovery in 2 patients (3.3%). The median time to complete recovery was 10 days. 28.3% (13/46) of the patients showed negative antibody response for both IgG and IgM. Conclusions Sudden-onset anosmia is a symptom that is highly predictive of being COVID-19-infected. While recovery is expected within 2 weeks, some patients have no antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
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Ibrahim AFAH, Sheikhany AR. Economic and emotional impact of COVID-19 pandemic on phoniatricians’ practice in Egypt. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8852922 DOI: 10.1186/s43163-022-00217-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
COVID-19 is not only a health crisis; it has the potential to create devastating social, as well as economic crises. Health care practitioners are the category with the highest diffusion of the contagion. The aim was to determine the economic and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on phoniatricians in Egypt in an attempt to analyze this data to determine the magnitude of this effect and if it is age and/or location specific.
Subjects and methods
An online structured Google-free form survey composed of 49 questions was created and sent online to phoniatricians all over Egypt. The survey was divided into three sections about demographic, economical then emotional-related questions. The studied group was further subdivided into 2 groups according to age and location for comparison purposes.
Results
82.5% of phoniatricians confirmed that the pandemic had a lot of negative impact on their practice. About 37.5% reduced their practices to urgent procedures and the same percentage closed their practice. The expenses of 56.3% exceeded their income. 91.2% had negative feelings when thinking about the pandemic. The economic problems have affected 71.3% of the participants emotionally. The pandemic had comparable negative impact on the economic and emotional aspects of both age groups. However, the younger age group suffered more from getting infected, and they thought more about career shift and was the group that needed psychological support during the pandemic. Outside Cairo organizations succeeded in providing the personal protective equipment to the phoniatricians in comparison to Cairo.
Conclusion
COVID-19 had a negative effect on the economical and emotional aspects of Egyptian phoniatricians’ lives. The pandemic economic burden was related to quarantine period, heath problems and getting infected, family requirements, and purchasing the protective equipment. The emotional burden was related most to the pandemic hazards and financial effect on the clients and chance of losing job. Few effects were age- and location-specific.
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20
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Correlation between vitamin D level and severity of prognostic markers in Egyptian COVID-19 patients: a cohort study. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022; 34:49. [PMID: 35754946 PMCID: PMC9214466 DOI: 10.1186/s43162-022-00131-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was announced a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization. The disease can be diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, polymerase chain reaction positivity, and the presence of ground-glass opacities on computed tomography (CT) scans. Recent studies have focused on the role of serum inflammatory markers that predict COVID-19, such as lymphocyte counts and C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, and D-dimer levels. Vitamin D is thought to reduce the risk of viral infections through several mechanisms. Our aim was to evaluate the correlation between serum vitamin D level and inflammatory markers and severity in Egyptian patients with COVID-19 infection. Serum vitamin D level had a positive correlation with hemoglobin level and lymphocytes. As results, serum vitamin D had a negative correlation with serum ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer and was not correlated with CORAD scoring in the CT chest. In conclusion, serum vitamin D was inversely correlated with inflammatory markers (ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer) which mean that participants with symptoms of COVID-19 had a high level of inflammatory markers and a low level of vitamin D. Participants without symptoms of COVID-19 had normal inflammatory markers and normal vitamin D level.
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Khanna SK, Maheshwari S, Bayad HC, Adersh MK, Rajput NS. The Role of Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations of Mild Covid-19 Disease in Hilly Terrain: Lessons Learnt at a Secondary Care Hospital. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:3337-3343. [PMID: 36267490 PMCID: PMC9568902 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted the study to find the prevalence of ENT symptoms amongst mild Covid-19 patients from the hilly region of North India and attempted to propose a solution to curb the spread of Covid-19 through early identification, isolation, and treatment. A retrospective, cross-sectional study at a secondary healthcare center in a hilly region of North India covered 423 mildly symptomatic Covid-19 patients from April 2020 to March 2022. These patients were telephonically contacted or called in person at the outpatient department to answer a preset questionnaire with various parameters such as age, gender, ENT symptoms, and time to recover. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. 207 out of 423 mild Covid-19 patients complained of different ENT symptoms. Cough was the most common ENT symptom and was reported by 162 patients. Dizziness was the least common ENT symptom and was reported by 9 patients. Recovery time for tinnitus was maximum (persistent till six months in 5 patients). A high index of suspicion for Covid-19 disease in patients with ENT symptoms must be practiced. As the Covid-19 restrictions are gradually relaxed, widespread community education for strict adherence to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and sensitization of General Practitioners a well as Otorhinolaryngologists regarding the importance of ENT symptoms in mild Covid19 disease will play a pivotal role in the early identification, isolation, and treatment of mild Covid-19 disease, which eventually may curb the future waves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - M. K. Adersh
- Military Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171006 India
| | - Nakul Singh Rajput
- Army Medical Corps Centre and College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 India
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22
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Aanand P, Angral S, Varshney S, Raj R. Incidence of Anosmia among Covid 19 patients in India. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:3427-3436. [PMID: 34099977 PMCID: PMC8173102 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic COVID-19 has relentlessly caused havoc to human life since its outbreak in December 2019. The disease has been a challenge for all. The clinical manifestations of Covid-19 ranges from no symptoms at all to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Anosmia being one of the important clinical features of COVID-19 has always been overlooked by the Indian population. This formed the background for this study. Aim To identify the incidence of anosmia reported in COVID- 19 patients in India. Materials and Methods Literature search was carried out from January 2020 to March 2021 in databases like PUBMED and Google Scholar using the key words "ANOSMIA", "HYPOSMIA" and "OLFACTORY DYSFUNCTION" in conjunction with "COVID-19", "SARS-COV-2", and "CORONAVIRUS". Boolean operators were used to narrow and broaden the search. The search yielded sixteen eligible articles. Result The scrutiny of the 16 articles revealed an incidence range of anosmia from 9.2% to 82% and an average anosmia incidence rate of 30.19%. The cumulative incidence rate of anosmia in those studies where objective analysis was done is 52.2% and 16.4% for subjective analysis. Discussion The prevalence of anosmia in Indian population is found to be much lesser than that reported by European countries due to ethnicity or negligence. Objective evaluation of anosmia in COVID-19 patients increases the incidence of anosmia drastically. Hence objective evaluations such as UPIST, SNIFFING STICK test, etc. is to be promoted. This study also Emphasises the lack of common gold standard testing for olfaction like vision and hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Aanand
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head-Neck Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, India
| | - Sumeet Angral
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head-Neck Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, India
| | - Saurabh Varshney
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head-Neck Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, India
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head neck Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand 814142 India
| | - Ritu Raj
- Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, India
