Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pathological autopsy practices in Japan.
Pathol Int
; 73(3): 120-126, 2023 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36598024
ABSTRACT
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, autopsies have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19. The precise effect of this pandemic on autopsy procedures in Japan, especially in instances unrelated to COVID-19, has not yet been established. Therefore, we conducted a questionnaire survey from December 2020 to January 2021 regarding the status of pathological autopsy practices in Japan during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was sent to 678 medical facilities with pathologists, of which 227 responded. In cases where a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 was not made at the time of autopsy, many facilities counted them as suspected COVID-19 cases if pneumonia was suspected clinically. At around half of the sites, autopsies were prohibited for suspected COVID-19 cases. In addition, the number of autopsies of non-COVID-19 cases during the pandemic period was also investigated, and a significant decrease was observed compared with the incidence in the pre-pandemic period. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the autopsies of COVID-19 cases but also the entire practice of pathological autopsies. It is necessary to establish a system that supports the implementation of pathological autopsy practices during the pandemic of an emerging infectious disease.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
COVID-19
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pathol Int
Assunto da revista:
PATOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Japão