Assessment of a Pilot Program for Remote Support on Mental Health for Young Physicians in Rural Settings in Peru: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine-based interventions show promise in addressing mental health issues among rural populations, yet evidence regarding their impact among the health care workforce in these contexts remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and the responses and perceptions of recently graduated physicians who work in rural areas of Peru as part of the Servicio Rural Urbano Marginal en Salud (Rural-Urban Marginal Health Service [SERUMS], in Spanish) toward a telehealth intervention to provide remote orientation and accompaniment in mental health. METHODS: A mixed methods study was carried out involving physicians who graduated from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and participated in the Mental Health Accompaniment Program (MHAP) from August 2022 to February 2023. This program included the assessment of mental health conditions via online forms, the dissemination of informational materials through a website, and, for those with moderate or high levels of mental health issues, the provision of personalized follow-up by trained personnel. Quantitative analysis explored the mental health issues identified among physicians, while qualitative analysis, using semistructured interviews, examined their perceptions of the services provided. RESULTS: Of 75 physicians initially enrolled to the MHAP, 30 (41.6%) opted to undergo assessment and use the services. The average age of the participants was 26.8 (SD 1.9) years, with 17 (56.7%) being female. About 11 (36.7%) reported have current or previous mental health issues, 17 (56.7%) indicating some level of depression, 14 (46.7%) indicated some level of anxiety, 5 (16.6%) presenting a suicidal risk, and 2 (6.7%) attempted suicide during the program. Physicians who did not use the program services reported a lack of advertising and related information, reliance on personal mental health resources, or neglect of symptoms. Those who used the program expressed a positive perception regarding the services, including evaluation and follow-up, although some faced challenges accessing the website. CONCLUSIONS: The MHAP has been effective in identifying and managing mental health problems among SERUMS physicians in rural Peru, although it faced challenges related to access and participation. The importance of mental health interventions in this context is highlighted, with recommendations to improve accessibility and promote self-care among participants.

Patient Engagement With and Perceptions of the COVIDA Project, a Volunteer-Led Telemonitoring and Teleorientation Service for COVID-19 Community Management: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic in Peru, the COVIDA (Collaboration Network of Volunteer Brigade Members for the Investigation, Detection, and Primary Management of Community Cases Affected by COVID-19) project proposed an innovative way to provide telemonitoring and teleorientation to COVID-19 patients, led by health care student volunteers. However, it has not been described how this interaction is perceived from the patient's perspective and which factors increase their engagement with this service. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the perceptions of patients about COVIDA and identify factors associated with their engagement with this service. METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted to evaluate perceptions of patients that participated in the COVIDA project. This telehealth intervention organized by the National University of San Marcos was implemented in Peru from August to December 2020. The service involved daily phone calls by volunteer students to monitor registered COVID-19 patients until the completion of the 14th day of the illness or if a warning sign was identified. The volunteers also provided teleorientation to address the patients' needs and concerns. Quantitative analysis was performed to describe the characteristics of the patients and to assess the factors related to their engagement with the service, which was defined by the percentage of participants who completed the follow-up according to their individual schedule. Qualitative analysis through semistructured interviews evaluated the patients' perceptions of the service regarding the aspects of communication, interaction, and technology. RESULTS: Of the 770 patients enrolled in COVIDA, 422 (55.7%) were female; the median age was 39 (IQR 28-52) years. During the monitoring, 380 patients (49.4%) developed symptoms, and 471 (61.2%) showed warning signs of COVID-19. The overall median for engagement was 93% (IQR 35.7%-100%). Among those patients who did not develop warning signs, engagement was associated with the presence of symptoms (OR 3.04, 95% CI 2.22-4.17), a positive COVID-19 test at the start of follow-up (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.48-2.61), and the presence of comorbidities (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.29-2.59). Patients reported that the volunteers provided clear and valuable information and emotional support. Communication via phone calls took place smoothly and without interruptions. CONCLUSIONS: COVIDA represents a well-accepted and well-perceived alternative model for student volunteers to provide telemonitoring, teleorientation, and emotional support to patients with COVID-19 in the context of overwhelmed demand for health care services. The deployment of this kind of intervention should be prioritized among patients with symptoms and comorbidities, as they show more engagement with these services.

