1
|
Previsdomini M, Perren A, Chiesa A, Kaufmann M, Pargger H, Ludwig R, Cerutti B. Changes in diagnostic patterns and resource utilisation in Swiss adult ICUs during the first two COVID-19 waves: an exploratory study. Swiss Med Wkly 2024; 154:3589. [PMID: 38579322 DOI: 10.57187/s.3589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak deeply affected intensive care units (ICUs). We aimed to explore the main changes in the distribution and characteristics of Swiss ICU patients during the first two COVID-19 waves and to relate these figures with those of the preceding two years. METHODS Using the national ICU registry, we conducted an exploratory study to assess the number of ICU admissions in Switzerland and their changes over time, characteristics of the admissions, the length of stay (LOS) and its trend over time, ICU mortality and changes in therapeutic nursing workload and hospital resources in 2020 and compare them with the average figures in 2018 and 2019. RESULTS After analysing 242,935 patient records from all 84 certified Swiss ICUs, we found a significant decrease in admissions (-9.6%, corresponding to -8005 patients) in 2020 compared to 2018/2019, with an increase in the proportion of men admitted (61.3% vs 59.6%; p <0.001). This reduction occurred in all Swiss regions except Ticino. Planned admissions decreased from 25,020 to 22,021 in 2020 and mainly affected the neurological/neurosurgical (-14.9%), gastrointestinal (-13.9%) and cardiovascular (-9.3%) pathologies. Unplanned admissions due to respiratory diagnoses increased by 1971 (+25.2%), and those of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring isolation reached 9973 (+109.9%). The LOS increased by 20.8% from 2.55 ± 4.92 days (median 1.05) in 2018/2019 to 3.08 ± 5.87 days (median 1.11 days; p <0.001), resulting in an additional 19,753 inpatient days. The nine equivalents of nursing manpower use score (NEMS) of the first nursing shift (21.6 ± 9.0 vs 20.8 ± 9.4; p <0.001), the total NEMS per patient (251.0 ± 526.8 vs 198.9 ± 413.8; p <0.01) and mortality (5.7% vs 4.7%; p <0.001) increased in 2020. The number of ICU beds increased from 979 to 1012 (+3.4%), as did the number of beds equipped with mechanical ventilators (from 773 to 821; +6.2%). CONCLUSIONS Based on a comprehensive national data set, our report describes the profound changes triggered by COVID-19 over one year in Swiss ICUs. We observed an overall decrease in admissions and a shift in admission types, with fewer planned hospitalisations, suggesting the loss of approximately 3000 elective interventions. We found a substantial increase in unplanned admissions due to respiratory diagnoses, a doubling of ARDS cases requiring isolation, an increase in ICU LOS associated with substantial nationwide growth in ICU days, an augmented need for life-sustaining therapies and specific therapeutic resources and worse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Previsdomini
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Intensive Care Medicine - Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale Regionale Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Perren
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Intensive Care Medicine - Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale Regionale Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Chiesa
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Intensive Care Medicine - Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale Regionale Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Mark Kaufmann
- Intensive Care Unit, Department Acute Medicine, University Hospital and University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans Pargger
- Intensive Care Unit, Department Acute Medicine, University Hospital and University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roger Ludwig
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Cerutti
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Munda M, Velnar T, Bosnjak R, Zele T, Gradisnik L, Spazzapan P, Kos N, Kocivnik N, Benedicic M, Prestor B. COVID-19 and Surgical Practice in Slovenia: Managing the Crisis in Neurosurgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2095. [PMID: 37895476 PMCID: PMC10608538 DOI: 10.3390/life13102095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant threat to global health. Worldwide, COVID-19 has affected the health service also in Slovenia. During this time, neurosurgery is facing difficulties in its service, both in emergency and elective surgeries. In the article, we describe the anti-COVID-19 measures taken at our neurosurgical department in a medical centre in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and analysed and compared the number of emergency and elective neurosurgical procedures during the time of the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matic Munda
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.M.); (R.B.); (T.Z.); (P.S.); (M.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Tomaz Velnar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.M.); (R.B.); (T.Z.); (P.S.); (M.B.); (B.P.)
