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Meena P, Abdellatif D, Tiwari V, Chatterjee S, Luyckx VA. Health Systems Preparedness for Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Relevance for Nephrology. Semin Nephrol 2023; 43:151465. [PMID: 38199828 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2023.151465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis glaringly highlighted the critical need to develop resilient health care systems that are better prepared for epidemics. Millions of people died from COVID-19 itself, but almost three times as many died from health system disruptions. People living with kidney disease are highly vulnerable during outbreaks and pandemics and their needs must be included in preparedness planning. Health systems preparedness requires not only early identification and containment of outbreaks and maintenance of critical services during crises, but also bolstering population resilience and ensuring the safety of both health personnel and patients. Planning for surge capacity in an outbreak must include provision for both acute and chronic dialysis, and ensure access to medications for people with kidney diseases. Quality of care should not be compromised and must be monitored and improved where necessary. Technology, such as telemedicine, can support quality and continuity of care and minimize infection risks. Communication at all levels is crucial to ensure all stakeholders, including communities, have the necessary information to support cooperation and collaboration in effective outbreak responses. Research is important during and after pandemics to improve knowledge and build resilience at all levels, from outbreak detection to the development of therapeutics and optimizing equity in access to interventions. Only with adequate preparation and more resilient health systems can we hope, as a global community, to build on the harsh lessons learned during COVID-19, and improve the response to the next infectious disease outbreak, epidemic, or even pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Meena
- Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Institute of Renal Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Valerie A Luyckx
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Sengupta S. Lessons learnt from the International Peer Review Week 2022 with the theme - "Research Integrity: Creating and supporting trust in research". Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:4099-4100. [PMID: 36453293 PMCID: PMC9940577 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2920_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Sengupta
- Future Vision Eye Care and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. E-mail:
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Hussaindeen JR. The extent of scam in the scientific world - How intellectual can the scam appear? JOURNAL OF OPTOMETRY 2021; 14:295-296. [PMID: 33419713 PMCID: PMC8258123 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jameel Rizwana Hussaindeen
- Binocular Vision Clinic, Sankara Nethralaya, Unit of Medical Research Foundation, 18, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, 600006, India.
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Moussa M, Elshorbagy MS, Emarah A, Gaber R, Moussa OM, El-Bradey M, Alagorie AR, Sorour OA. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents during COVID-19 pandemic: clinical audit from Tanta University Hospital. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 41:1437-1443. [PMID: 33475906 PMCID: PMC7818066 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01719-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to provide real-life data about the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of anti-VEGF injections and to evaluate the safety of the modifications in the injection protocol imposed during the ongoing pandemic on the anatomical and functional outcome of patients. METHODS All patients attending Tanta University hospital for receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were screened. Patients who were previously deferred according to a modified protocol implemented in the hospital in response to the pandemic or who demonstrated deviation from it were included for further analysis. RESULTS During the audit period, 83 patients attending for anti-VEGF injections were screened, of whom 40 met the abovementioned criteria and were included for analysis. In the deferred subgroup (11 eyes), predeferral mean values of logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal subfield thickness (CST) were 1 ± 0.23 and 444.57 ± 200.1 µm, respectively. There was no significant change when the patients returned for their deferred injections, with the mean BCVA and CST values being 0.8 ± 0.22 and 413.71 ± 237.7 µm, respectively (p = 0.27 and p = 0.12). Moreover, 29 patients encountered a disturbed injection schedule, particularly skipping their injection appointments due to infection fear as found in 18 patients. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed pressing challenges in maintaining essential health care while ensuring the prevention of spread of infection. Although the modified injection protocol confirmed to be safe for patients, the pandemic caused deflection from the optimum practice in the form of successive skipping of appointments and delays in the processing of patient injection schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdy Moussa
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Elgeish street, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Muhammed Sameh Elshorbagy
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Elgeish street, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Ayman Emarah
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Elgeish street, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Raouf Gaber
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Elgeish street, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Omar M Moussa
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kafr-Elsheikh University, Kafr-Elsheikh, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Bradey
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Elgeish street, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Roshdy Alagorie
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Elgeish street, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Osama A Sorour
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Elgeish street, Tanta, 31111, Egypt.
