Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Infectious Disease for April 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

Symptomatic Health Care Staff in U.K. Screened for COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Screening symptomatic health care workers for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is feasible during the pandemic, according to a research letter published online April 22 in The Lancet.

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Pandemic Disrupting Health Care for 55 Percent of Older Adults

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — At least half of older adults report experiencing a disruption to their medical care at one month into social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey released April 27 by NORC at University of Chicago.

Press Release

Remdesivir May Accelerate Recovery From Severe COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Remdesivir may speed time to clinical improvement for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, although results are conflicting, according to a study published online April 29 in The Lancet and press releases issued regarding a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored study.

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Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Press Release

Rate, Timing of Altered Smell, Taste in Mild COVID-19 Examined

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Mildly symptomatic patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection often have alterations in smell or taste, according to a research letter published online April 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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NIH Launches $500 Million Contest to Produce Best COVID-19 Test

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A competition between researchers is part of a $1.5 billion program that seeks to speed development of accurate, quick, and easy-to-use COVID-19 tests, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Wednesday.

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Men Have More Serious Disease, Higher Death Rate From COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19, male gender is associated with worse outcomes, independent of age, according to a study published online April 29 in Frontiers in Public Health.

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Large-Vessel Stroke Described in Young Adults With COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Cases of large-vessel stroke in individuals younger than 50 years are described in patients with COVID-19 in a case report published online April 28 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Almost All COVID-19 Patients Have Diminished Sense of Smell

WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Quantitative smell testing shows that decreased smell function is a major marker for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, according to a study published online April 17 in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.

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Guidelines Recommended for ECMO Use in Setting of Pandemic

WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hospitals should have a formal plan to respond to the increasing need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the setting of a pandemic such as COVID-19, according to a study published online April 15 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

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Many Health Care Workers Face Risk for Poor Outcomes With COVID-19

WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — More than one-quarter of health care workers with patient contact are at risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19, according to a study published online April 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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David Shulkin, M.D., on COVID-19 Financial Consequences for Health Care System

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Health care organizations are facing hard financial decisions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but an end is in sight as some are beginning to slowly open back up around the country, according to David Shulkin, M.D. Shulkin, who served as ninth secretary for Veterans Affairs and is former president and CEO of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, spoke with HealthDay during a live stream on the HealthDay YouTube channel and live blog.

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KIMT3 Article

Primary PCI Remains Standard of Care for STEMI During COVID-19

WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains the standard of care for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a consensus statement published online April 20 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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GI Manifestations Seen for Nearly One in Three With SARS-CoV-2

WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have gastrointestinal manifestations, according to a study involving patients at a U.S. hospital published online April 10 in Gastroenterology.

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Thromboembolic Complications in COVID-19 Discussed

WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 are discussed in a report published online April 23 in Radiology.

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Nearly Half of U.S. Population Breathes Unhealthy Air

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Climate change continues to make air pollution worse, with 45.8 percent of the U.S. population living in counties with unhealthy ozone or particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association (ALA) 21st annual State of the Air report.

State of the Air Report

Most SARS-CoV-2-Positive Pregnant Women Asymptomatic at Screening

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Universal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing of pregnant women presenting for delivery in New York City revealed that most positive patients were asymptomatic, according to a research letter published online April 13 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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National Coronavirus Testing Strategy Announced as U.S. Cases Top 1 Million

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — While health experts continued to call for a national strategy to test more Americans for coronavirus, President Donald Trump on Monday announced a “blueprint” for boosting testing capacity as some states began reopening their economies.

Washington Post Article
CBS News Article
New York Times Article

Rare, Serious Illness May Occur in Children With COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal complaints, and heart inflammation are among the symptoms in children with a rare syndrome that may be linked to COVID-19, British health officials say.

CNN Article

Recommendations Developed for Anesthesia Use During COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for use of anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a joint statement issued by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the European Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy.

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45.4 Percent of U.S. Adults at Risk for Complications With COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — An estimated 45.4 percent of U.S. adults may have an increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to chronic conditions, according to a study published in the August issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

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Adding High-Dose Chloroquine Not Advised for Severe COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — High-dosage chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) has potential safety hazards when used as adjunctive therapy for patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19, according to a study published online April 24 in JAMA Network Open.

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Editorial

High Rate of Pulmonary Embolism Found for Patients With COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — COVID-19 is associated with a high rate of pulmonary embolism, according to two research letters published online April 23 in Radiology.

