Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sports Medicine Patient Care

How do infectious diseases affect high-performance athletes? Norovirus during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games

Background and Aims

The incidence of infectious diseases among athletes during international competitions is a concern for public health. In this study, we aim to report six cases of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis among athletes in Lima 2019 Pan American Games, a multisport event held in Peru.

Results

During the Lima 2019 event, there were no reported outbreaks or cases of most frequent diseases, however, six cases (0.09%) of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis were reported. The clinical stage of the cases was self-limited to 2 days, and the main treatment was fluid replacement. Of the six affected athletes, five came from the United States and one from Chile. Only one karate athlete from the United States, could not continue with the competition due to the illness.

Conclusions

The incidence of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis among athletes in Lima 2019 was low, and the clinical course of the illness was self-limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of athletes who presented with gastroenteritis using the Panam Sport In previous sporting events, such as the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, Injury and Illness Surveillance System. These findings can inform the development of public health strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases among athletes during international competitions.

COVID-19 Resulted in Reduction Trainee Bedside Experience, But No Reduction in Surgical Experience

Purpose

Because of the concerns regarding residency process during the pandemic, this study aimed to investigate the volume of clinical interactions of orthopaedic residents at a tertiary hospital by reporting the number of patients treated in the outpatient clinic, inpatient ward, and operating room.

Methods

This retrospective chart study evaluated variables such as volume of clinical interactions of orthopaedic residents at a tertiary hospital by reporting the number of patients treated in the outpatient clinic, inpatient ward, and operating room, from an orthopaedic department in a tertiary trauma center throughout the COVID-19 pandemic era. Comparing these measures was an indirect evaluation tool for measuring the amount of work completed and clinical exposure gained by the residents.

Results

Occupancy percentage, hospitalization days, admissions to the department, and attendance of the outpatient clinic were all decreased during the pandemic. No significant changes were evident in the total number of surgeries nor the number of elective surgeries during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Overall, a reduction in overall hospitalization days, admissions to the department, total number of visits in the outpatient clinic, and occupancy percentage of the ward was observed during COVID-19. However, there was no difference in the average number of monthly surgeries between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 timeframes.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative review.