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Narayan S. Comments on: An editorial perspective on the infamous COVID-19 studies retracted by Lancet and NEJM. Indian J Ophthalmol 2021; 69:157. [PMID: 33323604 PMCID: PMC7926142 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_3029_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Narayan
- Additional Professor, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Kunnukuzhy, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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Iskander JK, Bianchi KM. Changes in the Scientific Information Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Importance of Scientific Situational Awareness in Responding to the Infodemic. Health Secur 2020; 19:82-87. [PMID: 33347394 PMCID: PMC9195490 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2020.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John K Iskander
- John K. Iskander, MD, is Senior Advisor and Katherine M. Bianchi is a Fellow; both in the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Washington DC. John K. Iskander is also a Captain, United States Public Health Service. This work does not represent the official position of the OSG or HHS. Names of institutions, companies, and products are provided for identification purposes only and do not imply any endorsement by the OSG or HHS
| | - Katherine M Bianchi
- John K. Iskander, MD, is Senior Advisor and Katherine M. Bianchi is a Fellow; both in the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Washington DC. John K. Iskander is also a Captain, United States Public Health Service. This work does not represent the official position of the OSG or HHS. Names of institutions, companies, and products are provided for identification purposes only and do not imply any endorsement by the OSG or HHS
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Nair AG, Narayanan N, Ali MJ. A Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on Lacrimal Surgery: The Asia-Pacific Perspective. Clin Ophthalmol 2020; 14:3789-3799. [PMID: 33177805 PMCID: PMC7649246 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s279728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown on lacrimal surgery among oculoplastic surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS An institutional board review approved anonymous electronic survey was sent out via email to oculoplastic surgeons across the Asia-Pacific region. All responses were tabulated and analysed. RESULTS A total of 259 valid responses were received. Nearly 87% of the surgeons agreed that lacrimal procedures were associated with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. In all, at the time of taking the survey, 151/259 (58.3%) of the surgeons were not performing any lacrimal surgeries in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and 71/259 (27.4%) of the respondents were only performing emergency lacrimal surgeries. External dacryocystorhinostomy was the most commonly performed lacrimal procedure across the region and lacrimal procedures contributed to at least 25% of the income for nearly a third of the respondents. Majority of the respondents were female (52.9%), but a significantly higher proportion of male oculoplastic surgeons were still performing lacrimal surgeries during the lockdown. Over 75% of respondents indicated that resuming lacrimal procedures is important to their practice. CONCLUSION The survey showed that there was a general agreement among the surveyed oculoplastic surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region that lacrimal procedures were associated with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission and over 85% of them of had either stopped performing elective lacrimal surgeries altogether or were providing only emergent care. It is likely that not performing elective lacrimal procedures, COVID-19 has financially impacted a high percentage of the surveyed oculoplastic surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Gopinathan Nair
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Ocular Oncology Services, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, Mumbai400 031, India
- Advanced Eye Hospital & Institute, Navi Mumbai400 705, India
| | | | - Mohammad Javed Ali
- Govindram Seksaria Institute of Dacryology, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana600 034, India
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Katoch D, Singh SR, Kumar P. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Retinopathy of Prematurity Practice: An Indian Perspective. Indian Pediatr 2020. [PMID: 32893832 PMCID: PMC7605466 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-020-2017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Bodine SC, Morty RE. World Lung Day 2020 at the Journal of Applied Physiology and the American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 319:L534-L537. [PMID: 32755315 PMCID: PMC7518059 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00371.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sue C Bodine
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Rory E Morty
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
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Jaichandran VV, Raman R. Aerosol prevention box for regional anaesthesia for eye surgery in COVID times. Eye (Lond) 2020; 34:2155-2156. [PMID: 32546750 PMCID: PMC7296523 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-1027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V V Jaichandran
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, 41/18, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Rajiv Raman
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, 41/18, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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