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AlShakhs A, Almomen A, AlYaeesh I, AlOmairin A, AlMutairi AA, Alammar Z, Almomen H, Almomen Z. The Association of Smell and Taste Dysfunction with COVID19, And Their Functional Impacts. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:2847-2852. [PMID: 33520687 PMCID: PMC7822753 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-020-02330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was appeared at the end of 2019 in wuhan city in china. Covid-19 has high ability of transmission from human to another human, and due to its fast spread globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Covid-19 is pandemic disease on March 11, 2020. Several articles have reported many common ENT-related symptoms as an early sign of COVID19. To measure the prevalence of insomnia and dysgeusia in COVID19 patients in Saudi Arabia and investigate their functional and psychological effects on patients. This study evaluated the impact of insomnia and dysgeusia on COVID-19 patients' quality of life using the short version of the Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQODNS) Questionnaire. It was done from 5 June to 30 July 2020, in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 274 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were participated. The most common ENT-related symptoms were headache 69%, insomnia 65.3%, and dysgeusia 64.6%. Interestingly, insomnia can greatly affect patients' daily life, as around 37.6% of our patients had problems with taking part in daily activities, 42% felt isolated, 68.1% had changes in appetite, 51.4% had more stress, and 28.2% had increased anger secondary to loss of smell. In Addition, 62% (110) of patients who lost their taste declared that their daily activities were affected. ENT-related symptoms are one of the most COVID19 manifestations. The duration of both insomnia and dysgeusia is an important contributing factor on the patients' functional & psychological state as it may prolong their isolation period. Therefore, Otolaryngologists considered the first-line physicians for many of Covid-19 patients, which makes us at higher risk to be infected with Covid-19 too. It is also particularly important for Otolaryngologists to develop a management guideline to reduce the duration and severity of all ENT-related features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Almomen
- Consultant Rhinology & Skull Base Surgery, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | - Hassan Almomen
- Clinical Pathology Consultant, Dammam Regional Laboratory and Blood Bank, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Almomen
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Burnout Syndrome among Otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58081089. [PMID: 36013556 PMCID: PMC9415072 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome among otorhinolaryngologists in Lithuania and investigate associations with sociodemographic and professional factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Burnout was measured using the validated Lithuanian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Demographic characteristics and professional characteristics were collected utilizing an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Eighty otorhinolaryngologists (ORL group) and 30 information technology professionals (the control group) were enrolled in this study. A high level of professional burnout in at least one of the subscales was observed in 82.5% of the ORL group subjects. Depersonalization and burnout syndrome were more frequently detected with increasing age in the ORL group (r = 0.2, p < 0.04). Greater satisfaction with salary and working environment resulted in a lower burnout incidence (r = 0.31, p = 0.001). Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of burnout syndrome has been high among Lithuanian otorhinolaryngologists. Demographic and professional characteristics are significantly related to burnout syndrome among Lithuanian otorhinolaryngologists.
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Nag AK, Saltagi AK, Saltagi MZ, Wu AW, Higgins TS, Knisely A, Ting JY, Illing EA. Management of Post-Infectious Anosmia and Hyposmia: A Systematic Review. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2022:34894221118186. [PMID: 35959948 DOI: 10.1177/00034894221118186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anosmia and hyposmia significantly affect patients' quality of life and have many etiologies, including trauma, inflammatory conditions including chronic rhinosinusitis, neoplasm, and viral infections, such as rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to establish whether a consensus exists regarding optimal management of olfactory dysfunction and to provide insight into the treatment of anosmia in the current climate of increased prevalence secondary to COVID-19. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the literature on the management of non-Chronic-rhinosinusitis- related anosmia/hyposmia. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published since January 1990 using terms combined with Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). We included articles evaluating management of anosmia and hyposmia written in the English language, with original data, a minimum of 3 months of follow-up except for COVID-related studies, at least 2 patients, and well-defined and measurable outcomes. RESULTS A total of 3013 unique titles were returned upon the initial search. Of these, 297 abstracts were examined, yielding 19 full texts meeting inclusion criteria (8 with level 1 evidence, 3 with level 2, 1 with level 3, and 7 with level 4). The studies included a total of 1522 subjects, with follow up ranging from 3 to 72 months, with an exception for COVID related studies. Endpoints were based on clinically significant improvements of olfactory functions as measured through validated smell tests. Treatments with the most robust data were intranasal corticosteroids and olfactory training. CONCLUSION The literature on the treatment of anosmia and hyposmia includes randomized trials showing the efficacy of a few modalities. While further research is needed to expand therapeutic options for this debilitating condition, the current literature supports the use of olfactory training and topical corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Nag
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Abdul K Saltagi
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mohamad Z Saltagi
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Arthur W Wu
- Cedars-Sinai Division of Otolaryngology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas S Higgins
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Kentuckiana Ear, Nose & Throat, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Anna Knisely
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan Y Ting
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Elisa A Illing
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Erinc M, Mutlu A, Celik S, Kalcioglu MT, Szczepek AJ. Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 and the Pandemic on Tinnitus Patients. Front Neurol 2022; 13:921173. [PMID: 35847215 PMCID: PMC9279732 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.921173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effect of COVID-19 and the pandemic period on the tinnitus-related complaints of patients with chronic tinnitus. Ninety-six patients who were diagnosed with chronic tinnitus before the pandemic were enrolled in this study. Before the pandemic and in January 2022, all patients used the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on everyday life, sleep, and concentration. Additionally, patients filled the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ). In the entire cohort, tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and tinnitus-induced difficulties with concentration as well as THI and HQ scores increased significantly during the two pandemic years. Thirty-seven tinnitus patients contracted COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2022. These patients were asked to list leading COVID-19 symptoms, changes in tinnitus complaints during and after the disease, and whether their hearing abilities were affected. Three patients in the COVID-19 group confirmed worsening their hearing abilities. There was no decrease in the tinnitus complaint during COVID-19, 24.3% of the infected patients reported exacerbation of tinnitus, and 75.7% said tinnitus remained the same. In the COVID-19-negative group, 13.5% reported tinnitus decrease during the pandemic, 57.6% said it remained the same, and 28.8% reported exacerbation of tinnitus. When split into infected and non-infected groups, a significant increase in tinnitus loudness, tinnitus effect on concentration, and THI scores were seen only in patients who contracted COVID-19, while hyperacusis worsened significantly (p < 0.05) only in COVID-19-negative tinnitus patients. Despite significant differences within the groups, there were no differences found between the groups. This study points to possible different effects of the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic period on patients with chronic tinnitus. It also provides evidence for deterioration of preexisting tinnitus as a possible long-term effect of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Erinc
- Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Mutlu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdal Celik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Tayyar Kalcioglu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Mahmut Tayyar Kalcioglu
| | - Agnieszka J. Szczepek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
- Agnieszka J. Szczepek
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Fakhriani R, Widuri A. Anosmia in COVID-19 Patients at a Health Center in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is one of the viruses that has been spreading globally since 2019.
