1
|
Fredericks-Younger J, Feldman CA, Allareddy V, Funkhouser E, McBurnie M, Meyerowitz C, Ragusa P, Chapman-Greene J, Coker M, Fine D, Gennaro ML, Subramanian G. Pragmatic Return to Effective Dental Infection Control through Triage and Testing (PREDICT): an observational, feasibility study to improve dental office safety. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:44. [PMID: 38419131 PMCID: PMC10900666 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01471-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a substantial interruption of care, with patients and workers fearful to return to the dental office. As dental practice creates a highly aerosolized environment, the potential for spread of airborne illness is magnified. As a means to increase safety and mitigate risk, pre-visit testing for SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to minimize disease transmission in dental offices. The Pragmatic Return to Effective Dental Infection Control through Testing (PREDICT) Feasibility Study examined the logistics and impact of two different testing mechanisms (laboratory-based PCR viral testing and point-of-care antigen testing) in dental offices. METHODS Dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) and patients in four dental offices within the National Dental Practice-based Research Network participated in this prospective study. In addition to electronic surveys, participants in two offices completed POC testing, while participants in two offices used lab-based PCR methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection. Analysis was limited to descriptive measures, with median and interquartile ranges reported for Likert scale responses and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. RESULTS Of the total 72 enrolled, 28 DHCWs and 41 patients completed the protocol. Two patients (4.9%) tested positive prior to their visit, while 2 DHCWs (12.5%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at the start of the study. DHCWs and patients shared similar degree of concern (69% and 63%, respectively) for contracting COVID-19 from patients, while patients feared contracting COVID-19 from DHCWs less (49%). Descriptive statistics calculations revealed that saliva, tongue epithelial cells, and nasal swabs were the most desirable specimen collection method; both testing (LAB and POC) protocols took similar amounts of total time to complete; and DHCWs and patients reported feeling more comfortable when both groups were tested. CONCLUSIONS While a larger-scale, network study is necessary for generalizability of results, this feasibility study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 testing can be effectively implemented into dental practice workflows and positively impact perception of safety for DHCWs and patients. As new virulent infectious diseases emerge, preparing dental personnel to employ an entire toolbox of risk mitigation strategies, including testing, may have the potential to decrease dental practice closure time, maintaining continuity of dental care services for patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05123742.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Fredericks-Younger
- School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Cecile A Feldman
- School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | | | | | - MaryAnn McBurnie
- Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Cyril Meyerowitz
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
| | - Pat Ragusa
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
| | - Julie Chapman-Greene
- School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Modupe Coker
- School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Daniel Fine
- School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Maria Laura Gennaro
- New Jersey Medical School, PHRI Center, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Gayathri Subramanian
- School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Office of Academic Affairs, 110 Bergen Street, Rm B813, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fredericks-Younger J, Feldman C, Allareddy V, Funkhouser E, McBurnie M, Meyerowitz C, Ragusa P, Chapman-Greene J, Coker M, Fine DH, Gennaro ML, Subramanian G. Pragmatic Return to Effective Dental Infection Control through Triage and Testing (PREDICT): A feasibility study to improve dental office safety. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3011647. [PMID: 37720040 PMCID: PMC10503856 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3011647/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for practitioners to enhance workflows to increase safety and mitigate risk. As dental practice creates a highly aerosolized environment, pre-visit testing for SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to be an effective mitigation strategy to minimize disease transmission in dental offices. The Pragmatic Return to Effective Dental Infection Control through Testing (PREDICT) Feasibility Study examined the potential, logistics, and impact related to laboratory-based PCR viral testing and point-of-care (POC) antigen testing. Methods Dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) and patients in four dental offices within the National Dental Practice-based Research Network participated in this prospective study. In addition to electronic surveys, participants in two offices completed POC testing, while participants in two offices used lab based PCR methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection. For this feasibility study, analysis was limited to descriptive measures. Median and interquartile ranges were reported for Likert scale responses and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Results Forty-one of forty-three consented patients and twenty-eight of twenty-nine DHCWs completed the protocol. Descriptive statistics calculations including median and interquartile ranges revealed (1) saliva, tongue epithelial cells and nasal swabs were the most desirable specimens for testing for groups (2) both LAB and POC protocols took similar amounts of total time to complete the full testing protocol and (3) DHCWs and patients reported feeling more comfortable when both groups were tested. Conclusions This feasibility study suggests that pre-visit SARS-CoV-2 testing can be effectively implemented into dental practice workflows and positively impact perception of safety for DHCWs and patients, though a larger scale, network study is necessary for generalizability of results. As new virulent infectious diseases continue to emerge, preparing dental personnel to employ an entire toolbox of risk mitigation strategies, including testing, may have the potential to decrease dental practice closure time, maintaining continuity of dental care services for patients. Trial registration This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05123742.