- AMEU-ECM Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Roman Bosnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.M.); (R.B.); (T.Z.); (P.S.); (M.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Tilen Zele
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.M.); (R.B.); (T.Z.); (P.S.); (M.B.); (B.P.)
- AMEU-ECM Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Lidija Gradisnik
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Peter Spazzapan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.M.); (R.B.); (T.Z.); (P.S.); (M.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Natasa Kos
- AMEU-ECM Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Department of Rehabilitation, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Kocivnik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Mitja Benedicic
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.M.); (R.B.); (T.Z.); (P.S.); (M.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Borut Prestor
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.M.); (R.B.); (T.Z.); (P.S.); (M.B.); (B.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chahal M, Aljawi G, Harrison R, Nichol A, Thiessen B. Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Patients with Grade 4 Glioma Treated with Radiation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:3091-3101. [PMID: 36975447 PMCID: PMC10046893 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30030234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a global disruption in the provision of healthcare. Grade 4 gliomas are rapidly progressive tumors, and these patients are at risk of poorer outcomes due to delays in diagnosis or treatment. We retrospectively evaluated the impact of the pandemic on treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with grade 4 gliomas in British Columbia. We identified a cohort of 85 patients treated with radiotherapy between March 2020–2021 (COVID era) and compared baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes with a control cohort of 79 patients treated between March 2018–2019 (pre-COVID era). There were fewer patients treated with radiotherapy over age 65 in the COVID era compared to the pre-COVID era (p = 0.037). Significantly more patients were managed with biopsy relative to partial or gross total resection during the COVID era compared to the pre-COVID era (p = 0.04), but there were no other significant differences in time to assessment, time to treatment, or administration of adjuvant therapy. There was no difference in overall survival between eras (p = 0.189). In this assessment of outcomes of grade 4 gliomas during the pandemic, we found that despite less aggressive surgical intervention during the COVID era, outcomes were similar between eras.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manik Chahal
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Ghufran Aljawi
- Division of Radiation Oncology, British Columbia Cancer-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Rebecca Harrison
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Alan Nichol
- Division of Radiation Oncology, British Columbia Cancer-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Brian Thiessen
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Airth A, Whittle JR, Dimou J. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted clinical care and research in Neuro-Oncology? J Clin Neurosci 2022; 105:91-102. [PMID: 36122487 PMCID: PMC9452416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the continued delivery of healthcare globally. Due to disease risk, clinicians were forced to re-evaluate the safety and priorities of pre-pandemic care. Neuro-oncology presents unique challenges, as patients can deteriorate rapidly without intervention. These challenges were also observed in countries with reduced COVID-19 burden with centres required to rapidly develop strategies to maintain efficient and equitable care. This review aims to summarise the impact of the pandemic on clinical care and research within the practice of Neuro-oncology. A narrative review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASS and results screened using PRISMA guidelines with relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. Search strategies included variations of ‘Neuro-oncology’ combined with COVID-19 and other clinical-related terms. Most adult and paediatric neurosurgical centres experienced reductions in new referrals and operations for brain malignancies, and those who did present for treatment frequently had operations cancelled or delayed. Many radiation therapy and medical oncology centres altered treatment plans to mitigate COVID-19 risk for patients and staff. New protocols were developed that aimed to reduce in-person visits and reduce the risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to the provision of safe and accessible healthcare. Despite these challenges, some benefits to healthcare provision such as the use of telemedicine are likely to remain in future practice. Neuro-oncology staff must remain vigilant to ensure patient and staff safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angus Airth
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James R Whittle
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Personalised Oncology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Dimou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Velnar T, Bosnjak R. Management of neurosurgical patients during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemics: The Ljubljana, Slovenia experience. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:4726-4736. [PMID: 35801036 PMCID: PMC9198871 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i15.4726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. It bears unique biological characteristics, clinical symptoms and imaging manifestations, therefore presenting an important and urgent threat to global health. As a result, a new public health crisis arose, threatening the world with the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus. Despite the maximal worldwide public health responses aimed at containing the disease and delaying its spread, many countries have been confronted with a critical care crisis, and even more, countries will almost certainly follow. In Slovenia, the COVID-19 has struck the health system immensely and among all the specialities, neurosurgery has also been experiencing difficulties in the service, not only in regular, elective surgeries but especially during emergencies. The management of these neurosurgical patients has become more difficult than ever. We describe our protocol in the management of neurosurgical patients in the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia and how neurosurgical pathology was tackled during the pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomaz Velnar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bosnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Loganadane G, Senova S, Duportail P, Debbi K, Cherif MA, Ghith S, Tazi S, Marniche A, Gouello G, Idreceanu T, Kauv P, Varlet P, Belkacemi Y, Palfi S. Financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic:Report from a high-volume academic neurosurgery. Neurochirurgie 2022; 68:e22-e26. [PMID: 35623914 PMCID: PMC9127702 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2022.04.006] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The global healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). In order to mitigate the risk of spread of the virus, most elective surgical procedures have been cancelled especially during the lockdown periods. The purpose of this study was to assess the financial impact of the COVID outbreak due to the supposed reduced workload from our neurosurgery department in 2020. Methods Number of neurosurgical procedures (NSP) within the Department of Neurosurgery and their associated estimated income were retrospectively reviewed globally and month wise from administrative records of billing in 2020 and 2019 based on the Diagnosis related group (DRG) and severity of illness (4 levels). Results Overall, 824 and 818 inpatient surgical procedures were performed in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The total estimate revenue generated from inpatient surgeries was moderately decreased (3%): 9 498 226.41 euros in 2020 versus 9 817 361.65 euros in 2019 without significant difference across DRG (P = 0.96) and severity of illness. Conclusions Our data suggests a moderate negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had on neurosurgical and financial activity. However, a more in-depth medico-economic analysis need to be performed to assess the real financial impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Loganadane
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 21, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - S Senova
- Department of Neurosurgery, DMU Care, FHU adapt, Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, Translational psychiatry, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 15, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - P Duportail
- Department of Medical Informatics, AP-HP, CHU Henri Mondor, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - K Debbi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 21, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - M A Cherif
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 21, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - S Ghith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 21, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - S Tazi
- Department of Neurosurgery, DMU Care, FHU adapt, Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, Translational psychiatry, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 15, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - A Marniche
- Department of Neurosurgery, DMU Care, FHU adapt, Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, Translational psychiatry, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 15, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - G Gouello
- Department of Neurosurgery, DMU Care, FHU adapt, Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, Translational psychiatry, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 15, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - T Idreceanu
- Department of Neurosurgery, DMU Care, FHU adapt, Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, Translational psychiatry, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 15, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - P Kauv
- Department of Neuroradiology, AP-HP, CHU Henri Mondor, University of Paris-Est, Créteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - P Varlet
- Department of Neuropathology, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Y Belkacemi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 21, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - S Palfi
- Department of Neurosurgery, DMU Care, FHU adapt, Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, Translational psychiatry, AP-HP, Inserm Unit 955 Team 15, University of Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), Créteil, France.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ridwan S, Ganau M, Zoia C, Broekman M, Grote A, Clusmann H. Unequal Impact of COVID-19 on Private and Academic Neurosurgical Workforce: Results of an International Survey. Front Surg 2021; 8:749399. [PMID: 34660687 PMCID: PMC8517237 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.749399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the COVID-19 outbreak several manuscripts regarding neurosurgical practice during this pandemic have been published. Qualitative studies on how the pandemic affected neurosurgeons, with additional focus on their practice, are still scarce. This study's objective was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of the professional and private life of a homogeneous group of international neurosurgeons affiliated to the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). Methods: Neurosurgeons from Europe and abroad were invited to participate in an online survey endorsed by the Individual Membership Committee of the EANS. The survey captured a subjective snapshot of the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on EANS members and was advertised through its Institutional website. In addition to departmental data, personal feeling of safety, financial security, local precautions, number of surgeries performed, changes in daily routine, and other practice-related information were inquired. Differences among practice types were closely reviewed. Results: The survey was distributed between April and May 