AIM: This research aims to see how common anosmia is among COVID-19 patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study with a consecutive sample and quantitative descriptive design was utilized to collect data by spreading questionnaires on patient experiences COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 was detected by RT-PCR at a Health Center in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
RESULT: A total of 124 persons tested positive for COVID-19. The remaining 59% experienced no anosmia or smell issues. Anosmia was present in 40.3% of those examined, 57.3% of those tested had no anosmia before or after the RT-PCR test and 31.5 had it before being diagnosed with COVID-19. Less than 5 days, 13.7% of those who had recovered, whereas 22.6% had more than 5 days to recover.
CONCLUSION: People who were diagnosed as COVID-19 positive using the RT-PCR test had the symptom earlier than those who reported anosmia after diagnosis, according to when they first reported it.
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Meister TL, Gottsauner JM, Schmidt B, Heinen N, Todt D, Audebert F, Buder F, Lang H, Gessner A, Steinmann E, Vielsmeier V, Pfaender S, Cieplik F. Mouthrinses against SARS-CoV-2 – high antiviral effectivity by membrane disruption in vitro translates to mild effects in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Virus Res 2022; 316:198791. [PMID: 35504446 PMCID: PMC9057949 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents an unprecedented threat for the human population, necessitating rapid and effective intervention measures. Given the main infection route by airborne transmission, significant attention has been bestowed upon the use of antiseptic mouthrinses as a way to possibly reduce infectious viral titers. However, clinical evaluations are still sparse. Thus, we evaluated a wide variety of antiseptic agents that can be used as mouthrinses for their antiviral effects in vitro and their respective mode of action. One of the most promising antiseptic agents (benzalkoniumchloride, BAC) was used in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with subsequent analysis of viral loads by RT-qPCR and virus rescue in cell culture. Mechanistic analysis revealed that treatment with BAC and other antiseptic agents efficiently inactivated SARS-CoV-2 in vitro by primarily disrupting the viral envelope, without affecting viral RNA integrity. However, the clinical application only resulted in a mild reduction of viral loads in the oral cavity. These results indicate that gargling with mouthrinses comprising single antiseptic agents may play a minor role towards a potential reduction of transmission rates and thus, these findings are of utmost importance when considering alternative COVID-19 prevention strategies.
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Frequency and Severity of Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) Symptoms during COVID-19 Infection. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58050623. [PMID: 35630040 PMCID: PMC9143391 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease entity caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The main symptoms of infection at the onset of the pandemic include dyspnea, cough and high fever. Ear−nose−throat (ENT) symptoms are among the ones presented by patients in the course of infection. The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of ENT symptoms and to assess their severity and duration in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 337 patients who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, as confirmed by a PCR test. The study participants were >18 years old; the mean age was 43.98 years ± 13.47 SD. The convalescents completed a questionnaire that contained 26 questions, including 9 detailed questions related to ENT symptoms, such as sore throat, vertigo, dizziness, hearing disorders, olfactory disorders, taste disturbance, headache, cough and dyspnea. The severity of symptoms was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: The most reported ENT symptoms were olfactory disorders, which occurred in 72% of patients. The second most frequent symptom was taste disturbance (68%), VAS = 6.79 ± 3.01. Vertigo and dizziness were reported by 34% of respondents (VAS = 4.01 ± 2.01). Tinnitus was observed in 15% of patients, VAS = 3.87 ± 1.98; 14% of the subjects reported hearing impairment (VAS = 3.81 ± 2.37). Conclusions: Symptoms related to the sense of smell, taste and hearing are some of the most common symptoms in the course of COVID-19, which is important in the therapeutic and epidemiological management of patients. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, especially those related to the hearing organ, may result in greater permanent damage.
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Mouliou DS, Pantazopoulos I, Gourgoulianis KI. COVID-19 smart diagnosis in the Emergency Department: all-in in practice. Expert Rev Respir Med 2022; 16:263-272. [PMID: 35245149 PMCID: PMC8935450 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2049760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) diagnosis has been a major problem in most Emergency Departments (EDs) and other senior care facilities. Various clinical manifestations, and the several radiologic and laboratory data combined with the misleading test results to identify the virus, are responsible for certain misdiagnoses, especially in suspected cases needing urgent management and treatment. Although emergency and other front-line physicians struggle to manage COVID-19 patients, still existent cases with ambiguous diagnosis trammel the ED safety and responsibility. Areas Covered This review article summarizes on a large scale the common information for the medical history, clinical examinations, radiology and laboratory data for SARS-CoV-2. We summarize the available literature using the PubMed, Science Direct and EMBASE databases published until December 2021 on the general information for COVID-19 diagnosis, and, finally, we propose algorithms for a precise and on-the-spot diagnosis the disease. Expert Opinion COVID-19 diagnosis has appeared to be such ambiguous, and physicians need to correlate medical history, medical examination, potential extrapulmonary manifestations, along with laboratory and radiologic data, for a prompt COVID-19 diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra S Mouliou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110, Larissa, Greece
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Telmesani LM, Althomaly DH, Buohliqah LA, Halawani RT, Ashoor MM, Alwazzeh MJ, Al Mubarak SA, AlHarbi MA, AlMuslem RF, Arabi SS, Saleh WE, ALYosif AY, Al Eid MR, Telmesani LS, AlEnazi AS. Clinical otorhinolaryngological presentation of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter study. Saudi Med J 2022; 43:266-274. [PMID: 35256494 PMCID: PMC9280540 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2022.43.3.20210501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the otorhinolaryngological (ORL) symptoms, including their prevalence, severity, and early presentations among coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients in the Saudi population. METHODS This was a multicentric, cross-sectional study carried out on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 positive patients at 3 COVID-19 centres; Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, ALKhobar, Qatif Central Hospital, AlQatif, and Ohud Hospital, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. The validated survey consisted of sociodemographic data, general symptoms of COVID-19, and ORL manifestations. RESULTS A total of 1734 COVID-19 positive patients were included in the study (mean age: 37.7±11.6 years). Most of the cases were mild (51.8%), followed by moderate (45.6%), and severe (2.6%) cases. Approximately 33.7% were asymptomatic. Severity of symptoms was significantly associated with male gender (p=0.017), higher age-group (p=0.04), and smoking (p<0.001). The most common initial ORL presentations were sore throat (20.9%), anosmia (15.5%), hyposmia (10%), and loss of taste (11.4%). Overall, 79.5% showed ORL symptoms as the initial presenting symptoms for COVID-19, with anosmia and sore throat being the most common symptoms. CONCLUSION This study confirmed the prevalence of ORL symptoms among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, these symptoms could also be considered for early detection of COVID-19 as they might appear prior to other symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila M. Telmesani
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Danah H. Althomaly
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lamia A. Buohliqah
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Roa T. Halawani
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mona M. Ashoor
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Marwan J. Alwazzeh
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Suad A. Al Mubarak
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Maha A. AlHarbi
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rana F. AlMuslem
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sahal S. Arabi
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waleed E. Saleh
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Amal Y. ALYosif
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammad R. Al Eid
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lena S. Telmesani
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulaziz S. AlEnazi
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (L.M. Telmesani, Ashoor, L.S. Telmesani, AlEnazi); from the Department of Internal Medicine (Alwazzeh), College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Althomaly, AlHarbi), Ministry of Health, Al-Khobar, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Buohliqah, Al Mubarak, AlMuslem, ALYosif, Al Eid), Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, and from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Halawani, Arabi, Saleh), Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Indirect Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Natural Gas Consumption by Commercial Consumers in a Selected City in Poland. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15041393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In March 2020, a lockdown was imposed due to a global pandemic, which contributed to changes in the structure of the consumption of natural gas. Consumption in the industry and the power sector decreased while household consumption increased. There was also a noticeable decrease in natural gas consumption by commercial consumers. Based on collected data, such as temperature, wind strength, duration of weather events, and information about weather conditions on preceding days, models for forecasting gas consumption by commercial consumers (hotels, restaurants, and businesses) were designed, and the best model for determining the impact of the lockdown on gas consumption by the above-mentioned consumers was determined using the MAPE (mean absolute percentage error). The best model of artificial neural networks (ANN) gave a 2.17% MAPE error. The study found a significant decrease in gas consumption by commercial customers during the first lockdown period.
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Srivastava A, Agarwal AC, Alam SZ. ENT Manifestations in Patients Suffering from COVID-19: Study from a COVID Hospital in North India. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 26:e148-e151. [PMID: 35096172 PMCID: PMC8789491 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
COVID-19 has been one of the worst pandemics faced by the human civilization, and otorhinolaryngological manifestations are commonly seen in this disease.
Objective
The present study was done to profile the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. An attempt has also been made to assess whether there was any difference between the symptoms of different strains of COVID-19. A brief review of the current knowledge of the transmission of the disease and its treatment has also been done.
Methods
A cross-sectional, record-based study was conducted in a COVID hospital of India between May and July 2020. Descriptive statistics were used and appropriate parametric/nonparametric tests were applied to assess the association between various variables.
Results
Out of 250 patients, 80 cases were asymptomatic and 170 were symptomatic. Most of the symptomatic patients had sore throat and nasal congestion.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the ENT manifestations of COVID-19 is essential for its early identification and to devise appropriate prevention protocols for the benefit of health care workers (HCWs) and of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitya Srivastava
- Department of ENT, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashish Chandra Agarwal
- Department of ENT, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Syed Zeeshan Alam
- Department of ENT, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Alrusayyis D, Aljubran H, Alshaibani A, Alsharhan S, AlSaied A, ALEnazi A, Alghamdi A, Alshahrani S, Salam A, Al Bar M. Patterns of Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations of Covid-19: A Longitudinal Questionnaire-Based Prospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319221084158. [PMID: 35311409 PMCID: PMC8941688 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221084158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Many studied investigated the manifestations of COVID-19, yet few described
the pattern and severity of otolaryngological symptoms. We aim to describe
the picture of COVID-19-associated otorhinolaryngological manifestations and
recovery to explore individualized treatment, onward referral, and
complications prevention. Design: Prospective longitudinal questionnaire-based study. Setting: The online questionnaire was filled 3 times through a remote interview over a
period of 1 month from June 2020 to July 2020. Participants: Patients with confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR who were clinically stable. Main Outcome Measures: Date of diagnosis, sociodemographic data, and the presence of predictive
factors, such as nasal and paranasal disease, anosmia and dysgeusia.
Validated tools were used, such as Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), smell
test (medical academy screening tool), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and
Reflux Symptoms Index (RSI). Result: The questionnaire was sent to 363 patients and the response rate was 70.80%
(n = 257). The mean age was 34.58 years (SD = 11.22) and the rate of male
participants was 60.7%. The most common otorhinolaryngological symptoms at
the time of enrollment was fever (48.6%), whilst the commonest severe
symptom was cough (57%). After 1 month, only 11 participants had persistent
severe symptoms, especially sleep and psychological symptoms (73%), and the
majority were female (63.6%). All of them had at least 1 comorbidity. There
was a significant difference between the mean age of participants with
severe symptoms (mean = 27.45, SD = 8.39) and without severe symptoms
(mean = 34.90, SD = 2.53, t(255) = 2.17,
P = .031). Conclusion: COVID-19 has a wide-ranged spectrum of presentations, with
otorhinolaryngological symptoms being the commonest and most serious.