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pat Ragusa
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu Y, Wang X, Gao F, Liao J, Zeng J, Fan L. Mobile nutrition and health management platform for perioperative recovery: an interdisciplinary research achievement using WeChat Applet. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1201866. [PMID: 37293309 PMCID: PMC10244757 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1201866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, the number of people using mobile applications to promote health and welfare has exponentially increased. However, there are fewer applications in the field of ERAS. How to promote the rapid rehabilitation of patients with malignant tumor surgery during perioperative period and the mastery of its long-term nutritional state is a problem to be solved. Objective The purpose of this study is to design and develop a mobile application, and use Internet technology to better manage nutritional health to achieve rapid recovery of patients with malignant tumor surgery. Methods This study is divided into three stages: (1) Design: use participating design to make the MHEALTH APP adapt to the clinical practice of nutritional health management; (2) Development: the WeChat Applet of Nutrition and Health Assessment (WANHA) developed using the Internet technology development, and web management programs. (3) Procedure test: patients and medical staff evaluate WANHA's quality (UMARS), availability (SUS), and satisfaction, and conduct semi-structured interviews. Results In this study, 192 patients with malignant tumor surgery, 20 medical staff used WANHA. Patients with nutritional risks are supported by supporting treatment. The results show that patients who have not been treated during the perioperative period, the incidence of postoperative complications (22.4%) and the average hospitalization time after surgery decreased significantly. The incidence of nutritional risks is nearly more than the preoperative level. 45 patients and 20 medical staff participated in the survey of WANHA's SUS, UMARS, and satisfaction. In the interview, most patients and medical personnel believe that the procedure can improve the current medical services and nutritional health knowledge levels, promote the communication of medical staff and patients, and strengthen the nutritional health management of patients with malignant tumors under the concept of ERAS. Conclusion WeChat Applet of Nutrition and Health Assessment is a MHEALTH APP that enhances the nutrition and health management of patients with perioperative period. It can play a huge role in improving medical services, increasing patient satisfaction, and ERAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- YuJia Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biometal Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biometal Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - JinRong Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biometal Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biometal Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biometal Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coker MO, Subramanian G, Davidow A, Fredericks-Younger J, Gennaro ML, Fine DH, Feldman CA. Impact of DHCWs' Safety Perception on Vaccine Acceptance and Adoption of Risk Mitigation Strategies. JDR Clin Trans Res 2023; 8:188-197. [PMID: 35191352 PMCID: PMC10029133 DOI: 10.1177/23800844211071111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the association between safety perception on vaccine acceptance and adoptions of risk mitigation strategies among dental health care workers (DHCWs). METHODS A survey was emailed to DHCWs in the New Jersey area from December 2020 to January 2021. Perceived safety from regular SARS-CoV-2 testing of self, coworkers, and patients and its association with vaccine hesitancy and risk mitigation were ascertained. Risk Mitigation Strategy (RiMS) scores were computed from groupings of office measures: 1) physical distancing (reduced occupancy, traffic flow, donning of masks, minimal room crowding), 2) personal protective equipment (fitted for N95; donning N95 masks; use of face shields; coverings for head, body, and feet), and 3) environmental disinfection (suction, air filtration, ultraviolet, surface wiping). RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 testing of dental professionals, coworkers, and patients were perceived to provide safety at 49%, 55%, and 68%, respectively. While dentists were least likely to feel safe with regular self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 (P < 0.001) as compared with hygienists and assistants, they were more willing than hygienists (P = 0.004; odds ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.21 to 2.66]) and assistants (P < 0.001; odds ratio, 3.32 [95% CI, 1.93 to 5.71]) to receive the vaccine. RiMS scores ranged from 0 to 19 for 467 participants (mean [SD], 10.9 [2.9]). RiMS scores did not significantly differ among groups of DHCWs; however, mean RiMS scores were higher among those who received or planned to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than those with who did not (P = 0.004). DHCWs who felt safer with regular testing had greater RiMS scores than those who did not (11.0 vs. 10.3, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Understanding DHCWs' perception of risk and safety is crucial, as it likely influences attitudes toward testing and implementation of office risk mitigation policies. Clinical studies that correlate risk perception and RiMS with SARS-CoV-2 testing are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of RiMS in dental care settings. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT Educators, clinicians, and policy makers can use the results of this study when improving attitudes toward testing and implementation of risk mitigation policies within dental offices, for current and future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M O Coker
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - G Subramanian
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - A Davidow
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - J Fredericks-Younger
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - M L Gennaro
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Public Health Research Institute and New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - D H Fine
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - C A Feldman
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Durbin PM, Viana G, Allareddy V, Kusnoto B, Ravindran S, Kadkol S, Atsawasuwan P. COVID-19 infection rates and mitigation strategies in orthodontic practices. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:8. [PMID: 36611143 PMCID: PMC9825002 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02705-1] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has impacted and increased risks for all populations, including orthodontic patients and providers. It also changes the practice management and infection control landscape in the practices. This study aimed to investigate the COVID-19 infection and vaccination status of orthodontic providers and mitigation approaches in orthodontic practices in the United States during 2021. METHODS A validated 50-question research electronic data capture (REDCap) browser-based questionnaire was distributed to 12,393 orthodontists and pediatric dentists who reported actively providing orthodontic treatment. Questions were designed to collect demographic data of respondents, evaluate the COVID-19 mitigation approaches, and evaluate the history of COVID-19 infection and vaccination status of the orthodontic providers. Associations of demographic and the COVID-19 mitigation approaches were assessed using chi-square tests at the significance level of 0.05. RESULTS Four hundred fifty-seven returned the survey (response rate 3.69%) for analysis. Most respondents were vaccinated, and increased infection control measures in response to the pandemic. Half of the respondents practiced teledentistry and switched to digital impression systems. Two-thirds reported difficulties in attaining PPEs due to the increased cost and scarcity of PPEs. About 6% of respondents reported a history of COVID-19 infection, and 68.9% of their staff had COVID-19 infection. Statistically significant associations were found between increased practice experience with difficulties in acquiring PPE (p = .010). There were no significant associations between races of respondents, geographic location, and years of practicing when cross-tabulated with vaccination status or COVID-19 infection rate (p > .05). CONCLUSION Increased infection control strategies were employed in almost all orthodontic practices in addition to existing universal precaution. Most of the orthodontic providers and their staff members were vaccinated. While staff's infection rates were an issue, doctors' infection rates remained low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Durbin
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL United States of America
| | - Grace Viana
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL United States of America
| | - Veerasathpurush Allareddy
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL United States of America
| | - Budi Kusnoto
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL United States of America
| | - Sriram Ravindran
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL United States of America
| | - Shrihari Kadkol
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL United States of America
| | - Phimon Atsawasuwan
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chung LTK, Vung ND, Uyen NT, Hanh BTM, Huong LT, Hien PT, Xuan LTT, Ha NT, Dat DX. A brief review on the validation of biology methods for COVID-19 detection. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1013130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has been going on for more than two years, and the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 with many variants of concern still poses a risk to public health. Sufficient access to qualified and validated testing plays an important role in detecting and alerting trends of the pandemic and provides evidence for making decisions in preventive strategies and policies. Depending on the method of testing and laboratory conditions, validation parameters (i.e., analytical sensitivity, limit of detection, diagnostic sensitivity, analytical specificity, diagnostic specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, robustness, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, applicability, practicability, and time to results) can be very different. With three main types of COVID-19 detection kits available, comprising nucleic acid, serological, and antigen detection, the kind of validation parameters that should be used becomes a complicated consideration and takes time to assess. Our review provides valuable and comprehensive information for laboratories in the assessment and selection of the optimal parameters to validate new COVID-19 test kits.
Collapse
|
7
|
Pittayapat P, Trachoo V, Jirachoksopon C, Udom K, Champakerdsap C, Rungrojwittayakul O, Kamolratanakul P, Linsuwanont P, Boonprakong L, Koottathape N, Pungpapong V, Osathanon T, Jansisyanont P. Utilization of rapid antigen tests for screening SARS-CoV-2 prior to dental treatment. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:930625. [PMID: 36267118 PMCID: PMC9578575 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.930625] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Potential aerosols containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral particles can be generated during dental treatment. Hence, patient triage is essential to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in dental clinical settings. The present study described the use of rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 screening prior to dental treatment in an academic dental clinical setting in Thailand during the pandemic. The opinions of dental personnel toward the use of rapid antigen test screening prior to dental treatment were also assessed. From August 25 to October 3, 2021, dental patients who were expected to receive aerosols generating dental procedures were requested to screen for SARS-CoV-2 using a rapid antigen test before their treatment. A total of 7,618 cases completed the screening process. The average was 212 cases per day. Only five patients (0.07%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the rapid antigen screening tests. All positive cases exhibited mild symptoms. For the questionnaire study, experienced dental personnel frequently and consistently agreed with the use of the rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 screening, which made them feel safer during their patient treatment. However, implementing rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 may increase the total time spent on a dental appointment. In conclusion, a rapid antigen test could detect the infected individual prior to dental treatment. However, the specificity of rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 must be taken into account for consideration as a screening process before dental treatment. The enhanced infection control protocols in dental treatment must be consistently implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pisha Pittayapat
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vorapat Trachoo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Kalaya Udom
- Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Paksinee Kamolratanakul
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pairoj Linsuwanont
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lawan Boonprakong
- Office of Research Affairs, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Vitara Pungpapong
- Department of Statistics, Chulalongkorn Business School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanaphum Osathanon
- Office of Research Affairs, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Correspondence: Thanaphum Osathanon
| | - Pornchai Jansisyanont
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Solano Mendoza P, Aceytuno Poch P, Solano Reina E, Solano Mendoza B. Skeletal, Dentoalveolar and Dental Changes after "Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion" Evaluated with Cone Beam Computed Tomography. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164652. [PMID: 36012886 PMCID: PMC9410327 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate skeletal, dentoalveolar and dental changes after Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) using tooth bone-borne expanders in adolescent patients after analyzing different craniofacial references by Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital model analysis. This prospective, non-controlled intervention study was conducted on fifteen subjects (mean age 17 ± 4 years) with transversal maxillary deficiency. Pre (T1) and post-expansion (T2) CBCTs and casts were taken to evaluate changes at the premolars and first molar areas. To compare means between two times, paired samples t- or Wilcoxon test were used following criteria. Significant skeletal changes were found after treatment for Nasal width and Maxillary width with means of 2.1 (1.1) mm and 2.5 (1.6) mm (p < 0.00005). Midpalatal suture showed a tendency of parallel suture opening in the axial and coronal view. For dentoalveolar changes, a significant but small buccal bone thickness (BBT) reduction was observed in all teeth with a mean reduction of 0.3 mm for the right and left sides, especially for the distobuccal root of the first molar on the left side (DBBTL1M) [IC95%: (−0.6; −0.2); p = 0.001] with 0.4 (0.4) mm. However, a significant augmentation was observed for the palatal bone thickness (PBT) on the left side. The buccal alveolar crest (BACL) and dental inclination (DI) showed no significant changes after treatment in all the evaluated teeth. MARPE using tooth bone-borne appliances can achieve successful skeletal transverse maxillary expansion in adolescent patients, observing small dentoalveolar changes as buccal bone thickness (BBT) reduction, which was not clinically detectable. Most maxillary expansions derived from skeletal expansion, keeping the alveolar bone almost intact with minor buccal dental tipping.
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang X, Zeng J, Zhao N, Fan L, Ruan D, Wang J, Hong X, Yu C. Experience of using a smartphone WeChat applet for dental anxiety assessment and preoperative evaluation: A nationwide multicenter study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:900899. [PMID: 35923975 PMCID: PMC9342676 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.900899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionDental anxiety is a multivariate phenomenon that regularly occurs during a dental procedure. Although it may lead to patients' safety concerns and adverse events in routine treatment, it is often ignored. The purpose of this research is to develop a novel WeChat Applet for dental anxiety (WADA) with the following features and aims: (1) to help patients with dental anxiety management; (2) provide patient with a physical status self-evaluation; and(3) provide a platform for online assessment and tele-consultancy by dentists. We aimed to test and verify whether such an applet could play a beneficial role before and after a dental procedure and facilitate management of high-risk patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methodsDuring the 12-month survey period (August 2020 to July 2021), a total of 180 patients aged 3–74 years from eight different cities (n = 180 at the end of treatment, n = 25 for the System Usability Scale (SUS) and follow-up interview) and 20 medical staff from eight different cities (n =20 for follow-up interview) were evaluated by WADA. At the end of the survey period, the results of the interviews were analyzed thematically.ResultsWADA assessment results from 180 patients and follow-up interview results from 45 participants were analyzed. In this study with a male to female ratio of 2:3, 75% were found to be suffering from dental anxiety, 86% were found with postoperative complications, and 11 cases were found to have contraindications to surgery. The total SUS score for WADA is 72.25 above the mean score, proving that WADA is a relevant and useful tool before and after dental treatment. Based on the results of the interviews, the following themes were identified: patient satisfaction; dentists' effectiveness; multi-center data integration; and increase its frequency of usage.ConclusionsThe WADA was developed for dental procedures and is effective for reducing treatment risks, improving patients' satisfaction and dentists' convenience, especially in terms of facilitating management of high-risk patient during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xilu Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Dijiao Ruan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomei Hong
- Engineering Research Center of Fujian University for Stomatological Biomaterials, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Cong Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Cong Yu
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gil-Manso S, Carbonell D, Pérez-Fernández VA, López-Esteban R, Alonso R, Muñoz P, Ochando J, Sánchez-Arcilla I, Bellón JM, Correa-Rocha R, Pion M. Cellular and Humoral Responses Follow-up for 8 Months after Vaccination with mRNA-Based Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071676. [PMID: 35884980 PMCID: PMC9312914 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has become the main method of reducing mortality and severity of COVID-19. This work aims to study the evolution of the cellular and humoral responses conferred by two mRNA vaccines after two doses against SARS-CoV-2. On days 30 and 240 after the second dose of both vaccines, the anti-S antibodies in plasma were evaluated from 82 volunteers vaccinated with BNT162b2 and 68 vaccinated with mRNA-1273. Peripheral blood was stimulated with peptides encompassing the entire SARS-CoV-2 Spike sequence. IgG Anti-S antibodies (humoral) were quantified on plasma, and inflammatory cytokines (cellular) were measured after stimulation. We observed a higher response (both humoral and cellular) with the mRNA-1273 vaccine. Stratifying by age and gender, differences between vaccines were observed, especially in women under 48 and men over 48 years old. Therefore, this work could help to set up a vaccination strategy that could be applied to confer maximum immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gil-Manso
- Advanced Immunoregulation Group, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (S.G.-M.); (D.C.); (V.A.P.-F.)
| | - Diego Carbonell
- Advanced Immunoregulation Group, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (S.G.-M.); (D.C.); (V.A.P.-F.)
- Department of Hematology, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Astrid Pérez-Fernández
- Advanced Immunoregulation Group, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (S.G.-M.); (D.C.); (V.A.P.-F.)
| | - Rocío López-Esteban
- Laboratory of Immune-Regulation, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (R.L.-E.); (R.C.-R.)
| | - Roberto Alonso
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.); (P.M.)
- School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.); (P.M.)
- School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Ochando
- Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- National Centre of Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Sánchez-Arcilla
- Department of Occupational Risk Prevention, Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jose M Bellón
- Department of Biostatistics, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Correa-Rocha
- Laboratory of Immune-Regulation, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (R.L.-E.); (R.C.-R.)
| | - Marjorie Pion
- Advanced Immunoregulation Group, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain; (S.G.-M.); (D.C.); (V.A.P.-F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-664-43-44-02
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ahmadieh A, Dincer S, Navazesh M. Is saliva collected passively without forceful coughing sensitive to detect SARS-CoV-2 in ambulatory cases? A systematic review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2022; 133:530-538. [PMID: 35227640 PMCID: PMC8743389 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review was conducted to assess the sensitivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 detection in the saliva of ambulatory asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients, with saliva being collected passively without any forceful coughing. STUDY DESIGN A literature search was performed from January 2020 to July 2021. Prospective studies excluding letters to editors were included in our review only if saliva and nasopharyngeal samples were collected simultaneously and sensitivity was reported using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic ambulatory cases. RESULTS A total of 436 studies were assessed; 10 (4 cohorts and 6 cross-sectional) studies met our inclusion criteria. The sensitivity rate of saliva to detect SARS-CoV-2 varied from 85.7% to 98.6% in all except for 3 studies. Lower sensitivity levels were attributed to low viral load (51.9% and 63.8%) or lack of supervision while collecting saliva (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS Passively collected saliva in the absence of coughing has a high sensitivity rate to detect SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients compared with nasopharyngeal swabs. Limitations of previous studies, such as lack of attention to the method of saliva collection, stages, and severity of the disease at the time of sample collection, can be researched in future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Ahmadieh
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Corresponding author
| | - Sibel Dincer
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mahvash Navazesh
- Executive Associate Dean for Academic, Faculty & Student Affairs, Division of Periodontology, Diagnostic Sciences & Dental Hygiene, Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Almalki A, Thomas JT, Khan ARA, Almulhim B, Alassaf A, Alghamdi SA, Joseph B, Alqerban A, Alotaibi S. Correlation between Salivary Levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, IGF-1/IGFBP3 Ratio with Skeletal Maturity Using Hand-Wrist Radiographs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063723. [PMID: 35329407 PMCID: PMC8953114 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The relevance of growth determination in orthodontics is driving the search for the most precise and least invasive way of tracking the pubertal growth spurt. Our aim was to explore whether minimally invasive salivary estimation of biomarkers Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) could be used to estimate skeletal maturity for clinical convenience, especially in children and adolescent age groups. Materials and Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 participants (56 girls and 34 males) with ages ranging from 6 to 25 years. Each subject’s hand-wrist radiograph was categorized based on skeletal maturity, and saliva samples were estimated for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 using the respective ELISA kits. Kruskal−Wallis nonparametric ANOVA was applied to compare different skeletal stages. Results: The study demonstrated low salivary IGF-1 levels at the prepubertal stage, with increase during pubertal onset and peak pubertal stage followed by a decline during pubertal deceleration to growth completion. Spearman’s correlation coefficient demonstrated a strong positive association (r = 0.98 p < 0.01) between salivary IGF/IGFBP-3 ratio and different stages of skeletal maturity. Conclusion: Salivary IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and IGF/IGFBP-3 ratio could serve as a potential biochemical marker for predicting the completion of skeletal maturity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Almalki
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Orthodontics), College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.R.A.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Julie Toby Thomas
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Periodontics), College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-55-014-3598
| | - Abdul Rehman Ahmed Khan
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Orthodontics), College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.R.A.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Basim Almulhim
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Pedodontics), College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (B.A.); (A.A.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Abdullah Alassaf
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Pedodontics), College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (B.A.); (A.A.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Sara Ayid Alghamdi
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Pedodontics), College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (B.A.); (A.A.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Betsy Joseph
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Institute of Medical Sciences, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Ali Alqerban
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Orthodontics), College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Dar al Uloom University, Riyadh 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud Alotaibi