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Patients Aged 60 to 69 Most Often Hospitalized With COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Persons aged 60 to 69 years with COVID-19 are the most commonly hospitalized, according to a research letter published online April 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Neurologic Features Tied to ARDS in Severe COVID-19 Described

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 is associated with neurologic features, including encephalopathy, agitation, and confusion, according to a letter to the editor published online April 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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FDA Warns of Bogus Claims by Makers of Hand Sanitizer

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Some companies are selling hand sanitizers with unproven claims that they will protect against COVID-19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.

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WHO: No Evidence COVID-19 Survivors Cannot Be Reinfected

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is “no evidence” that people who have recovered from COVID-19 cannot be reinfected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, according to the World Health Organization.

CBS News Article
CNN Article
More Information: CDC

Pulse Oximetry May Be Overused in Infants With Bronchiolitis

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Use of monitoring with continuous pulse oximetry for infants with bronchiolitis who do not require supplemental oxygen varies widely by hospital, according to a study published in the April 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Recommendations Issued for Imaging Use in Pediatric COVID-19

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an international expert consensus statement, published online April 23 in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, recommendations are presented for chest imaging in pediatric COVID-19 patient management.

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SARS-CoV-2 Not Detected in Semen After COVID-19 Recovery

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not detected in the semen of patients one month after COVID-19 diagnosis, according to a study published online April 17 in Fertility and Sterility.

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Direct Medical Costs of COVID-19 Infection Are Considerable

MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A single symptomatic COVID-19 infection results in direct medical costs of $3,045 in the United States, according to a study published online April 23 in Health Affairs.

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Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup

Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of April 20 to 24, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.

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HTN, Obesity, Diabetes Common in U.S. COVID-19 Patients

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The most common comorbidities among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the New York City area are hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, according to a study published online April 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Premature Posting of Remdesivir Findings Were ‘Inconclusive’

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Inconclusive findings from a study investigating the antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19 were posted to the World Health Organization website “prematurely,” drug maker Gilead Sciences said Thursday.

CNN Article

FDA Warns About Treating COVID-19 With Unproven Drugs

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Malaria drugs touted by some as potential “game changers” against COVID-19 are actually too dangerous for general use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Americans on Friday.

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Americans Report Concerns Over Their Mental Health During Pandemic

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Mental health concerns top economic worries during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a survey released by the University of Phoenix.

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Infection Rate Up Prior to Detection of Malignant Cancer

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The rate of infection with influenza, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and pneumonia is increased before detection of malignant cancer, according to a study published online April 17 in Cancer Immunology Research.

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Review: MMR, MMRV, MMR+V Vaccines Are Effective, Safe

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines and MMR vaccines with varicella are effective and safe, according to an updated review published online April 20 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

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Survey Finds Anesthesiologists Prepared for COVID-19 Patients

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Anesthesiologists on the front lines of treating surgical COVID-19 patients in Turkey are generally knowledgeable about airway management, according to the results of a national survey published online April 6 in Surgical Infections.

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COVID-19 Outcomes Worse With Diabetes, Hyperglycemia

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Diabetes and/or uncontrolled hyperglycemia occur frequently among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and are associated with worse outcomes, according to a study accepted for publication in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology.

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COVID-19-Linked Changes Reported in Rheumatic Disease Patient Care

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Changes to health care have been reported among patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published online April 20 in ACR: Open Rheumatology.

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SARS-CoV-2 Stays in Respiratory Samples Longer in Severely Ill

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The median duration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA is significantly longer in the respiratory samples of patients with severe versus mild disease, according to a study published online April 21 in The BMJ.

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More Than One in Five Children in Home Confinement Report Depression

FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — During the COVID-19 outbreak in Hubei province in China, 22.6 percent of children in home confinement reported depressive symptoms, according to a research letter published online April 24 in JAMA Pediatrics.

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CDC: More Chemical Exposures Reported in January to March 2020

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In January to March 2020, there were more chemical exposures reported to the National Poison Data System than in the corresponding months of 2019 and 2018, according to research published in the April 20 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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SARS-CoV-2 Can Spread Rapidly in Homeless Shelters

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can spread rapidly in homeless shelters, according to two studies published in the April 22 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text – Tobolowsky
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‘Health Force’ to Combat Pandemic Proposed by U.S. Senators

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A bill to create a “Health Force” to help combat the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak has been announced by two Democratic senators.

NBC News Article

White House Announces Payment Plan for Uninsured COVID-19 Patients

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A plan to begin paying hospitals and doctors who treat uninsured COVID-19 patients was announced by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Wednesday.