Studying these symptoms is vital to advance management options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Salma Alsharhan
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Amal Alghamdi
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdul Salam
- King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,King Khalid Medical City (KKMC), Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al Bar
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Ala A, Habtemariam S, Vahdati SS, Rezabakhsh A. Cervical and preauricular lymphadenopathies as atypical manifestations in the setting of COVID-19: a case report. Future Virol 2022; 17:10.2217/fvl-2021-0074. [PMID: 35186108 PMCID: PMC8846295 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Besides the common symptoms in COVID-19, it has been thought to be a more imperative measure to identify the extraordinary manifestations of the illness, which would be more helpful to improve clinical management. In the current report, a 39-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man showed reactive cervical and preauricular lymphadenopathies, respectively, upon a range of the common symptoms of the disease. Interestingly, none of them showed the symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection as well. Notably, a herpes-like skin lesion was also observed on the right lower eyelid in one of the positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Ala
- Emergency & Trauma Care Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166615573, Iran
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Samad Shams Vahdati
- Emergency & Trauma Care Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166615573, Iran
| | - Aysa Rezabakhsh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166615573, Iran
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Kokten N, Celik S, Mutlu A, Pektas E, Icten S, Kalcioglu MT. Does COVID-19 have an impact on hearing? Acta Otolaryngol 2022; 142:48-51. [PMID: 35001803 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2021.2020897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS SARS-CoV-2 is known to be a neurotrophic virus. However, the effect of this virus on the hearing system is still uncertain. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the possible effect of COVID-19 on hearing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty healthcare workers who had COVID-19 after hearing evaluation with pure tone audiometry (PTA) for any reason in the last 1 year were included in the study. PTA and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) tests were performed in 15 of 30 patients during the active infection period. For all 30 patients, otoscopic examination plus PTA and TEOAE tests were performed at the end of the first month after their treatment. RESULTS When the PTA results of 30 patients (60 ears) before and after COVID-19 were compared, a significant decrease in hearing level was found only at 1000 Hz (p < .05). There were no significant differences at other frequencies. When the PTA and TEAOE test results of 15 patients (30 ears) that were performed during and after COVID-19 were compared, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE We conclude that COVID-19 may cause hearing loss. However, this result needs to be confirmed with comprehensive studies to be conducted in larger patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Numan Kokten
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdal Celik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Mutlu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emel Pektas
- Department of Audiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sacit Icten
- Department of Pulmonology, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M. Tayyar Kalcioglu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Abstract
In December 2019, a new form of coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started spreading in Wuhan, China. According to the situation report-95 published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus disease spread rapidly to 213 countries and territories by April 24, 2020, with the number of confirmed cases and deaths of 26,26,321 and 1,81,938, respectively. The WHO declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. People living in many countries are in lockdown and staying at home because of this deadly virus. Patients of COVID-19 are reported to have single or multiple symptoms, while some patients do not have any remarkable symptom at all. Patients have reported symptoms of dry cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, breathing problem, and gastrointestinal infection. COVID-19 may become very dangerous especially for aged people and people with any other disease such as diabetes, kidney problem, etc. In that case, the virus can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome and cytokine storm. The whole world is in lockdown because of this deadly virus. Currently, there is no particular cure for this disease; however, researchers are trying to find appropriate antiviral and repurposed drugs. This chapter provides a review on the different aspects of COVID-19 including the epidemiology, genomic sequence, and clinical characteristics; current medical treatment options; and development of vaccines and drugs.
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Santos JGDO, Migueis DP, Amaral JBD, Bachi ALL, Boggi AC, Thamboo A, Voegels RL, Pezato R. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Saliva: TNF-⍺, IL-6, IL-10, Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, IgG, IgA, and IgM. J Oral Biosci 2022; 64:108-113. [PMID: 35091065 PMCID: PMC8788095 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Understanding the role of certain salivary components, such as TNF-⍺, IL-6, IL-10, lactoferrin, lysozyme, IgG, IgA, and IgM, in airway defense during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is essential. The salivary immune barrier of patients with COVID-19 may play a role in their prognosis. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on saliva composition. Methods A longitudinal study was carried out with male and female firefighters aged 24–48 years. The study sample (n = 34) was divided into 3 groups: asymptomatic volunteers with a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 (group 1, Control, n = 21); patients with symptoms of COVID-19 of less than 7 days’ duration and a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR (group 2, COVID-19, n = 13); and recovered patients from group 2 who were free of COVID-19 symptoms for at least 2 months (group 3, post-COVID-19 recovery, n = 13). All groups underwent real-time PCR to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as well as analysis of the salivary concentrations of TNF-⍺, IL-6, IL-10, lactoferrin, lysozyme, IgG, IgA, and IgM by the ELISA method. Results Lactoferrin concentrations were significantly decreased in the infected group (COVID-19) when compared to those not infected by SARS-CoV-2 (control) (p = 0.032). IgA concentrations were decreased in the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups compared to the control group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.016, respectively). Comparison of the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups also revealed an increase in IgM concentrations during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.010). Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 alters the composition of the salivary immune barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Gaspar de Oliveira Santos
- ENT Research Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; IPO Hospital, Paranaense Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Jônatas Bussador do Amaral
- ENT Research Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Luis Lacerda Bachi
- ENT Research Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Coelho Boggi
- ENT Research Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Corpo de Bombeiros da Policia Militar do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrew Thamboo
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Richard Louis Voegels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rogério Pezato