Self-Administered Interventions Based on Natural Language Processing Models for Reducing Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of natural language processing (NLP) technologies has significantly enhanced the potential of self-administered interventions for treating anxiety and depression by improving human-computer interactions. Although these advances, particularly in complex models such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), are highly promising, robust evidence validating the effectiveness of the interventions remains sparse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether self-administered interventions based on NLP models can reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to November 3, 2023. We included studies with participants of any age diagnosed with depression or anxiety through professional consultation or validated psychometric instruments. Interventions had to be self-administered and based on NLP models, with passive or active comparators. Outcomes measured included depressive and anxiety symptom scores. We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies but excluded narrative, systematic, and scoping reviews. Data extraction was performed independently by pairs of authors using a predefined form. Meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and random effects models to account for heterogeneity. RESULTS: In all, 21 articles were selected for review, of which 76% (16/21) were included in the meta-analysis for each outcome. Most of the studies (16/21, 76%) were recent (2020-2023), with interventions being mostly AI-based NLP models (11/21, 52%); most (19/21, 90%) delivered some form of therapy (primarily cognitive behavioral therapy: 16/19, 84%). The overall meta-analysis showed that self-administered interventions based on NLP models were significantly more effective in reducing both depressive (SMD 0.819, 95% CI 0.389-1.250; P<.001) and anxiety (SMD 0.272, 95% CI 0.116-0.428; P=.001) symptoms compared to various control conditions. Subgroup analysis indicated that AI-based NLP models were effective in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD 0.821, 95% CI 0.207-1.436; P<.001) compared to pooled control conditions. Rule-based NLP models showed effectiveness in reducing both depressive (SMD 0.854, 95% CI 0.172-1.537; P=.01) and anxiety (SMD 0.347, 95% CI 0.116-0.578; P=.003) symptoms. The meta-regression showed no significant association between participants' mean age and treatment outcomes (all P>.05). Although the findings were positive, the overall certainty of evidence was very low, mainly due to a high risk of bias, heterogeneity, and potential publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the effectiveness of self-administered NLP-based interventions in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms, highlighting their potential to increase accessibility to, and reduce costs in, mental health care. Although the results were encouraging, the certainty of evidence was low, underscoring the need for further high-quality randomized controlled trials and studies examining implementation and usability. These interventions could become valuable components of public health strategies to address mental health issues. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023472120; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023472120.

Immersive Virtual Reality Use in Medical Intensive Care: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising therapy to improve the experience of patients with critical illness and may help avoid postdischarge functional impairments. However, the determinants of interest and usability may vary locally and reports of uptake in the literature are variable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this mixed methods feasibility study was to assess the acceptability and potential utility of immersive VR in critically ill patients at a single institution. METHODS: Adults without delirium who were admitted to 1 of 2 intensive care units were offered the opportunity to participate in 5-15 minutes of immersive VR delivered by a VR headset. Patient vital signs, heart rate variability, mood, and pain were assessed before and after the VR experience. Pre-post comparisons were performed using paired 2-sided t tests. A semistructured interview was administered after the VR experience. Patient descriptions of the experience, issues, and potential uses were summarized with thematic analysis. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients offered the chance to participate, 20 (57%) agreed to partake in the immersive VR experience, with no difference in participation rate by age. Improvements were observed in overall mood (mean difference 1.8 points, 95% CI 0.6-3.0; P=.002), anxiety (difference of 1.7 points, 95% CI 0.8-2.7; P=.001), and pain (difference of 1.3 points, 95% CI 0.5-2.1; P=.003) assessed on 1-10 scales. The heart rate changed by a mean of -1.1 (95% CI -0.3 to -1.9; P=.008) beats per minute (bpm) from a baseline of 86.1 (SD 11.8) bpm and heart rate variability, assessed by the stress index (SI), changed by a mean of -5.0 (95% CI -1.5 to -8.5; P=.004) seconds-2 from a baseline SI of 40.0 (SD 23) seconds-2. Patients commented on the potential for the therapy to address pain, lessen anxiety, and facilitate calmness. Technical challenges were minimal and there were no adverse effects observed. CONCLUSIONS: Patient acceptance of immersive VR was high in a mostly medical intensive care population with little prior VR experience. Patients commented on the potential of immersive VR to ameliorate cognitive and emotional symptoms. Investigators can consider integrating minimally modified commercial VR headsets into the existing intensive care unit workflow to further assess VR's efficacy for a variety of endpoints.