AP News Article

ACEIs/ARBs Not Linked to Severity or Mortality of COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hypertension hospitalized with COVID-19 infections, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are not associated with the severity or mortality of COVID-19, according to a brief report published online April 23 in JAMA Cardiology.

Abstract/Full Text

Mild, No Symptoms Seen for Most Children With SARS-CoV-2 Infection

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have mild respiratory symptoms or are asymptomatic, according to a review published online April 22 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Umifenovir Ineffective for Mild COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients hospitalized with mild/moderate COVID-19, lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) or umifenovir (Arbidol) monotherapy offers little benefit, according to a study published online April 17 in Med.

Abstract/Full Text

AAD Establishes Registry for Skin Manifestations of COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A registry has been created for reporting skin manifestations of COVID-19 following reports of patients presenting with skin conditions, including findings outlined in a letter to the editor published online March 26 in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Registry
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Hydroxychloroquine Seems Not to Cut Ventilator Use in COVID-19

WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is no evidence that use of hydroxychloroquine alone (HC) or with azithromycin (HC+AZ) reduces the risks for mechanical ventilation or death from any cause in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, according to a study that has not yet been peer reviewed and was posted online April 21 at medRxiv.org.

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Rapid COVID-19 Test Can Produce False Negatives

WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A widely used rapid COVID-19 test can produce false negatives if a certain solution is used to move or store patients’ samples, the test’s maker said.

CNN Article

Expert Panel: There Are No Proven Drug Treatments for COVID-19

WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is no proven drug treatment for COVID-19 patients, according to a panel of experts convened by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The New York Times Article

ST-Segment Elevation Described in Patients With COVID-19

WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19 who have ST-segment elevation, indicating potential acute myocardial infarction, there is considerable variability in presentation, and prognosis is poor, according to a letter to the editor published online April 17 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Obesity Ups Risk for COVID-19 Severity

WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is a high frequency of obesity among patients admitted to intensive care for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), according to a study published online April 9 in Obesity.

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Scoring System Helps Guide Surgical Care During COVID-19

WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A scoring system for medically necessary time-sensitive (MeNTS) procedures can facilitate decision making and triage in the setting of COVID-19, according to a study published online April 9 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

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COVID-19 Tied to Unique Nasal Symptoms

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — COVID-19 is not associated with the symptoms typically associated with a viral cold or allergies, such as nasal blockage or mucus production, according to a review published online April 10 in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology.

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LA County COVID-19 Infections Far Exceed Number of Confirmed Cases

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — An early analysis of antibody testing from Los Angeles County reveals a COVID-19 infection rate that is up to 55 times the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

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FDA Authorizes COVID-19 Test That Uses Samples Collected at Home

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved emergency use of the first COVID-19 test that enables patients to take samples at home.

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Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic Explored

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A new position paper, published online April 15 in The Lancet Psychiatry, highlights the mental health consequences of COVID-19 management.

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176,190 U.S. Children Estimated to Have SARS-CoV-2 by April 6, 2020

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — About 176,190 children nationwide were estimated to be infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by April 6, 2020, according to a study published online April 16 in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice.

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Expanding Symptom Screening Criteria Can Up COVID-19 Detection

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Expanding COVID-19 symptom screening criteria to include myalgias and chills could identify more health care personnel (HCP) with the illness, according to a research letter published online April 17 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Coinfection With SARS-CoV-2, Other Respiratory Pathogens ID’d

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — About 20 percent of specimens positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are positive for other respiratory pathogens, according to a research letter published online April 15 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Cardiac Cath Lab STEMI Activations Drop During Pandemic

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a 38 percent reduction in U.S. cardiac catheterization laboratory ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) activations, according to a research letter published online April 10 in the Journal of the American College of Cariology.

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Bundled Rapid HIV/Hep C Testing May Improve Infection Awareness

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For people with substance use disorders, combining HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and providing immediate test results may increase the number of people who are aware of their infection status, according to a study published in the May issue of Medical Care.

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Lab Protocol Failures Led to Ineffective COVID-19 Tests From CDC

MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The first COVID-19 tests in the United States were ineffective due to poor laboratory practices at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The New York Times Article

Public Health Measures Cut COVID-19 Transmission in Hong Kong

MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Public health measures implemented to suppress local transmission of COVID-19 in Hong Kong were associated with reduced transmission of COVID-19 and influenza, according to a study published online April 17 in The Lancet Public Health.

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Guidance Presented for Contact Lens Use During COVID-19

MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an article published online April 3 in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, important considerations are presented for contact lens (CL) wearers in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract/Full Text

COVID-19 Patients May Require ENT Consults for Varied Reasons

MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with COVID-19 may require ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultations for many reasons, including tracheotomy, and protective strategies can prevent infection of otolaryngologists, according to a case series study accepted for publication in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

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Diabetes Increases Risk for Poorer Prognosis in COVID-19

MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Diabetes may contribute to more severe symptoms, rapid progression, and poorer prognosis in patients infected with COVID-19, according to a study published online March 31 in Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews.

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Benefit of Social Distancing Outweighs Economic Impact

MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The economic benefits of lives saved through social distancing substantially outweigh the value of the projected losses to the U.S. economy, according to a study to be published in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis.

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Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup

Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of April 13 to 17, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.

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Insomnia Common Among Medical Staff During COVID-19 in China

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — More than one-third of medical staff members in hospitals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China reported insomnia symptoms, according to a study published online April 14 in Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Abstract/Full Text

Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Stable in Iceland

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In Iceland, the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was stable through 20 days of screening, according to a study published online April 14 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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CDC Looks at Transmission of COVID-19 to Health Care Workers

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to health care personnel (HCP) is explored in two studies published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text – Heinzerling
Abstract/Full Text – Burrer

Asthma Not Common in COVID-19 Patients Who Have Died

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Asthma is not among the top 10 chronic health problems in people who have died from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in New York state, even though many health experts have warned that people with asthma are at increased risk for severe illness if they get COVID-19.

The New York Times Article

Scientists Design Protective Respirator for Health Care Workers

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — With protective gear in short supply, Duke University researchers say they have designed a much-needed respirator for health care workers battling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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Chest X-Ray Findings Normal for Many Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most patients presenting to urgent care centers with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have normal or mildly abnormal findings on chest X-rays (CXRs), according to a study published online April 14 in the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine.

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IDSA Issues Rapid Guidelines for Treatment of COVID-19

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In rapid guidelines issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), recommendations are presented for the treatment and management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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Risk for Severe COVID-19 May Be Up in People With COPD, Smokers

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Active cigarette smokers and individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have up-regulation of angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE-2) expression in the lower airways, which could explain the increased risk for severe COVID-19 in these subpopulations, according to a study published online April 8 in the European Respiratory Journal.

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Recurrent Winter Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 Projected

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Recurrent winter outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are projected to occur after the initial pandemic wave, according to a study published online April 14 in Science.

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Sharp Drop in Demand Seen for COVID-19 Tests at Private Labs

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There has been such a drop in demand for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests at private labs in the United States that they have “considerable” unused capacity and can test more patients with less severe symptoms, the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) says.

NBC News Article

CRISPR-Based Test Can Diagnose COVID-19 in Under 60 Minutes

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they have developed a low-cost swab test that can diagnose coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections in about 45 minutes.

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FDA Urges COVID-19 Survivors to Donate Plasma

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is asking Americans who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to donate their blood plasma to help fight the pandemic.

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American Red Cross

Surgery Department Outlines Rapid Response to COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a comprehensive rapid response plan, published online April 9 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, surgeons from the University of California San Francisco present a strategy to triage surgeries to help manage health care resources during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Guidance Issued for Breast Cancer Care During COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In guidance issued by the COVID-19 Pandemic Breast Cancer Consortium, recently accepted for publication in an upcoming issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, recommendations are presented for prioritizing care for breast cancer patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Guidance Developed for Treating Cardiac Arrest During COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a document entitled “Interim Guidance for Basic and Advanced Life Support in Adults, Children, and Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19,” published online April 9 in Circulation, recommendations are presented for treating victims of cardiac arrest during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Telehealth Usage Was Growing Among Internists Prior to COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is wide variation in the use of telehealth among internal medicine physicians and subspecialists, according the “2020 American College of Physicians (ACP) Member Survey About Telehealth Implementation.”

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Compliance With Self-Isolation Influenced by Compensation

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), compliance with self-isolation is influenced by compensation, with very high compliance seen when compensation for lost wages is assured, according to a report published online April 9 in Health Affairs.

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Survey Shows Lack of COVID-19 Concern Even Among Those at Risk

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Many individuals at greater risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications did not believe the virus would affect them at the beginning of Chicago’s outbreak, according to a study published online April 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Obesity Is Risk Factor for COVID-19 Hospital Admission in <60s

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Obesity is associated with admission to the hospital for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, according to a study published online April 9 in Clinical Infectious Diseases and a study not yet peer reviewed and posted on medRxiv.org.