- ENT Research Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Spinato G, Fabbris C, Conte F, Menegaldo A, Franz L, Gaudioso P, Cinetto F, Agostini C, Costantini G, Boscolo‐Rizzo P. COVID-Q: Validation of the first COVID-19 questionnaire based on patient-rated symptom gravity. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14829. [PMID: 34510668 PMCID: PMC8646717 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to develop and validate the CoronaVirus-Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Questionnaire (COVID-Q), a novel symptom questionnaire specific for COVID-19 patients, to provide a comprehensive evaluation that may be helpful for physicians, and evaluate the questionnaire's performance in identifying subjects at higher risk of testing positive. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive non-hospitalised adults who underwent nasopharyngeal-throat swab for severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection at Treviso Hospital in March 2020, were enrolled. Subjects were divided into positive (cases) and negative (controls). All subjects answered the COVID-Q. Patients not able to answer COVID-Q because of clinical conditions were excluded. Parallel Analysis and Principal Component Analysis identified items measuring the same dimension. The Item Response Theory (IRT)-based analyses evaluated the functioning of item categories, the presence of clusters of local dependence among items, item fit within the model and model fit to the data. RESULTS Answers obtained from 230 cases (113 males; mean age 55 years, range 20-99) and 230 controls (61 males; mean age 46 years, range 21-89) were analysed. Six components were extracted with parallel analysis: asthenia, influenza-like symptoms, ear and nose symptoms, breathing issues, throat symptoms, and anosmia/ageusia. The final IRT models retained 27 items as significant for symptom assessment. The total questionnaire's score was significantly associated with positivity to the molecular test: subjects with multiple symptoms were more likely to be affected (P < .001). Older age, male gender presence of breathing issues and anosmia/ageusia were significantly related to positivity (P < .001). Comorbidities had not a significant association with the COVID-19 diagnosis. CONCLUSION COVID-Q could be validated since the evaluated aspects were overall significantly related to infection. The application of the questionnaire to clinical practice may help to identify subjects who are likely to be affected by COVID-19 and address them to a nasopharyngeal swab in order to achieve an early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Spinato
- Department of NeurosciencesSection of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck CancerUniversity of PadovaTrevisoItaly
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and GastroenterologySection of Oncology and ImmunologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Cristoforo Fabbris
- Department of NeurosciencesSection of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck CancerUniversity of PadovaTrevisoItaly
| | - Federica Conte
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Milano BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Anna Menegaldo
- Department of NeurosciencesSection of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck CancerUniversity of PadovaTrevisoItaly
| | - Leonardo Franz
- Department of NeurosciencesSection of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck CancerUniversity of PadovaTrevisoItaly
| | - Piergiorgio Gaudioso
- Department of NeurosciencesSection of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck CancerUniversity of PadovaTrevisoItaly
| | - Francesco Cinetto
- Department of MedicineClinical Immunology and HematologyUniversity of PadovaTrevisoItaly
| | - Carlo Agostini
- Department of MedicineClinical Immunology and HematologyUniversity of PadovaTrevisoItaly
| | | | - Paolo Boscolo‐Rizzo
- Section of OtorhinolaryngologyAzienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di TriesteTriesteItaly
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Toppi J, Hughes J, Phillips D. Bacterial infections of the oropharynx and deep neck spaces: an investigation of changes in presentation patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. ANZ J Surg 2021; 91:2726-2730. [PMID: 34427384 PMCID: PMC8646372 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in practice during the COVID-19 pandemic altered clinical presentation characteristics among adults with bacterial throat infections. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included adult patients presenting with bacterial oropharyngeal infections to a tertiary level hospital in Melbourne, Australia. All patients presenting during the first phase of COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne (1st April- 1st July in 2020), and those from the same period 12-months prior, were included. RESULTS There were fewer presentations of bacterial throat infections during the pandemic period compared to the same time 1 year prior. There was a significantly reduced proportion of patients on oral antibiotics prior to their presentation in 2020, as compared to the same period 12-months earlier (30% vs. 50%, respectively; P < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in the length of time patients were symptomatic before presenting to hospital (5 days vs. 4 days, respectively; P < 0.01). Despite this, there was no significant increase in the number of representations post discharge from hospital, or the length of hospital admission. CONCLUSION The overall number of patients presenting with tonsillitis, pharyngitis, peritonsillar abscess and deep neck space infection were reduced during the pandemic period. Patients experienced symptoms for a longer period of time and fewer were on antimicrobial therapy prior to presentation. This study highlights a shift towards delayed patient presentation and reduced oral antibiotic commencement in cases of oropharyngeal infections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Toppi
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck UnitAustin HospitalHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck UnitRoyal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jed Hughes
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck UnitAustin HospitalHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | - Damien Phillips
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck UnitAustin HospitalHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck UnitRoyal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Wan D, Du T, Hong W, Chen L, Que H, Lu S, Peng X. Neurological complications and infection mechanism of SARS-COV-2. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:406. [PMID: 34815399 PMCID: PMC8609271 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic and threatened many lives. Although SARS-CoV-2 mainly causes respiratory diseases, growing data indicate that SARS-CoV-2 can also invade the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) causing multiple neurological diseases, such as encephalitis, encephalopathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, meningitis, and skeletal muscular symptoms. Despite the increasing incidences of clinical neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2, the precise neuroinvasion mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 have not been fully established. In this review, we primarily describe the clinical neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 and discuss the potential mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 invades the brain based on the current evidence. Finally, we summarize the experimental models were used to study SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion. These data form the basis for studies on the significance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatricts, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tingfu Du
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatricts, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatricts, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Haiying Que
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatricts, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shuaiyao Lu
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular, Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Microdebrider is less aerosol-generating than CO 2 laser and cold instruments in microlaryngoscopy. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 279:825-834. [PMID: 34623498 PMCID: PMC8498765 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 spreads through aerosols produced in coughing, talking, exhalation, and also in some surgical procedures. Use of CO2 laser in laryngeal surgery has been observed to generate aerosols, however, other techniques, such cold dissection and microdebrider, have not been sufficiently investigated. We aimed to assess whether aerosol generation occurs during laryngeal operations and the effect of different instruments on aerosol production. Methods We measured particle concentration generated during surgeries with an Optical Particle Sizer. Cough data collected from volunteers and aerosol concentration of an empty operating room served as references. Aerosol concentrations when using different techniques and equipment were compared with references as well as with each other. Results Thirteen laryngological surgeries were evaluated. The highest total aerosol concentrations were observed when using CO2 laser and these were significantly higher than the concentrations when using microdebrider or cold dissection (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001) or in the background or during coughing (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). In contrast, neither microdebrider nor cold dissection produced significant concentrations of aerosol compared with coughing (p = 0.146, p = 0.753). In comparing all three techniques, microdebrider produced the least aerosol particles. Conclusions Microdebrider and cold dissection can be regarded as aerosol-generating relative to background reference concentrations, but they should not be considered as high-risk aerosol-generating procedures, as the concentrations are low and do not exceed those of coughing. A step-down algorithm from CO2 laser to cold instruments and microdebrider is recommended to lower the risk of airborne infections among medical staff.