Telemedicine Applications for Cancer Rehabilitation: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a significant public health issue worldwide. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy often cause psychological and physiological side effects, affecting patients' ability to function and their quality of life (QoL). Physical activity is crucial to cancer rehabilitation, improving physical function and QoL and reducing cancer-related fatigue. However, many patients face barriers to accessing cancer rehabilitation due to socioeconomic factors, transportation issues, and time constraints. Telerehabilitation can potentially overcome these barriers by delivering rehabilitation remotely. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify how telemedicine is used for the rehabilitation of patients with cancer. METHODS: This scoping review followed recognized frameworks. We conducted an electronic literature search on PubMed for studies published between January 2015 and May 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting physical therapy telerehabilitation interventions for patients with cancer, including randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, feasibility studies, and usability studies. In total, 21 studies met the criteria and were included in the final review. RESULTS: Our search yielded 37 papers, with 21 included in the final review. Randomized controlled trials comprised 47% (n=10) of the studies, with feasibility studies at 33% (n=7) and usability studies at 19% (n=4). Sample sizes were typically 50 or fewer participants in 57% (n=12) of the reports. Participants were generally aged 65 years or younger (n=17, 81%), with a balanced gender distribution. Organ-specific cancers were the focus of 66% (n=14) of the papers, while 28% (n=6) included patients who were in the posttreatment period. Web-based systems were the most used technology (n=13, 61%), followed by phone call or SMS text messaging-based systems (n=9, 42%) and mobile apps (n=5, 23%). Exercise programs were mainly home based (n=19, 90%) and included aerobic (n=19, 90%), resistance (n=13, 61%), and flexibility training (n=7, 33%). Outcomes included improvements in functional capacity, cognitive functioning, and QoL (n=10, 47%); reductions in pain and hospital length of stay; and enhancements in fatigue, physical and emotional well-being, and anxiety. Positive effects on feasibility (n=3, 14%), acceptability (n=8, 38%), and cost-effectiveness (n=2, 9%) were also noted. Functional outcomes were frequently assessed (n=19, 71%) with tools like the 6-minute walk test and grip strength tests. CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation for patients with cancer is beneficial and feasible, with diverse approaches in study design, technologies, exercises, and outcomes. Future research should focus on developing standardized methodologies, incorporating objective measures, and exploring emerging technologies like virtual reality, wearable or noncontact sensors, and artificial intelligence to optimize telerehabilitation interventions. Addressing these areas can enhance clinical practice and improve outcomes for remote rehabilitation with patients.

Immersive Technologies for Depression Care: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Depression significantly impacts quality of life, affecting approximately 280 million people worldwide. However, only 16.5% of those affected receive treatment, indicating a substantial treatment gap. Immersive technologies (IMTs) such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality offer new avenues for treating depression by creating immersive environments for therapeutic interventions. Despite their potential, significant gaps exist in the current evidence regarding the design, implementation, and use of IMTs for depression care. OBJECTIVE: We aim to map the available evidence on IMT interventions targeting depression treatment. METHODS: This scoping review followed a methodological framework, and we systematically searched databases for studies on IMTs and depression. The focus was on randomized clinical trials involving adults and using IMTs. The selection and charting process involved multiple reviewers to minimize bias. RESULTS: The search identified 16 peer-reviewed articles, predominantly from Europe (n=10, 63%), with a notable emphasis on Poland (n=9, 56%), which contributed to more than half of the articles. Most of the studies (9/16, 56%) were conducted between 2020 and 2021. Regarding participant demographics, of the 16 articles, 5 (31%) exclusively involved female participants, and 7 (44%) featured participants whose mean or median age was >60 years. Regarding technical aspects, all studies focused on VR, with most using stand-alone VR headsets (14/16, 88%), and interventions typically ranging from 2 to 8 weeks, predominantly in hospital settings (11/16, 69%). Only 2 (13%) of the 16 studies mentioned using a specific VR design framework in planning their interventions. The most frequently used therapeutic approach was Ericksonian psychotherapy, used in 56% (9/16) of the studies. Notably, none of the articles reported using an implementation framework or identified barriers and enablers to implementation. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review highlights the growing interest in using IMTs, particularly VR, for depression treatment but emphasizes the need for more inclusive and comprehensive research. Future studies should explore varied therapeutic approaches and cost-effectiveness as well as the inclusion of augmented reality to fully realize the potential of IMTs in mental health care.

Profiles of depressive symptoms in Peru: An 8-year analysis in population-based surveys.

Background Profiles of depressive symptoms have been described due to heterogeneity in symptomatology and presentation. In our study, we estimate depressive symptom profiles and relate these symptom profiles to risk factors in the Peruvian population. Methods We carried out an observational study based on the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (2014-2022). Men and women aged 15 years and older living in urban and rural areas in all regions of Peru were included. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to define depressive symptom profiles. We estimated latent class models to define the profiles and performed a Poisson regression analysis to determine the associated factors. Results A total of 259,655 participants were included. The three-class model was found to be the most appropriate, and the classes were defined according to the severity of depressive symptoms (moderate-severe symptoms, mild symptoms, and without depressive symptoms). Also, it was found that the three classes identified have not changed during the years of evaluations, presenting very similar prevalence over the years. In addition, women are more likely than men to belong to a class with more severe depressive symptoms; and the older the age, the higher the probability of belonging to a class with greater severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusions Our study found that at the population level in Peru, depressive symptoms are grouped into three classes according to the intensity of the symptomatology present (no symptoms, mild symptoms and moderate-severe symptoms).

Sustainable volume sweep imaging lung teleultrasound in Peru: Public health perspectives from a new frontier in expanding access to imaging.

Background: Pulmonary disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality, but the majority of the people in the world lack access to diagnostic imaging for its assessment. We conducted an implementation assessment of a potentially sustainable and cost-effective model for delivery of volume sweep imaging (VSI) lung teleultrasound in Peru. This model allows image acquisition by individuals without prior ultrasound experience after only a few hours of training. Methods: Lung teleultrasound was implemented at 5 sites in rural Peru after a few hours of installation and staff training. Patients were offered free lung VSI teleultrasound examination for concerns of respiratory illness or research purposes. After ultrasound examination, patients were surveyed regarding their experience. Health staff and members of the implementation team also participated in separate interviews detailing their views of the teleultrasound system which were systematically analyzed for key themes. Results: Patients and staff rated their experience with lung teleultrasound as overwhelmingly positive. The lung teleultrasound system was viewed as a potential way to improve access to imaging and the health of rural communities. Detailed interviews with the implementation team revealed obstacles to implementation important for consideration such as gaps in lung ultrasound understanding. Conclusions: Lung VSI teleultrasound was successfully deployed to 5 health centers in rural Peru. Implementation assessment revealed enthusiasm for the system among members of the community along with important areas of consideration for future teleultrasound deployment. This system offers a potential means to increase access to imaging for pulmonary illness and improve the health of the global community.

Hematoma espontáneo de la vaina de los rectos en paciente con COVID-19 y leucemia mieloide crónica. Reporte de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura

Introducción: El hematoma de la vaina de los rectos es poco frecuente. En este reporte se presenta un caso clínico de este cuadro en un paciente con neumonía por COVID-19 y leucemia mieloide crónica, junto con una revisión de literatura. Caso Clínico: Paciente masculino de 55 años, hospitalizado por neumonía por COVID-19 y leucemia mieloide crónica, presenta taquicardia, hipotensión y aumento de volumen abdominal asimétrico. En la tomografía computarizada se evidencia un hematoma de la vaina de los rectos. Se realiza drenaje quirúrgico y control del sangrado. No presentó complicaciones postoperatorias ni necesidad de reoperación. Discusión: Las complicaciones hemorrágicas en pacientes con COVID-19 están poco descritas. El sangrado es una posible complicación en pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica. Es relevante tener en cuenta el hematoma de la vaina de los rectos en pacientes con COVID-19 y/o leucemia mieloide crónica que presenten aumento de volumen abdominal, para un manejo precoz por un equipo multidisciplinario. Conclusión: La vigilancia activa y el alto índice de sospecha son clave para identificar posibles complicaciones hemorrágicas en pacientes con COVID-19 y/o leucemia mieloide crónica.

Introduction: Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare entity. This report presents a clinical case of a rectus sheath hematoma in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia and chronic myeloid leukemia, along with a review of the literature. Case Report: A 55-year-old male patient, hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia and chronic myeloid leukemia, presents with tachycardia and hypotension. Computed tomography shows a rectus sheath hematoma. Surgical management was performed to control bleeding and drainage of the hematoma. There were no postoperative complications or need for reoperation. Discussion: Hemorrhagic complications in patients with COVID-19 are seldomly reported. Bleeding is a possible complication in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. It is important to take into account rectus sheath hematoma in patients with COVID-19 and/or chronic myeloid leukemia who present with abdominal pain, for early management by a multidisciplinary team. Conclusion: Active surveillance and a high index of suspicion are key to identifying potential bleeding complications in patients with COVID-19 and/or chronic myeloid leukemia.