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SARS-CoV-2 Contamination of Air, Surfaces Examined in ICU, Wards

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Considerable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) contamination of air and object surfaces is reported in intensive care units (ICUs) and general coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards (GW), according to a study published online April 10 in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Public Health Interventions Improved COVID-19 Control in Wuhan

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Multifaceted public health interventions improved control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan, China, according to a study published online April 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Intubation Initiated in One in Five Who Died of COVID-19 in China

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Many patients who died from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China may have had delayed intubation, according to a research letter published online April 10 in JAMA Network Open.

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Common Coronaviruses Are Highly Seasonal

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Common coronaviruses circulate seasonally, according to a study published online April 4 in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

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Smell, Taste Impairment Linked to COVID-19 Positivity

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Smell and taste impairment are strongly associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positivity, according to a study published online April 12 in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.

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Review: Quarantine Effective for Reducing Infection, Death

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Quarantine is effective for reducing the number of people infected and deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a review published online April 8 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

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U.S. Government Says COVID-19 Antibody Tests Must Be Free

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Health insurers and Medicaid must provide free coverage for tests to detect coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) antibodies in people who have been infected, the federal government says.

CBS News Article
Johns Hopkins University

CDC: Public Policy Measures Important for Social Distancing

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Community mobility in four metropolitan areas decreased with the introduction of public policy measures supporting social distancing, which could help slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to research published in the April 13 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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First Saliva Test for COVID-19 Approved by FDA

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The first saliva test for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) was approved Monday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

AP News Article
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Hep C Screening Recommended for Adults, Pregnant Women

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hepatitis C screening is recommended for all adults and for all pregnant women, except where the prevalence is below 0.1 percent; meanwhile, the annual rate of reported acute hepatitis C cases increased to 1.2 per 100,000 population in 2018, according to recommendations and a report published in the April 10 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Abstract/Full Text – Vital Signs Report

Medical Masks May Be Sufficient During COVID-19 Routine Care

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Use of medical masks, such as surgical or procedural masks, does not increase the risk for viral infection or respiratory illness, and their use may serve as a protective measure in instances of N95 respirator shortages, according to the results of a meta-analysis published online April 4 in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.

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COVID-19 RNA Detectable in Patient Fecal Matter

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA is detectable in the feces of COVID-19 patients and remains even after negative conversion in pharyngeal swabs, according to a study published online April 3 in the Journal of Medical Virology.

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First Wave of COVID-19 Abated With Control Measures in China

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Interventions implemented in China interrupted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in all areas outside of Hubei, and low transmissibility can be maintained by monitoring the instantaneous effective reproduction number (Rt), according to a study published online April 8 in The Lancet.

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Editorial

Model Forecasts When COVID-19 Demand Will Exceed Capacity

TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The COVID-19 Hospital Impact Model (CHIME), a publicly available tool, can help hospitals predict the timing of saturated capacity, according to a report published online April 7 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Physicians Report Expanding Use of Off-Label COVID-19 Treatments

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hydroxychloroquine usage is expanding globally to treat coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), although plasma from recovered patients is perceived as more effective than hydroxychloroquine, according to a report released by Sermo.

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Survey IDs Those Most Affected by One-Month COVID-19 Lockdown

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Adults who stopped working during coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)-related lockdowns in China report worse mental and physical health, according to a study published online April 4 in Psychiatry Research.

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COVID-19 Antibody Tests Underway in California

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Large-scale studies of tests to check for antibodies to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are underway in California. The findings from this research could help the United States develop strategies to get people back to work and restart the economy.

NBC News Article

Chloroquine COVID-19 Trial Stopped After Patient Deaths

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A study of chloroquine in coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients was halted due to potentially deadly side effects.

The New York Times Article

High Rates of Appropriate E-Consults Seen Across Specialties

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The rates of appropriate electronic consultations (e-consults) are high across specialties, according to a study published online April 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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CDC Report Details Geographic Variation in U.S. COVID-19 Cases, Deaths

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is variation in the cumulative incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across jurisdictions in the United States, according to research published in the April 10 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Remdesivir May Improve Oxygen-Support Class in Severe COVID-19

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Improvement in oxygen support status was observed in 68 percent of patients hospitalized with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who received compassionate use of remdesivir, according to a study published online April 10 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Recommendations Issued for Use of Imaging in Adults With COVID-19

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a multinational consensus statement from the Fleischner Society, published online April 7 in Radiology, recommendations are presented for use of imaging in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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Mechanical Ventilation Needed by Most COVID-19 Patients in ICU

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) require mechanical ventilation, according to a study published online April 6 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Editorial

Guidance Issued for Infants Born to Mothers With COVID-19

MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an initial guidance document issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommendations are presented for the management of infants born to mothers with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup

Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of April 6 to 10, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.

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Contact Tracing ID’d Large Multifamily COVID-19 Cluster in Chicago

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — One index patient with COVID-19 and only mild symptoms attended two family gatherings and likely triggered a chain of transmission that included 15 other confirmed and probable cases with three deaths, according to research published in the April 8 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Neurologic Effects Seen in a Third of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Neurologic manifestations are common among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, according to a study published online April 10 in JAMA Neurology.

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Editorial

FDA Approves New Way to Decontaminate N95 Face Masks

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The second emergency use authorization to decontaminate N95 face masks and equivalents for reuse by hospital health care workers has been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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Temperature, UV Radiation Not Linked to Incidence of COVID-19

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Ambient temperature and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are not associated with the cumulative incidence rate or basic reproduction number (R0) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a research letter published online April 8 in the European Respiratory Journal.

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Face Masks Offer Slight Protective Effect From Flu-Like Illness

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Wearing face masks could be slightly protective against primary infection with influenza-like illness from casual community contact, according to a review that has not yet been peer reviewed and was posted online April 6 at medRxiv.org.

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Anxiety Up for Nonmedical Health Care Workers Versus Those on Front Lines

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Non-medically trained health care workers caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have an increased prevalence of anxiety compared with medically trained health care workers, according to a research letter published online April 6 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Doctors Report on Four COVID-19 Infections in Newborns in China

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Compared with adults, symptoms of COVID-19 in newborn babies are milder and outcomes are less severe, according to a research letter published online April 8 in the European Respiratory Journal.

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Current Models for COVID-19 Diagnosis, Prognosis Unreliable

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)-related models that are published in the literature are poorly reported and at high risk for bias, raising concern that their predictions could be unreliable when applied in daily practice, according to a review published online April 7 in The BMJ.

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Clinical Trial Underway to Test Nitric Oxide in COVID-19 Patients

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Doctors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are enrolling patients in an international clinical trial to find out if inhaled nitric oxide benefits those with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) who have severely damaged lungs.

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COVID-19 Came to New York City From Europe, Not Asia

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been circulating in New York City for longer than previously believed and most cases can be traced back to Europe, new research reveals.

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Johns Hopkins University

NIH Launches Clinical Trial of Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A clinical trial to assess the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for adults with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is now underway, the U.S. National Institutes of Health said Thursday.

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FDA Warns of False Claims That Chlorine Dioxide Can Treat COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A warning letter has been sent to a company marketing fraudulent and dangerous chlorine dioxide products for the prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

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Another COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Begins in the United States

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Another clinical trial of an experimental vaccine for the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has been launched by U.S. researchers.

AP News Article

Older Adults, Men, Preexisting Conditions Tied to COVID-19 Death

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have identified the most common clinical characteristics among 109 patients out of 1,017 with confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia who died of COVID-19-related pneumonia in Wuhan, China; their findings were published online April 7 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

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Convalescent Plasma Treatment Promising in Severe COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — One dose of convalescent plasma (CP) therapy is well tolerated and can potentially improve clinical symptoms in severe cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a study published online April 6 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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ATS Provides Interim Guidance for Management of COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a guidance document issued by the American Thoracic Society, interim recommendations are presented for management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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HHS Report Looks at Hospital Experiences With COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General provides a national snapshot of hospital experiences in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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Suppressing Stomach Acid May Up Intestinal Growth of MDROs

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Stomach acid suppression medications increase the odds of intestinal colonization with multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs), according to a review and meta-analysis recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Children With COVID-19 Do Not Always Have Cough, Fever

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath less often than adults with the disease, according to research published in the April 6 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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CDC Removes Prescribing Guidelines for Antimalarial Drugs

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines for doctors on how to prescribe two antimalarial drugs that some believe may treat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are no longer available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

CNN Article
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Johns Hopkins University

COVID-19 Killing Two Times More Men Than Women in NYC

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) death rate in New York City is two times higher among men than among women, and men also have higher rates of infection and hospitalization, new data show.

