Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Pregnant Women With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Descriptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have focused on the nonpregnant adult population. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnancy. METHODS: We searched databases from December 2019 to 30 April 2020. Eligible studies reported clinical characteristics, radiological findings, and/or laboratory testing of pregnant women during infection. Data were pooled across studies using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (136 women) were included. The most common symptoms were fever (62.9%) and cough (36.8%). Laboratory findings included elevated C-reactive protein (57%) and lymphocytopenia (50%). Ground-glass opacity was the most common radiological finding (81.7%). Preterm birth rate was 37.7% and cesarean delivery rate was 76%. There was 1 maternal death. There were 2 fetal COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical picture in pregnant women with COVID-19 did not differ from the nonpregnant population; however, the rate of preterm birth and cesarean delivery are considerably higher than international averages.

Supervision as a tool for building surgical capacity of district hospitals: the case of Zambia.

INTRODUCTION: Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have adopted task shifting of surgical responsibilities to non-physician clinicians (NPCs) as a solution to address workforce shortages. There is resistance to delegating surgical procedures to NPCs due to concerns about their surgical skills and lack of supervision systems to ensure safety and quality of care provided. This study aimed to explore the effects of a new supervision model implemented in Zambia to improve the delivery of health services by surgical NPCs working at district hospitals. METHODS: Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with NPCs and medical doctors at nine district hospitals and with the surgical specialists who provided in-person and remote supervision over an average period of 15 months. Data were analysed using 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' thematic coding. RESULTS: Interviewees reported an improvement in the surgical skills and confidence of NPCs, as well as better teamwork. At the facility level, supervision led to an increase in the volume and range of surgical procedures done and helped to reduce unnecessary surgical referrals. The supervision also improved communication links by facilitating the establishment of a remote consultation network, which enabled specialists to provide real-time support to district NPCs in how to undertake particular surgical procedures and expert guidance on referral decisions. Despite these benefits, shortages of operating theatre support staff, lack of equipment and unreliable power supply impeded maximum utilisation of supervision. CONCLUSION: This supervision model demonstrated the additional role that specialist surgeons can play, bringing their expertise to rural populations, where such surgical competence would otherwise be unobtainable. Further research is needed to establish the cost-effectiveness of the supervision model; the opportunity costs from surgical specialists being away from referral hospitals, providing supervision in districts; and the steps needed for regular district surgical supervision to become part of sustainable national programmes.

Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Review of Current Interventional Management.

Tricuspid regurgitation is a common yet clinically complex problem, traditionally managed with diuretic therapy with no observable mortality benefit. Older studies on surgical intervention observed poor outcomes; however, this clinical reasoning predates current surgical approaches and novel transcatheter technology. The tricuspid apparatus is a complex structure that poses a technical challenge for surgeons and interventional cardiologists. Recent advances in surgical techniques and transcatheter therapy, particularly edge-to-edge repair devices, have demonstrated promising results for safety, reduction in tricuspid regurgitation, and improving quality of life. We review the clinical, imaging, and hemodynamic findings that characterize patients who should be considered for intervention, alongside the rapidly evolving approaches to interventional management.

Indications and Outcomes of Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most performed bariatric procedure. Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for SG-related complications such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), insufficient weight loss (ISWL), and weight regain (WR) is increasing. Our aim was to investigate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of conversion from SG to RYGB. METHODS: A literature search was performed from database inception to May 2020. Eligible studies must report indications for conversion, %total body weight loss (%TWL), and/or complications. The pooled mean or proportion were analyzed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Seventeen unique studies (n = 556, 68.7% female, average age at time of conversion 42.6 ± 10.29 years) were included. The pooled conversion rate due to GERD was 30.4% (95% CI 23.5, 38.3%; I2 = 63.9%), compared to 52.0% (95% CI 37.0, 66.6%; I2 = 85.89%) due to ISWL/WR. The pooled baseline BMI at conversion was 38.5 kg/m2 (95% CI 36.49, 40.6 kg/m2; I2 = 92.1%) and after 1 year was 32.1 kg/m2 (95% CI 25.50, 38.7 kg/m2; I2 = 94.53%). The pooled %TWL after 1 year was 22.8% (95% CI 13.5, 32.1%; I2 = 98.05%). Complication rate within 30 days was 16.4% (95% CI 11.1, 23.6%; I2 = 57.17%), and after 30 days was 11.4% (95% CI 7.7, 16.7%; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that conversion from SG to RYGB is an option for conversion at a bariatric care center that produces sufficient weight loss outcomes, and potential resolution of symptoms of GERD. Further indication-based studies are required to obtain a clearer consensus on the surgical management of patients seeking RYGB following SG.