2020: 204 neurosurgeons participated. Participants were typically active EANS members (73%), consultants (57.9%), from university hospitals (64.5%). Elective surgical practice was still ongoing only for 15% of responders, whereas 18.7% of them had already transitioned to COVID-19 and emergency medical services. While 65.7% of participants thought their institutions were adequately prepared, lack of testing for SARS-CoV-2, and scarcity of personal protective equipment were still a matter of concern for most of them. Overall surgical activity dropped by 68% (cranial by 54%, spine by 71%), and even emergencies decreased by 35%. COVID-19 prompted changes in communication in 74% of departments, 44% increased telemedicine by >50%. While most neurosurgeons had concerns about personal and families' health, financial outlook appeared to be gloomy only for private practitioners. Conclusion: The lockdown imposed in many countries by the COVID-19 outbreak called for immediate modification of working routine and resulted in a dramatic decrease of elective surgical procedures. Neurosurgeons share common concerns but were not equally exposed to the personal health and financial dangers of the ongoing pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Ridwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Ibbenbueren, Ibbenbueren, Germany
| | - Mario Ganau
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cesare Zoia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marike Broekman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Grote
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bethel Clinic, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Hans Clusmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Balak N, Inan D, Ganau M, Zoia C, Sönmez S, Kurt B, Akgül A, Tez M. A simple mathematical tool to forecast COVID-19 cumulative case numbers. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 12:100853. [PMID: 34395949 PMCID: PMC8352661 DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2021.100853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Mathematical models are known to help determine potential intervention strategies by providing an approximate idea of the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. To develop proper responses, not only are more accurate disease spread models needed, but also those that are easy to use. Materials and methods As of July 1, 2020, we selected the 20 countries with the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the world. Using the Verhulst–Pearl logistic function formula, we calculated estimates for the total number of cases for each country. We compared these estimates to the actual figures given by the WHO on the same dates. Finally, the formula was tested for longer-term reliability at t = 18 and t = 40 weeks. Results The Verhulst–Pearl logistic function formula estimated the actual numbers precisely, with only a 0.5% discrepancy on average for the first month. For all countries in the study and the world at large, the estimates for the 40th week were usually overestimated, although the estimates for some countries were still relatively close to the actual numbers in the forecasting long term. The estimated number for the world in general was about 8 times that actually observed for the long term. Conclusions The Verhulst–Pearl equation has the advantage of being very straightforward and applicable in clinical use for predicting the demand on hospitals in the short term of 4–6 weeks, which is usually enough time to reschedule elective procedures and free beds for new waves of the pandemic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naci Balak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Applied Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Inan
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mario Ganau
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Cesare Zoia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sinan Sönmez
- School of Applied Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Batuhan Kurt
- School of Applied Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Akgül
- School of Applied Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Müjgan Tez
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Azab MA, Azzam AY. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the management of glioma patients around the world. An evidence-based review. BRAIN DISORDERS 2021; 2:100012. [PMID: 33997826 PMCID: PMC8106822 DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2021.100012] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus pandemic has affected many health care services worldwide since the emergence of the first case in Wuhan. Surgical neuro-oncology care is a fundamental part of hospital services, making it susceptible to strategic changes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An electronic search on several databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar) from the beginning of the pandemic to the end of 2020, each paper was reviewed independently. The publication inclusion and exclusion criteria were done using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Eight studies were found to be eligible for our meta-analysis. Most of the studies were on a retrospective basis, except one which was retrospective and prospective. An overall of 951 glioma patients’ were included for surgical admission from the beginning of the pandemic until 2020. Seventy-four patients' had mortality outcomes, and 250 patients had complications for both surgical admitted and non-surgical admitted purposes. Conclusions To our knowledge, we made the first systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the management of glioma patients’ during the pandemic of COVID-19. Our main findings are that the number of surgical admissions for glioma patients’ did not significantly differ between COVID-19 negative and COVD-19 positive cases; however, surprisingly, we found that both overall complications and mortality outcomes were more significant COVID-19 negative patients’ from the reported studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Azab
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cairo University Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Y Azzam
- October 6 University Faculty of Medicine, Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|