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences (Orthodontics), College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.R.A.K.); (S.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mikkola MK, Gästgifvars JJ, Helenius-Hietala JS, Uittamo JT, Furuholm JO, Välimaa H, Ruokonen HMA, Nylund KM. Triage and urgent dental care for COVID-19 patients in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa. Acta Odontol Scand 2022; 80:433-440. [PMID: 35100516 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2032328] [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: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper describes and reports the patient-specific characteristics of an urgent dental care clinic for COVID-19 infected, suspected, exposed or quarantined patients from March to December 2020 in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland. MATERIAL AND METHODS The triage and the treatment protocol were established based on the scientific data. Patient files were evaluated from the hospital district's electronic medical record system. IBM SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS There were 1114 consultations and 257 visits at the clinic. Most of the patients were generally healthy with mean age of 35, had toothache and were suspected to be SARS-CoV-2 positive. Seventeen of the patients received positive tests for COVID-19 infection. The main treatment was tooth extraction, mostly due to caries. Statistically significant differences between COVID-19 infected and other patients occurred in age (45 vs 34 years-of-age, p = .009) and number of teeth (25 vs 28, p = .031). No SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission chains were traced to the clinic. CONCLUSION During the challenging pandemic time, patients were carefully screened by specialists in clinical dentistry and treated safely and effectively. Patient-specific characteristics revealed no differences between COVID-19 infected and other patients in terms of symptoms or treatment needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kaarina Mikkola
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenny Johanna Gästgifvars
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Sisko Helenius-Hietala
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Tuulikki Uittamo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Oskari Furuholm
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannamari Välimaa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hellevi Merja A. Ruokonen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karita Maaria Nylund
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients Who Do Not Report Olfactory Symptoms: A Pilot Study with Some Suggestions for Dentists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031036. [PMID: 35162061 PMCID: PMC8834295 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smell and taste dysfunction are frequently reported by SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. The degree of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction varies from a very mild reduction to their complete loss. Several studies have been performed to determine their prevalence in COVID-19 patients, mostly using subjective measurement methods. The literature lacks long-term studies regarding duration and recovery. METHODS We assessed olfactory performance, using the Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test, in a group of patients who had not reported olfactory dysfunction, around 131 days after their COVID-19 diagnosis. RESULTS 11 out of 20 subjects showed no olfactory reduction (65%), while 9 subjects showed reduced TDI score (45%). A total of 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for Threshold, 16 subjects (80%) scored above the cutoff point for discrimination and 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for identification. CONCLUSION Objective measurement methods of olfactory performance show a higher prevalence of olfactory reduction compared to patients' self-reported questionnaires. Olfactory dysfunction can last even months after its onset and because of its high prevalence, it could be a screening symptom for suspect COVID-19 cases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Stamm TA, Ritschl V, Omara M, Andrews MR, Mevenkamp N, Rzepka A, Schirmer M, Walch S, Salzberger T, Mosor E. Rasch Model of the COVID-19 Symptom Checklist-A Psychometric Validation Study. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091762. [PMID: 34578343 PMCID: PMC8471978 DOI: 10.3390/v13091762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While self-reported Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptom checklists have been extensively used during the pandemic, they have not been sufficiently validated from a psychometric perspective. We, therefore, used advanced psychometric modelling to explore the construct validity and internal consistency of an online self-reported COVID-19 symptom checklist and suggested adaptations where necessary. Fit to the Rasch model was examined in a sample of 1638 Austrian citizens who completed the checklist on up to 20 days during a lockdown. The items' fatigue', 'headache' and 'sneezing' had the highest likelihood to be affirmed. The longitudinal application of the symptom checklist increased the fit to the Rasch model. The item 'cough' showed a significant misfit to the fundamental measurement model and an additional dependency to 'dry cough/no sputum production'. Several personal factors, such as gender, age group, educational status, COVID-19 test status, comorbidities, immunosuppressive medication, pregnancy and pollen allergy led to systematic differences in the patterns of how symptoms were affirmed. Raw scores' adjustments ranged from ±0.01 to ±0.25 on the metric scales (0 to 10). Except for some basic adaptations that increases the scale's construct validity and internal consistency, the present analysis supports the combination of items. More accurate item wordings co-created with laypersons would lead to a common understanding of what is meant by a specific symptom. Adjustments for personal factors and comorbidities would allow for better clinical interpretations of self-reported symptom data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja A. Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.R.); (M.O.); (M.R.A.); (E.M.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentin Ritschl
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.R.); (M.O.); (M.R.A.); (E.M.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maisa Omara
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.R.); (M.O.); (M.R.A.); (E.M.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Margaret R. Andrews
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.R.); (M.O.); (M.R.A.); (E.M.)
| | - Nils Mevenkamp
- Center for Social- & Health Innovation, MCI—The Entrepreneurial School, Universitätsstraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.M.); (S.W.)
| | - Angelika Rzepka
- Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Digital Health Information Systems, Reininghausstrasse 13/1, 8020 Graz, Austria;
| | - Michael Schirmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Siegfried Walch
- Center for Social- & Health Innovation, MCI—The Entrepreneurial School, Universitätsstraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.M.); (S.W.)
| | - Thomas Salzberger
- Institute for Statistics and Mathematics, University of Economics and Business of Vienna, Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Erika Mosor
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.R.); (M.O.); (M.R.A.); (E.M.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|