Personal protective equipment-induced systemic hypercapnic hypoxaemia: translational implications for impaired cognitive-clinical functional performance.

BACKGROUND: Personal protective equipment (PPE) adversely affects pulmonary gas exchange and may result in systemic hypercapnic hypoxaemia and headache. This study aimed to determine what extent PPE affects cerebral symptoms, global cerebral blood flow, and cognitive functional performance. METHODS: Higher surgical trainees participated in a randomized, repeated-measures, crossover study, completing 60 min of laparoscopic surgical simulation in both standard operating attire and type 3 PPE. Measurements were collected at baseline and after 60 min of simulation. The primary outcome measure was headache. Headache was examined using the validated visual analogue scale (VAS) and Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire C (ESQ-C), global cerebral blood flow with duplex ultrasonography, and visuospatial and executive gross/fine motor function with grooved peg board (GPB) and laparoscopic bead (LSB) board tasks. RESULTS: Thirty-one higher surgical trainees (20 men, 11 women) completed the study. Compared with standard operating attire, PPE increased headache assessment scores (mean(s.d.) VAS score 3.5(5.6) versus 13.0(3.7), P < 0.001; ESQ-C score 1.3(2.0) versus 5.9(5.1), P < 0.001) and was associated with poorer completion times for GPB-D (61.4(12.0) versus 71.1(12.4) s; P = 0.034) and LSB (192.5(66.9) versus 270.7(135.3) s; P = 0.025) tasks. Wearing PPE increased heart rate (82.5(13.6) versus 93.5(13.0) beats/min; P = 0.022) and skin temperature (36.6(0.4) versus 37.1(0.5)°C; P < 0.001), but decreased peripheral oxygen saturation (97.9(0.8) versus 96.8(1.0) per cent; P < 0.001). Female higher surgical trainees exhibited higher peripheral oxygen saturation across all conditions. No differences were observed in global cerebral blood flow as a function of attire, time or sex. CONCLUSION: Despite no marked changes in global cerebral blood flow, type 3 PPE was associated with increased headache scores and cerebral symptoms (VAS and ESQ-C) alongside impaired executive motor function highlighting the clinical implications of PPE-induced impairment for cognitive-clinical performance.

Educational suitability of new channel-type video-laryngoscope with AI-based glottis guidance system for novices wearing personal-protective-equipment.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine which of 4 laryngoscopes, including A-LRYNGO, a newly developed channel-type video-laryngoscope with an embedded artificial intelligence-based glottis guidance system, is appropriate for tracheal intubation training in novice medical students wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).Thirty healthy senior medical school student volunteers were recruited. The participants underwent 2 tests with 4 laryngoscopes: Macintosh, McGrath, Pentax Airway-Scope and A-LRYNGO. The first test was conducted just after a lecture without any hands-on workshop. The second test was conducted after a one-on-one hands-on workshop. In each test, we measured the time required for tracheal intubation, intubation success rate, etc, and asked all participants to complete a short questionnaire.The time to completely insert the endotracheal tube with the Macintosh laryngoscope did not change significantly (P = .177), but the remaining outcomes significantly improved after the hands-on workshop (all P < .05). Despite being novice practitioners with no intubation experience and wearing PPE, the, 2 channel-type video-laryngoscopes were associated with good intubation-related performance before the hands-on workshop (all P < .001). A-LRYNGO's artificial intelligence-based glottis guidance system showed 93.1% accuracy, but 20.7% of trials were guided by the vocal folds.To prepare to manage the airway of critically ill patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a channel-type video-laryngoscope is appropriate for tracheal intubation training for novice practitioners wearing PPE.

Lesões de pele por Equipamentos de Proteção Individual e medidas preventivas no contexto da COVID-19: revisão integrativa / Skin injuries due to Personal Protective Equipment and preventive measures in the COVID-19 context: an integrative review / Lesiones cutáneas por Equipos de Protección Individual y medidas preventivas en el contexto del COVID-19: revisión integradora*

Resumo Objetivo identificar as evidências científicas sobre os tipos de lesões de pele ocasionadas pelo uso de Equipamento de Proteção Individual em profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e verificar as medidas de prevenção recomendadas. Método trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Web of Science e no banco de dados SciELO. A busca foi realizada de forma pareada, constituindo uma amostra de 17 estudos categorizados quanto aos tipos de lesões de pele e às medidas preventivas. Resultados os principais tipos de lesões de pele relacionados ao uso de máscara foram lesão por pressão estágio 1, acne e depressão cutânea. Quanto ao uso de óculos e protetor facial, as mais frequentes foram lesão por pressão estágios 1 e 2. Xerose e dermatites de contato irritante ocorreram devido ao uso de luvas e roupas de proteção, respectivamente. As principais medidas preventivas recomendadas foram o uso de curativo de hidrocoloide ou espuma nas regiões de pressão, hidratantes e emolientes. Conclusão observou-se um número considerável de lesões de pele associadas ao uso dos equipamentos e os dados obtidos podem direcionar os profissionais na identificação de riscos e promoção de medidas preventivas para evitar sua ocorrência.

Abstract Objective to identify the diverse scientific evidence on the types of skin lesions caused due to the use of Personal Protective Equipment in health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and to verify the recommended prevention measures. Method this is an integrative review carried out in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Web of Science and SciELO databases. The search was conducted in a paired manner, constituting a sample of 17 studies categorized according to the types of skin lesions and preventive measures. Results the main types of skin lesions related to mask use were stage 1 pressure ulcers, acne and cutaneous depression. Regarding the use of glasses and face shields, the most frequent were stage 1 and 2 pressure ulcers. Xerosis and irritant contact dermatitis occurred due to using gloves and protective clothing, respectively. The main preventive measures recommended were using hydrocolloid or foam dressing in the pressure regions, moisturizers and emollients. Conclusion a considerable number of skin lesions associated with using the equipment were noticed, and the data obtained can guide the professionals in identifying risks and promoting preventive measures to avoid their occurrence.

Resumen Objetivo identificar que evidencia científica hay sobre los tipos de lesiones cutáneas provocadas por el uso de Equipos de Protección Individual en los profesionales sanitarios durante la pandemia del COVID-19 y verificar las medidas de prevención recomendadas. Método se trata de una revisión integradora realizada en las bases de datos MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Web of Science y la biblioteca electrónica SciELO. La búsqueda se realizó de forma pareada, la muestra estuvo conformada por 17 estudios categorizados según los tipos de lesiones cutáneas y medidas preventivas. Resultados los principales tipos de lesiones cutáneas relacionadas con el uso de mascarillas fueron las lesiones por presión estadio 1, el acné y la depresión cutánea. En cuanto al uso de gafas y pantalla facial, las más frecuentes fueron las lesiones por presión estadios 1 y 2. Se detectó xerosis y dermatitis irritante de contacto por el uso de guantes y ropa de protección, respectivamente. Las principales medidas preventivas recomendadas fueron el uso de apósitos de hidrocoloide o espuma en las regiones de presión, humectantes y emolientes. Conclusión hubo un número considerable de lesiones cutáneas asociadas al uso de equipos y los datos obtenidos pueden orientar a los profesionales para que identifiquen los riesgos y promuevan medidas preventivas para evitar su aparición.

Validation of algorithms for donning and doffing personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The prolonged or incorrect use of facial masks, respirators and glasses or visors results in friction, pressure and shear forces that constantly act on the facial skin, leading to lesions and dermatitis. Objective: To develop and validate algorithms to guide health professionals in the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and indicate preventive measures against skin injuries caused by inappropriate use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: For the develoment of the algorithms, an integrative literature review was performed using the following databases: PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS. The algorithms were evaluated by 59 health professionals (nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists), using the Delphi technique. A content validity index (CVI) was used for the statistical analysis. Results: The experts classified the items of the algorithms from fully inadequate to fully adequate in the first round of consultations, and from partially adequate to fully adequate in the second round. The overall CVI values were of 0.83 and 1.0 in the first and second rounds respectively. Conclusion: The algorithms validated by the expert panel can be used by health professionals when donning and doffing PPE, and to prevent the facial-skin lesions caused by their use. (AU)

Does COVID-19 Affect Survival and Functional Outcome in Emergency and Urgent Neurosurgical Procedures? A Single-Center Prospective Experience During the Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess organizational and technical difficulties of neurosurgical procedures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and their possible impact on survival and functional outcome and to evaluate virological exposure risk of medical personnel. METHODS: Data for all urgent surgical procedures performed in the COVID-19 operating room were prospectively collected. Preoperative and postoperative variables included demographics, pathology, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and neurological status at admission, type and duration of surgical procedures, length of stay, postoperative KPS and functional outcome comparison, and destination at discharge. We defined 5 classes of pathologies (traumatic, oncological, vascular, infection, hydrocephalus) and 4 surgical categories (burr hole, craniotomy, cerebrospinal fluid shunting, spine surgery). Postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection was checked in all the operators. RESULTS: We identified 11 traumatic cases (44%), 4 infections (16%), 6 vascular events (24%), 2 hydrocephalus conditions (8%), and 2 oncological cases (8%). Surgical procedures included 11 burr holes (44%), 7 craniotomies (28%), 6 cerebrospinal fluid shunts (24%), and 1 spine surgery (4%). Mean patient age was 57.8 years. The most frequent clinical presentation was coma (44 cases). Mean KPS score at admission was 20 ± 10, mean surgery duration was 85 ± 63 minutes, and mean length of stay was 27 ± 12 days. Mean KPS score at discharge was 35 ± 25. Outcome comparison showed improvement in 16 patients. Four patients died. Mean follow-up was 6 ± 3 months. None of the operators developed postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized protocols are mandatory to guarantee a high standard of care for emergency and urgent surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment affects maneuverability, dexterity, and duration of interventions without affecting survival and functional outcome.

Wax-oil lubricants to reduce the shear between skin and PPE.

Prolonged use of tight-fitting PPE, e.g., by COVID-19 healthcare workers leads to skin injuries. An important contributor is the shear exerted on the skin due to static friction at the skin-PPE interface. This study aims to develop an optimised wax-oil lubricant that reduces the friction, or shear, in the skin-PPE contact for up to four hours. Lubricants with different wax-oil combinations were prepared using beeswax, paraffin wax, olive oil, and mineral oil. In-vivo friction measurements involving seven participants were conducted by sliding a polydimethylsiloxane ball against the volar forearms to simulate the skin-PPE interface. The maximum static coefficient of friction was measured immediately and four hours after lubricant application. It was found that the coefficient of friction of wax-oil lubricants is mainly governed by the ratio of wax to oil and the thermal stability and morphology of the wax. To maintain long-term lubricity, it is crucial to consider the absorption of oil into the PPE material. The best performing lubricant is a mixture of 20 wt% beeswax, 40 wt% olive oil, and 40 wt% mineral oil, which compared to unlubricated skin, provides 87% (P = 0.0006) and 59% (P = 0.0015) reduction in instantaneous and 4-h coefficient of friction, respectively.

COVID-19: The experience from Iran.

The first cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iran were detected on February 19, 2020. Soon the entire country was hit with the virus. Although dermatologists were not immediately the frontline health care workers, all aspects of their practice were drastically affected. Adapting to this unprecedented crisis required urgent appropriate responses. With preventive measures and conserving health care resources being the most essential priorities, dermatologists, as an integral part of the health system, needed to adapt their practices according to the latest guidelines. The spectrum of the challenges encompassed education, teledermatology, lasers, and other dermatologic procedures, as well as management of patients who were immunosuppressed or developed drug reactions and, most importantly, the newly revealed cutaneous signs of COVID-19. These challenges have paved the way for new horizons in dermatology.

Cobertura profilática para lesões por pressão na face dos profissionais de saúde durante a COVID-19 / Cobertura profiláctica para lesiones por presión en la cara de los profesionales de la salud durante COVID-19 / Prophylactic dressing for pressure injuries in the face of health professionals during COVID-19

Objetivo: propor a elaboração de cobertura profilática para prevenção de lesão por pressão na face de profissionais de saúde pelo uso de máscara durante a pandemia provocada pela Covid-19. Método: trata-se de um estudo metodológico dividido em 2 etapas: revisão narrativa de literatura e elaboração da cobertura profilática, utilizando critérios pré-estabelecidos pelos pesquisadores. Resultados: a cobertura profilática, proposta neste estudo, tem apresentação em rolo, não estéril e deverá ser utilizada somente em pele íntegra. Será composta por uma fita de silicone macio, perfurado, com micro aderência, de 2,5 cm de largura; camada central de espuma extrafina de poliuretano, com 1cm de largura; e parte externa de filme de poliuretano. Conclusão: a proposta da cobertura profilática promoverá a absorção da umidade, reduzirá a pressão e o cisalhamento e, consequentemente, as lesões por pressão na face de profissionais de saúde pelo uso de máscaras de proteção individual. (AU)

Objective: To propose the development of prophylactic dressing to prevent pressure injuries on the face of health professionals by the use of a mask during the pandemic caused by Covid-19. Methods: This a methodological study divided into two stages: narrative review of the literature and elaboration of prophylactic dressing, using pre-established criteria by the researchers. Results: The prophylactic dressing, proposed in this study, has a roll presentation, not sterile and should be used only on intact skin. It will be composed of a soft silicone tape, perforated, with micro-adherence, 2.5 cm wide; central layer of extra-fine polyurethane foam, with 1 cm wide; and external polyurethane film. Conclusions: The prophylactic dressing proposal will promote moisture absorption, will reduce pressure and shear and, consequently, pressure injuries on the face of health professionals through the use of individual protection masks.(AU)

Objetivo: proponer el desarrollo de coberturas profilácticas para prevenir lesiones por presión en el rostro de los profesionales de la salud mediante el uso de mascarilla durante la pandemia causada por Covid-19. Métodos: se trata de un estudio metodológico dividido en 2 etapas: revisión narrativa de la literatura y elaboración de la cobertura profiláctica, utilizando criterios preestablecidos por los investigadores. Resultados: la cobertura profiláctica, propuesta en este estudio, tiene presentación en rollo, no es estéril y debe usarse solo sobre piel intacta. Consistirá en una cinta de silicona microadhesiva perforada, suave y de 2,5 cm de ancho; capa central de espuma de poliuretano extrafina de 1 cm de ancho; y parte exterior de película de poliuretano. Conclusión: la propuesta de cobertura profiláctica promoverá la absorción de humedad, reducirá la presión y el cizallamiento y, en consecuencia, las lesiones por presión en el rostro de los profesionales de la salud mediante el uso de máscaras de protección individual.(AU)

Facial Personal Protective Equipment: Materials, Resterilization Methods, and Management of Occupation-Related Dermatoses.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus infectious disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in health care workers donning personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to review facial PPE (surgical masks and N95 respirators) ingredients, to identify facial PPE resterilization techniques, and to recommend strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE-related dermatoses. METHODS: Twenty-one facial PPE (11 N95 respirators, 10 surgical masks) were reviewed. Resterilization techniques were identified. Personal protective equipment-induced occupational dermatoses and management strategies were explored. RESULTS: Polypropylene is the most common chemical identified in facial PPE. Most masks contain aluminum at the nosepiece. Two surgical masks released nickel. Facial PPE dermatoses include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, and contact urticaria. Strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE occupational dermatoses are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: There are increasing reports of occupational dermatoses associated with facial PPE. This review discusses the components of facial PPE, mask resterilization methods, and strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE dermatoses.

Quality of vision in endoscopy in the midst of a pandemic: Does PPE influence quality of vision during gastrointestinal endoscopy? / Calidad de la visión en endoscopia en tiempos de pandemia: ¿Influyen los EPP en la calidad visual durante la endoscopia digestiva?

INTRODUCTION: In the midst of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic, health professionals, specifically gastroenterologists, have had to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce contact with droplets and aerosols generated during gastrointestinal endoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the use of two types of PPE on quality of vision during gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational pilot study in gastroenterologists who undergo an ophthalmological examination of visual acuity and quality of vision when using two types of PPE. Type #1: 3M N95 1860 green respirator + 3M mono safety glasses + protective screen. Type #2: 3M 6800 full facepiece + 3M NIOSH 7093C HF/P100 filters. RESULTS: Visual acuity and quality of vison parameters while using the PPE that is routinely used when performing gastrointestinal endoscopy during the pandemic were evaluated. It was found that Modality #1 was associated with decreases of up to 37% in visual acuity, 25% in colour visualisation and 75% in contrast sensitivity among digestive endoscopists within minutes of placement. These figures worsened over the course of the procedure, rising to 75%, 60% and 100%, respectively. Modality #2 was not associated with any deterioration in quality of vision. CONCLUSIONS: The different PPE modalities used during gastrointestinal endoscopy could have an impact on the quality of endoscopy studies performed during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Effect of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and the Distance From the Eye Piece of Surgical Microscope on the Field of Vision; An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: During the Covid-19 pandemic, otolaryngologists are at risk due to aerosol-generating procedures such as mastoidectomy and need enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE). Eye protection can interfere with the use of a microscope due to a reduction in the field of vision. We aimed to study the effect of PPE on the microsurgical field. METHODS: Five surgeons measured the visual field using digital calipers at different power settings. They were done with no PPE, a surgical mask, FFP3 mask (N99), and with the addition of small goggles, large vistamax goggles, vistamax plus a face shield, and only a face shield. The measurements were repeated with rings of 5 mm increments. We also measured the "eye relief" of the microscope which is the ideal distance for maximum field of view. RESULTS: There was no major reduction of the field with the surgical or FFP3 mask. But even simple goggles reduced the field up to 31.6% and there were progressive reductions of up to 75.7% with large goggles, 76.8% when a face shield was added, and 61.9% when only face shield was used. The distance rings more than 5 mm also affected the field of view.The eye relief of our eyepiece was found to be 15 mm. CONCLUSION: The current PPE eye protection is not compatible with the use of a microscope. There is scope for research into better eye protection. Mitigation strategies including barrier drapes and alternative techniques such as endoscopic surgery or use of exoscopes should also be considered.

Eosinophilic folliculitis due to wearing protective gear in citizens volunteering for sanitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic - an original epidemiological, clinical, dermoscopic, and laboratory-based study.

BACKGROUND: An association between wearing protective gear and eosinophilic folliculitis has not been reported. We aimed to investigate such during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In three outpatient clinics, we hand-reviewed records of all patients having consulted us during a Study Period (90 days) in the early phase of the pandemic. Our inclusion criteria for Study Subjects were: (i) clear clinical diagnosis, (ii) dermoscopic confirmation, (iii) differential diagnoses excluded, (iv) eosinophilia, (v) protective gear worn during sanitation services, (vi) temporal correlation, (vii) distributional correlation, (viii) physician-assessed association, and (ix) patient-assessed association. Control Periods in the same season were elected. RESULTS: Twenty-five study subjects fulfilled all inclusion criteria. The incidence was significantly higher than in the control periods (IR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.79-7.43). Male predominance was significant (P < 0.001). Such for patients in the control periods were insignificant. Study subjects were 21.2 (95% CI: 11.0-31.4) years younger than patients in the control periods. For the study subjects, the distribution of erythematous or skin-colored folliculocentric dome-shaped papules and pustules were all compatible with body parts covered by the gear. Lesional biopsy performed on two patients revealed eosinophilic dermal infiltrates within and around the pilosebaceous units. Polarized dermoscopy revealed folliculitis with peri-/interfollicular vascular proliferation. Lesion onsets were 6.4 (SD: 2.1) days after wearing gear. Remissions were 16.7 (SD: 7.5) days after ceasing to wear gear and treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Wearing protective gear in volunteered sanitizing works could be associated with eosinophilic folliculitis. Owing to the significant temporal and distributional correlations, the association might be causal.

[Urgent recommendation protective measures of West China Hospital for medical personnel to prevent device related pressure injuries in 2019-nCoV epidemic situation].

At present, the 2019-nCoV epidemic situation is in severe and complex period. In order to prevent the virus from invading and infecting, it is very important and urgent for medical personnel to protect themselves. However, in the process of using protective equipment by medical personnel, the performance of device related pressure injuries (DRPI) caused by pain, numbness, redness, and even breakage caused by the equipment has seriously endangered the health of medical personnel. This article, based on Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Quick Reference Guide 2019, references, and clinical experiences of wound specialists in West China Hospital of Sichuan University, summarize the preventive and protective measures of West China Hospital for medical personnel to prevent DRPI, so as to provide clinical preventive measurements for medical personnel.

Challenges of COVID-19 pandemic for dermatology.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new coronavirus responsible for the pandemic named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease causes SARS with a significant morbidity and mortality. We provide a review with a focus on COVID-19 in dermatology. We discuss triage of suspected infectious patients, protection of medical doctors and nurses. We discuss the available data on cutaneous symptoms, although disease-specific symptoms have yet not been observed. COVID-19 is a challenge for the treatment of dermatologic patients, either with severe inflammatory disorders or with skin cancer. The consequences for systemic treatment are obvious but it will be most important to collect the clinical data for a better decision process. Last but not least, education in dermatology for students will not be temporarily possible in the classical settings. COVID-19, although not a skin disease, by itself has an immense impact on dermatology.

Effect of surgical radiation personal protective equipment on EMG-based measures of back and shoulder muscle fatigue: A laboratory study of novices.

Interventional radiologists are at increased risk for musculoskeletal discomfort/disorders and this has been linked to the use of radiation personal protective equipment (rPPE). This study examined the effects of rPPE on the development of fatigue of the erector spinae and trapezius muscles. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to capture muscle activity, and both time domain (average rectified value) and frequency domain (median frequency) measures were considered in the assessment of localized muscle fatigue. Sixteen participants performed a simulated surgical procedure requiring intermittent 30° flexed static trunk posture with and without rPPE on separate days. The results showed that the rPPE condition demonstrated significantly greater (p < 0.05) downward shift in median frequency in the left lumbar erector spinae and left lower thoracic erector spinae consistent with task-induced localized muscle fatigue. Ergonomic intervention strategies are discussed.