The New York Times Article
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Guidelines Developed for COVID-19 Patients in ICU

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In guidelines issued by the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign initiative, published in Critical Care Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, recommendations are presented for the management of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

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Surgical, Cotton Masks Not Effective for Filtering SARS-CoV-2

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), neither surgical nor cotton masks effectively filter SARS-CoV-2 during coughs, according to a research letter published online April 6 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Children Have Milder Disease Course, Better COVID-19 Prognosis

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Children diagnosed with COVID-19 have a milder disease course and better prognoses than adults, according to a review published online March 23 in Acta Paediatrica.

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Some Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections Down in U.S.

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2012 to 2017, there were decreases in the incidence of some multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections in hospitalized patients in the United States, according to a study published in the April 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Serious Concerns Associated With COVID-19 Pandemic Reported

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Serious concerns are associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and many individuals are preparing by washing hands and self-isolating, according to a research letter published online April 7 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

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Side Effects Seen With Use of Chloroquine Against COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The use of the antimalarial drug chloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients has been halted at several Swedish hospitals due to reported side effects such as cramps and loss of peripheral vision. Sahlgrenska University Hospital is one of those facilities. It stopped the use of chloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19 about two weeks ago.

Newsweek Article
Johns Hopkins University

USPSTF Against Bacterial Vaginosis Screening to Prevent Preterm Delivery

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women not at increased preterm delivery risk, and more research is needed for those at increased risk. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the April 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Evidence Report
Final Recommendation Statement
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Compliance Higher if Stay-at-Home Extensions Are Shorter Than Thought

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — When hypothetical stay-at-home orders in response to COVID-19 are extended longer than expected, people become less willing to increase self-isolation efforts, according to a working paper released by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

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Most COVID-19 Fatalities Are Men Over 50 With Chronic Disease

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most fatal cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occur in men aged older than 50 years with noncommunicable chronic diseases, according to a study published online April 3 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

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No Treatment Change Needed for Peds IBD During COVID-19 Pandemic

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Preliminary data regarding outcomes for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak are reassuring, according to research published online March 31 in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

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Recommendations Issued for GI Procedures During COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a document issued by the American Gastroenterological Association, published online April 1 in Gastroenterology, recommendations are presented for gastrointestinal (GI) procedures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

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School Closures Could Further Complicate COVID-19 Effort

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Potential contagion prevention from school closures needs to be weighed against the potential loss of health care workers due to child care obligations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a study published online April 3 in The Lancet Public Health.

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Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Adjusted During COVID-19

TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a special article published online April 1 in Advances in Radiation Oncology, a framework is laid out for the management of radiotherapy for prostate cancer patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

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FDA Authorizes Use of Chinese-Approved Masks in United States

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Emergency use authorization of protective masks that do not meet American standards has been announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More Information: FDA
More Information: CDC
Johns Hopkins University

Social Distancing Minimizes COVID-19 Spread in Assisted Living

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Early implementation of social distancing and preventive measures after identification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can minimize virus spread in senior independent and assisted living communities, according to research published in the April 3 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Majority of Physicians Report Serious Concerns About COVID-19

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — According to a national survey conducted by Harvard Medical School, the RAND Corporation, and Doximity, practicing physicians currently report substantial concerns about supplies, the government response, and availability of testing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Sentinel Surveillance Can Help Monitor Epidemiology of COVID-19

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Rapid sentinel surveillance can help monitor the epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to research published in the April 3 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Comorbidity, Age, Time to Treatment Linked to COVID-19 Progression

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) progression include comorbidity, age, and time from illness onset to antiviral treatment, according to a study published online March 27 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Might Aid in Severe COVID-19

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support might improve clinical outcomes in severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that cannot be adequately managed with mechanical ventilation alone, according to research published online March 30 in the ASAIO Journal.

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Hydroxychloroquine Can Shorten Time to Recovery in COVID-19

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can shorten time to clinical recovery and promote pneumonia absorption among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a study that has not yet been peer reviewed and was posted online March 31 at medRxiv.org.

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Bacteremia Risk Higher in Older Patients Hospitalized With IBD

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Older age is associated with an increased risk for bacteremia in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a study published in the March issue of the United European Gastroenterology Journal.

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Model Shows Hep C-Infected Kidney Transplants Beneficial, Cost-Effective

MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Transplanting hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected kidneys into uninfected recipients and then treating patients with antiviral therapy leads to a higher quality of life and is less costly than waiting for transplantation with an uninfected kidney, according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

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Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup

Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of March 30 to April 3, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.

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Enrollment Begins in NIH-Sponsored Trial of Remdesivir for COVID-19 Patients

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A number of institutions this week announced their participation in an international clinical drug trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of remdesivir in hospitalized patients with the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

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Test Vaccine Elicits Strong Ab Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Mice

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Microneedle array (MNA) delivery of trimeric coronavirus spike (S) protein subunit vaccines seems promising for immunization against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, according to research published online April 2 in EBioMedicine.