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The Spectrum of Neuroimaging Findings on CT and MRI in Adults With COVID-19. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2021; 217:959-974. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.20.24839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ahmad IA, Osei E. Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Healthcare Settings during COVID-19: Strategies for Protecting Staff, Patients and Visitors. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 17:e48. [PMID: 34517932 PMCID: PMC8523969 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has profoundly impacted almost every aspect of healthcare systems worldwide, placing the health and safety of frontline healthcare workers at risk, and it still continues to remain an important public health challenge. Several hospitals have put in place strategies to manage space, staff, and supplies in order to continue to deliver optimum care to patients while at the same time protecting the health and safety of staff and patients. However, the emergence of the second and third waves of the virus with the influx of new cases continue to add an additional level of complexity to the already challenging situation of containing the spread and lowering the rate of transmission, thus pushing healthcare systems to the limit. In this narrative review paper, we describe various strategies including administrative controls, environmental controls, and use of personal protective equipment, implemented by occupational health and safety departments for the protection of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors from SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The protection and safeguard of the health and safety of healthcare workers and patients through the implementation of effective infection control measures, adequate management of possible outbreaks and minimization of the risk of nosocomial transmission is an important and effective strategy of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic management in any healthcare facility. High quality patient care hinges on ensuring that the care providers are well protected and supported so they can provide the best quality of care to their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isra Asma Ahmad
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ernest Osei
- Department of Medical Physics, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Kitchener, ON, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ONCanada
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45
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Maharaj S. COVID-19 and otorhinolaryngology: Returning to practice. S Afr J Infect Dis 2021; 36:256. [PMID: 34485503 PMCID: PMC8378039 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v36i1.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This article aims to focus on key points and provide an overview of the current knowledge of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19); the increased susceptibility of otorhinolaryngologists to the virus; its effects and impact on the ENT practice; disruption of specialist clinic services; as well as associated risks in ENT surgical procedures. Mitigation strategies that can be employed to efficiently return to practice and ensuring the highest level of safety to both the patient and the otorhinolaryngologist is emphasised whilst simultaneously adapting to the new normal. Attention was given to understanding of the virus, its effect on the ENT discipline and practice, counter measures to mitigate and minimise risk to allow for continuation of ENT services once restrictions and lockdowns are progressively lifted. Otorhinolaryngological manifestations are common symptoms of COVID-19. Evidence suggests that the highest rates of nosocomial spread were seen amongst otorhinolaryngologists. The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly halted a majority of the otorhinolaryngology activities, which impacted service provision in the ENT practice. As the pandemic evolves, and with its duration unpredictable, this may necessitate a fundamental shift in the way otorhinolaryngology is practiced as there may be further global viral pandemics in future and the ENT fraternity has to now adapt to the new normal. Continued vigilance is imperative and strategies optimally implemented to ensure safe return to both ENT specialist clinic services and surgeries is vital. There are currently no uniform best-practice recommendations for otorhinolaryngology in the COVID-19 setting, although key strategies to prevent the virus spread have become evident to be able to effectively ‘flatten the curve’ of COVID-19 infections over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivesh Maharaj
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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46
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Kolethekkat AA, Al Abri R, Al Washahi M, Al Badaai Y, Balkhair AA. Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 from the Otorhinolaryngologist's Perspective: First Report from Oman, Middle East. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 74:3104-3110. [PMID: 34458130 PMCID: PMC8385262 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02829-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the otorhinolaryngological clinical characteristics of COVID-19 positive patients. A prospective cross sectional study on sixty five patients who were SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive, and completed 14 days of isolation period were surveyed with a questionnaire. The responses were evaluated and assessed. Sixty five SARS-Cov-2 PCR positive cases were included in the study. There were 57 (87.6%) males and 8 (12.3%) females. Thirty five (53.8%) were in home isolation, whereas, 30 (46.2%) were under institutional care. Forty five patients (72.6%) presented with mild symptoms, and 4 (6.4%) developed moderate symptoms. Thirteen (21%) were asymptomatic. Overall, 46 patients (70.7%) presented with upper airway symptoms with or without general symptoms. More than half of the patients experienced pharyngodynia or sorethroat, smell and taste dysfunction as common symptoms (66.7%, 61.4% and 50.7% respectively). Severe headache was noticed by eighteen (27.7%) patients. Other respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, facial pain, etc. were present with less frequency. In more than half of the patients (61.5%), all the symptoms recovered within 5 days, in 12 (18.5%) between 5 and 8 days, and in 9 (13.8%), between 9 and14 days. However, in four patients, symptoms lasted for 28–30 days. In seven patients (10.7%), symptoms recurred after the period of isolation, however, the retest was negative. Fever, cough and or shortness of breath are the commonly reported prominent symptoms of COVID-19, however, there is a changing trend of clinical presentation towards variable otorhinolaryngologic manifestations. Pharyngodynia, taste and smell dysfunctions are common in patients with COVID-19, and could represent potential characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Ali Kolethekkat
- ENT Division, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Al Khoud, P. O. Box 35, 123 Seeb, Oman
| | - Rashid Al Abri
- ENT Division, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Al Khoud, P. O. Box 35, 123 Seeb, Oman
| | - Mohammed Al Washahi
- ENT Division, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Al Khoud, P. O. Box 35, 123 Seeb, Oman
| | - Yahya Al Badaai
- ENT Division, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Al Khoud, P. O. Box 35, 123 Seeb, Oman
| | - Abdullah A Balkhair
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Seeb, Oman
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47
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Herzog M, Beule AG, Lüers JC, Guntinas-Lichius O, Grafmans D, Deitmer T. [The first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-impact on otorhinolaryngology]. HNO 2021; 69:615-622. [PMID: 33620505 PMCID: PMC7900796 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-021-01015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first year of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has already affected our public health care system to an enormous extent and will continue to do so in the future. Otorhinolaryngologists (ORLs) are suspected to be at high risk of infection, due to the high viral load in the mucosa of the upper airways. The current review evaluates the impact of the pandemic on ORLs' activities and assesses the risk infection. METHODS A selective literature research was conducted using relevant English and German terms for ORL, SARS-CoV‑2, risk, and infection at PubMed, medRxiv, and bioRxiv, as well as in the Deutsches Ärzteblatt and on the websites of the Robert Koch Institute and the Johns Hopkins University. RESULTS Protection recommendations for ORL include general hygiene measures and wearing KN95 masks for routine professional activities. When in contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, it is recommended to extend the personal protective equipment by eye protection, gloves, cap, and gown. International otorhinolaryngology societies have released guidelines for procedures (e.g., tracheostomy, sinus surgery), propagating personal protection for the surgical team and reduction of aerosols. Testing for SARS-CoV‑2 in patients and medical staff can contribute to reducing the risk of infection. Vaccination would provide some additional protection for ORLs and other health care professionals with increased exposure to aerosols. There is increasing evidence that ORLs are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV‑2. CONCLUSION Consequent personal protection, frequent testing of patients and health care professionals, and the promised SARS-CoV‑2 vaccinations may provide adequate protection for highly exposed persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herzog
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Carl-Thiem-Klinikum, Thiemstraße 111, 03048, Cottbus, Deutschland.
