Highlights ■ The rs2814778 C allele is linked to severe/critical COVID-19. ■ The association is independent of major clinical risk factors. ■ The Duffy “null” phenotype may promote lung inflammation. ■ rs12075 and rs4073 showed no association with COVID-19 severity. ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to analyze the possible association between rs2814778, rs12075 (ACKR1 gene), and rs4073 (CXCL8 gene) single nucleotide variants and COVID-19 severity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 319 COVID-19 diagnosed patients at two hospitals in Paraná, Brazil […]

ABSTRACT Background Non-invasive respiratory support strategies, such as high-flow nasal cannula therapy and non-invasive ventilation, were widely employed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, yet their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain. Objective To compare the effects of high-flow nasal cannula therapy, non-invasive ventilation, and conventional oxygen therapy on intubation rates and hospital mortality in adults with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines, with searches performed in nine databases for […]

ABSTRACT The present study examines the development of medical science during the COVID-19 pandemic in light of Ernst Mayr’s critique of Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of scientific revolutions. Kuhn’s model, which emphasizes paradigm shifts and disruptive changes in scientific practice, contrasts with the evolutionary and cumulative nature of biological sciences, as argued by Mayr. Revisiting Mayr’s critique, we question the applicability of Kuhn’s model to the COVID-19 pandemic by using vaccine development as a case study. We argue that the rapid […]

Highlights ■ The elderly had higher severity, more comorbidities, and longer intensive care unit and hospital stays than adults. ■ They required more assistance resources and had higher hospital mortality. ■ Independent mortality predictors: age ≥60, frailty, arrhythmia, transplant, acute kidney injury, vasopressors and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, therapeutic resources, and mortality rates of elderly patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients […]

Highlights ■ More than 2 million procedures were analyzed in the public health system from 2019 to 2023. ■ A total of 13 types of procedures were performed across 7 different specialties. ■ A 35% reduction in the total number of surgeries was observed. ■ There was no recovery of surgeries postponed during the pandemic. ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze changes in surgical volume across different specialties in Brazil before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive observational study […]

Highlights High fatigue and nutritional risk at discharge improved over one year in cancer survivors. Psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, remained prevalent for one year. 66% of patients had lasting symptoms or impairments after 12 months of follow-up. Nutritional risk was resolved in the following year. ABSTRACT Objective: Post-COVID symptoms are frequent and can be debilitating, particularly in individuals with cancer. However, their impact on this population remains unclear. This study aimed to prospectively assess […]

ABSTRACT Background Child immunization plays a critical role in preventing numerous diseases. However, the COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly disrupted healthcare systems globally, including routine child vaccination programs. Objective To provide an overview of the reduction in vaccine coverage among infants and children during the pandemic and analyze the potential impacts of decreased child immunization during this period. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted using the MeSH terms “Child,” “Vaccination”, and “COVID-19,” along with their synonyms. Systematic reviews published between March […]

Highlights ■ Public intensive care unit COVID-19 patients presented with more comorbidities and higher severity at admission. ■ Public intensive care units required more invasive organ support (e.g., mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and renal replacement therapy) but less non-invasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula than private intensive care units. ■ In-hospital mortality was higher in public intensive care units, with an increased risk of death even after adjusting for patient characteristics and illness severity at intensive care unit admission. ABSTRACT Objective: […]

Highlights ■ The COVID-19 pandemic has increased adherence to hand hygiene in intensive care units. ■ Private hospitals recorded higher consumption of alcoholbased hand sanitizer. ■ Interventions are needed to help keep rates up. ABSTRACT Objective: Compare alcohol-based hand sanitizer use in intensive care units in a municipality in São Paulo state, before and during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: Analytical retrospective study using indirect documentation, with data obtained from a notification spreadsheet for epidemiological indicators of healthcare-associated infection in the […]

Highlights Healthcare-associated infections are responsible for higher morbidity and mortality rates. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a scenario of enormous demand for healthcare. Knowledge of risk factors is important for preventive measures. COVID-19 and the length of hospital stay were the most important risk factors for healthcare-associated infections. ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the risk factors for healthcare-related infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in intensive care units, to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on Central Line- Associated Bloodstream Infection, Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract […]