Sleep apnoea: no obstruction to international travel

Parasomnias during trans-meridian and long-distance travel: Critical literature review and clinical practice recommendations

Parasomnias are undesirable events that occur during sleep. They can be classified into rapid eye movement parasomnias and non-rapid eye movement parasomnias. Those who experience parasomnias may be anxious about travel for many reasons, including the occurrence of unwanted events during the trip, increased exposure to environmental trigger factors, and the propensity for harm to occur due to unfamiliar surroundings while travelling. There is a paucity of literature examining this area. This review summarizes the relevant literature and the clinical experience of the authors to compile clinical practice recommendations. The clinical features of parasomnias and how they relate to trans-meridian and long-distance travel are described. Triggers for non-rapid eye movement parasomnias, particularly the use of sedative hypnotic drugs, alcohol, drug withdrawal, sleep deprivation, emotional stress and environmental stimulations, are described. Management of parasomnias whilst travelling is reviewed, with a particular focus on trigger minimalization. The role for clonazepam and melatonin is outlined. At the pre-travel health consultation, the physician is strongly advised to screen the traveller for co-morbid sleep conditions, which exacerbate parasomnias. Areas for further research are explored, including the extent to which these sleep disorders impact on the travel experience.

Analysis of web-based travel health advice provided to international travellers with chronic medical and psychiatric illnesses

OBJECTIVES

The internet is an important source of travel health information. Individuals living with chronic illnesses consult patient organisation websites for illness-related information. We analysed the scope of online travel health information available to patients with pre-existing medical conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

A descriptive content analysis of patient organisation websites was conducted.

METHODS

The Google® search engine was interrogated using search terms related to the principal chronic diseases from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Data relating to 41 travel health variables were extracted from each eligible website. An aggregate quality score was derived for each organisation based on the presence of specific website information. Visitor usage and search analytics for each organisation's website were also described.

RESULTS

We examined 145 official organisation websites relating to 10 major chronic illnesses. The largest number of websites was retrieved for patients with cancer (n = 36). Only 21 (16.5%) websites provided information on fitness-to-travel considerations. COPD websites had the highest average quality score (17.68%), followed by diabetes (14.91%) and dementia (13.28%). Mental health illness websites had the lowest score of 1.33%. There was a trend towards increased emphasis on pre-travel preparation and medications. Insect bite avoidance, malaria, animal bites, jet lag, and repatriation were addressed to the least extent.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis exposes significant deficits in the coverage of travel health topics. Patient organisations should provide accessible pre-travel health advice to website users. Future research should elucidate the influence of web-based pre-travel health information on the behaviour of travellers with chronic disease.

COVID-19 in adult patients with pre-existing chronic cardiac, respiratory and metabolic disease: a critical literature review with clinical recommendations

BACKGROUND

A high burden of severe disease and death from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been consistently observed in older patients, especially those with pre-existing medical co-morbidities. The global pandemic lockdown has isolated many patients with chronic illnesses from their routine medical care. This narrative review article analyses the multitude of issues faced by individuals with underlying medical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Sources for this publication were identified through searches of PubMed for articles published between 31st December 2019 and 4th June 2020, using combinations of search terms. Guidelines and updates from reputable agencies were also consulted. Only articles published in the English language were included.

RESULTS

The volume of literature on COVID-19 continues to expand, with 17,845 articles indexed on PubMed by 4th June 2020, 130 of which were deemed particularly relevant to the subject matter of this review. Older patients are more likely to progress to severe COVID-19 disease requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, especially hypertension and coronary heart disease, are at greatly increased risk of developing severe and fatal COVID-19 disease. A controversial aspect of the management of COVID-19 disease has been the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Obese COVID-19 patients are more likely to require complex ICU management. Putative mechanisms of increased COVID-19 disease severity in diabetes include hyperglycaemia, altered immune function, sub-optimal glycaemic control during hospitalisation, a pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory state. Patients with mental health disorders are particularly vulnerable to social isolation, and this has been compounded by the suspension of non-emergency care in hospitals around the world, making it difficult for patients with chronic mental illness to attend outpatient appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

The global pandemic of COVID-19 disease has had a disproportionately negative impact on patients living with chronic medical illness. Future research should be directed at efforts to protect vulnerable patients from possible further waves of COVID-19 and minimising the negative impact of pandemic mitigation strategies on these individuals.