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
| | - A G Beule
- Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals‑, Nasen‑, Ohrenkrankheiten, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - J-C Lüers
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - O Guntinas-Lichius
- Klinik und Poliklinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - D Grafmans
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Carl-Thiem-Klinikum, Thiemstraße 111, 03048, Cottbus, Deutschland
| | - T Deitmer
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie e. V., Bonn, Deutschland
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Abstract
The article reviews and analyzes the different ear, nose, and throat (ENT)-related manifestations reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive pediatric patients (age <18 years) in peer-reviewed and published literature. We searched the PubMed database using medical subject headings and associated key words, focusing on ENT symptoms in children with COVID-19. We included relevant published and peer-reviewed articles in English and excluded case reports and articles in press. There were 1,140 children positive for COVID-19 (56% boys) in the 23 studies included in this review. Although 11% of patients were asymptomatic, the most common symptoms reported were fever (48%) and cough (37%). Nasal symptoms (stuffy nose, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea) and sore throat occurred in about 22% of all patients. Otitis, dizziness, anosmia, and ageusia are hardly reported in children with COVID-19. Although fever and cough are the most common symptoms, ENT manifestations are frequently observed in pediatric patients with COVID-19. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(7):e277-e281.].
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Tretiakow D, Tesch K, Skorek A. Mitigation effect of face shield to reduce SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission risk: Preliminary simulations based on computed tomography. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111229. [PMID: 33932477 PMCID: PMC8081583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to develop a model to quantitatively assess the potential effectiveness of face shield (visor) in reducing airborne transmission risk of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 during the current COVID-19 pandemic using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The studies with and without face shield in both an infected and healthy person have been considered in indoor environment simulation. In addition to the influence of the face shield and the synchronization of the breathing process while using the device, we also simulated the effect of small air movements on the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate (outdoor environment simulation). The contact with infectious particles in the case without a face shield was 12-20 s (s), in the presence of at least one person who was positive for SARS-CoV-2. If the infected person wore a face shield, no contact with contaminated air was observed during the entire simulation time (80 s). The time of contact with contaminated air (infection time) decreases to about 11 s when the surrounding air is still and begins to move at a low speed. Qualitative differences between simulations performed on the patients with and without the face shield are clearly visible. The maximum prevention of contagion is probably a consequence of wearing a face shield by an infected person. Our results suggest that it is possible to determine contact with air contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 using the CFD method under realistic conditions for virtually any situation and configuration. The proposed method is probably the fastest and most reliable among those based on CFD-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Tretiakow
- Department of Otolaryngology, Gdansk Medical University, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Tesch
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Andrzej Skorek
- Department of Otolaryngology, Gdansk Medical University, Gdansk, Poland
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50
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Šifrer R, Urbančič J, Piazza C, van Weert S, García-Purriños F, Benedik J, Tancer I, Aničin A. Emergent tracheostomy during the pandemic of COVID-19: Slovenian National Recommendations. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 278:2209-2217. [PMID: 32889621 PMCID: PMC7473826 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-06318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Emergent tracheostomy under local anaesthesia is a reliable method of airway management when orotracheal intubation is not possible. COVID-19 is spread through aerosol making the emergent tracheostomy a high-risk procedure for surgeons. The surgical establishment of the air conduit in emergency scenarios must be adjusted for safety reasons. METHODS To establish the Slovenian National Guidelines for airway management in cannot intubate-cannot ventilate situations in COVID-19 positive patients. RESULTS Good communication and coordination between surgeon and anaesthesiologist is absolutely necessary. Deep general anaesthesia, full muscle relaxation and adequate preoxygenation without intubation are initial steps. The surgical cricothyrotomy is performed quickly, the thin orotracheal tube is inserted, the cuff is inflated and ventilation begins. Following patient stabilisation, the conversion to the tracheostomy is undertaken with the following features: skin infiltration with vasoconstrictor, a vertical incision, avoidance of electrical devices in favour of classical manners of haemostasis, the advancement of the tube towards the carina, performing the tracheal window in complete apnoea following adequate oxygenation, the insertion of non-fenestrated canulla attached to a heat and moisture exchanger, the fixation of canulla with stitches and tapes, and the cricothyrotomy entrance closure. Appropriate safety equipment is equally important. CONCLUSION The goal of the guidelines is to make the procedure safer for medical teams, without harming the patients. Further improvements of the guidelines will surely appear as COVID-19 is a new entity and there is not yet much experience in handling it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Šifrer
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Jure Urbančič
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cesare Piazza
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Maxillofacial and Thyroid Surgery, National Cancer Institute of Milan, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan, Italy
| | - Stijn van Weert
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Locatie VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Francisco García-Purriños
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Los Arcos del Mar Menor, Paraje Torre Octavio 54, 30739, Pozo Aledo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Janez Benedik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Therapy, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivana Tancer
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandar Aničin
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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