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Presymptomatic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 ID’d in Singapore

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Presymptomatic transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been observed in epidemiological clusters in Singapore, with transmission occurring one to three days before symptom onset, according to research published in the April 1 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Model Projects COVID-19 Deaths in Italy Through Mid-April

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Modeling suggests that in Italy, the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit (ICU) patients will continue increasing into April, according to a report published April 1 by the European Society of Anaesthesiology.

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Higher Alcohol Intake May Harm Bone Health in HIV Patients

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Greater alcohol consumption is associated with lower serum levels of bone formation markers among patients living with HIV and substance use disorder, according to a study published online March 2 in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

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Amid COVID-19 Crisis, Blood Donor Restrictions Eased

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — America is in urgent need of blood donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it will relax donor restrictions placed on gay and bisexual men and others.

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Gastrointestinal Symptoms Common in COVID-19 Patients

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with increased prevalence seen in the later stages of the epidemic in China, according to a review published online March 29 in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

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N.Y. Hospital Converts Sleep Apnea Machines Into Ventilators

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — As COVID-19 pushes American hospitals to the breaking point, intensive care units are finding creative ways to deal with a looming shortage of lifesaving mechanical ventilators.

Northwell Health Press Release
More Information: CDC

Test for COVID-19 Antibodies Approved by FDA

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The first COVID-19 virus antibody test for use in the United States has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The New York Times Article
More Information: FDA
Johns Hopkins University

Hospitalizations for Chronic Liver Disease on the Rise

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hospitalizations for chronic liver disease (CLD) increased from 2012 to 2016, reaching a total estimated national cost of $81.1 billion, according to a study published online April 2 in JAMA Network Open.

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Unemployed Workers Less Likely to Be Uninsured Post-ACA

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Following implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), unemployed workers were less likely to be uninsured, and uninsurance rates decreased more in states with Medicaid expansion, according to a report from the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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COVID-19 Outbreak Described in Long-Term Care Facility

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can have a considerable impact on long-term care facilities, according to a report published online March 27 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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CT Scores Higher With Longer Time to COVID-19 Diagnosis

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with longer time from symptom onset to diagnosis have higher computed tomography (CT) scores and longer time to disease resolution, according to a study published online March 30 in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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Burden of Clostridioides difficile Infection Down in the U.S.

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2011 to 2017, there was a decrease in the estimated national burden of Clostridium difficile infection, according to a study published in the April 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Transmission Control Measures Tied to Delay in COVID-19 Growth

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Transmission control measures implemented in Wuhan were associated with a delay in epidemic growth during the first 50 days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in China, according to a study published online March 31 in Science.

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Risk Factors for Missed Appendicitis Diagnosis Identified

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Certain patient and presentation factors increase the likelihood of a missed appendicitis diagnosis in the emergency department, according to a study published online March 9 in JAMA Network Open.

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Guidelines Developed for Head and Neck Care During COVID-19

THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a special article published online March 31 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, guidelines are presented for head and neck physical examination and associated procedures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Abstract/Full Text

Severe COVID-19 Risk Up With Existing Health Conditions in U.S.

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In the United States, individuals with underlying health conditions have an increased risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to research published in the March 31 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Half of People With COVID-19 Do Not Have Symptoms, Iceland Testing Shows

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Up to half of people who test positive for the new coronavirus do not have symptoms, results from Iceland show.

CNN Article
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Imported Masks, Other Medical Supplies Arriving in U.S.

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For the first time since February, imported N95 medical masks are arriving in the United States, but they are not nearly enough to meet demand as COVID-19 cases climb.

AP News Article
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U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Could Reach 240,000, Task Force Warns

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The White House coronavirus task force delivered a tough statistic to Americans late Tuesday, warning that the U.S. death toll from COVID-19 could climb to 240,000, even with social distancing policies in place.

CBS News Article
Johns Hopkins University
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Ocular Abnormalities Seen in One-Third of COVID-19 Patients

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — About one-third of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have ocular abnormalities, according to a brief report published online March 31 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Patients With Mild COVID-19 May Present With Digestive Symptoms

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with digestive symptoms, sometimes without concurrent fever, according to a study published online March 30 in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Abstract/Full Text

Persistent Positive SARS-CoV-2 Found in Sputum, Feces Samples

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in sputum or feces after pharyngeal samples become negative, according to a research letter published online March 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

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