Estimated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and treatment of depressive symptoms in Peru: an interrupted time series analysis in 2014-2021.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the burden of mental disorders worldwide. Peru has been one of the countries most affected by COVID-19, however, studies evaluating the medium and long-term consequences of the pandemic on Peruvians' mental health are recent and represent a new field of study in proliferation. We aimed to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and treatment of depressive symptoms using nationally representative surveys in Peru. METHODS: Our study is an analysis of secondary data. We carried out a time series cross-sectional analysis based on the National Demographic and Health Survey of Peru, collected using a complex sampling design. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure mild (5-9 points), moderate (10-14 points), and severe (15 points or more) depressive symptoms. The participants were men and women aged 15 years and older, living in urban and rural areas of all regions of Peru. The main statistical analysis used segmented regression with Newey-West standard errors, taking into account that each year of the evaluation was divided into four measures (quarter measure). RESULTS: We included 259,516 participants. An average quarterly increase of 0.17% (95% CI 0.03-0.32%) in the prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms was identified after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (approximately an increase of 1583 new cases of moderate depressive symptoms by each quarter). The percentage of cases treated for mild depressive symptoms increased quarterly by an average of 0.46% (95% CI 0.20-0.71%) after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (approximately an increase of 1242 new cases treated for mild depressive symptoms by each quarter). CONCLUSION: In Peru, increases in the prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms and the proportion of cases treated with mild depressive symptoms were found after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study is a precedent for future research assessing the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the proportion of cases receiving treatment during the pandemic and post-pandemic years.

Usability and perceptions of a one-on-one telementoring program for young physicians in rural settings of Peru: a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: Telementoring seems to be a promising strategy to deliver training and counselling to physicians in remote areas. In Peru, early graduated physicians must work for the Rural and Urban-Edge Health Service Program where they face important training needs. The aim of this study was to describe the usage of a one-on-one telementoring program for rural physicians and evaluate the aspects related to the perceptions of acceptability and usability. METHODS: Mixed methods study on recently graduated physicians who work in rural areas and participate in the telementoring program. The program used a mobile application to connect these young doctors with specialized mentors to answer queries about real-life problems raised by working in a rural area. We summarize administrative data to assess participant characteristics and their participation in the program. Additionally, we conducted in-depth interviews to explore the perceived usability, ease of use, and reason for non-use of the telementoring program. RESULTS: Of 74 physicians (mean age 25, 51.4% women) enrolled, 12 (16.2%) actively used the program and performed a total of 27 queries, which received response in an average time of 5.4 ± 6.3 h. In the interviews, the main reasons for non-use were connectivity issues, feelings of shame, and self-efficacy. For those who used the telementoring program they referred it was easy to use and solve their inquiries timely. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a telementoring program sought to provide guidance to recently graduated physicians working in rural areas. Low use rates show that administrative and process-related deficiencies in the program implementation need to be improved.

Neumoencéfalo, una revisión de literatura / Pneumocephalus, a literature review

El neumoencéfalo corresponde a la presencia de aire intracraneal y, en general, es asintomático y autolimitado. Puede ocurrir posterior a trauma, cirugía craneofacial, defectos congénitos, infección, neoplasia o de forma espontánea. El neumoencéfalo a tensión es una emergencia neuroquirúrgica, en la que se acumula aire intracraneal de forma continua que genera un efecto de masa. Clínicamente, se caracteriza por cefalea y un deterioro neurológico marcado. A pesar de ser poco frecuente, es relevante considerar el neumoencéfalo a tensión como una posible complicación en pacientes con antecedente de neurocirugía y/o cirugía otorrinolaringológica, debido a que es una patología potencialmente grave. El diagnóstico es clínico e imagenológico, y requiere de un alto índice de sospecha. Un manejo oportuno es relevante para prevenir la herniación y la muerte.

Pneumocephalus refers to the presence of air in the cranial cavity, and in general, is self-limited and asymptomatic. It can occur after trauma, craniofacial surgery, due to congenital defects, infection, neoplasia or spontaneously. Tension pneumocephalus is a neurosurgical emergency in which intracranial air accumulates continuously, causing a mass effect. It presents with headache and marked neurological deterioration. Despite being rare, it is relevant to consider tension pneumocephalus as a possible complication in patients with a history of neurosurgery and/or otolaryngology surgery, as it can be life-threatening. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and imagenologic confirmation. Timely management is relevant to prevent herniation and death.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of healthcare workers and the associated factors: A systematic review.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health issues in healthcare workers which in turn impacts their quality of life. Objective: This review aimed to (i) analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of healthcare professionals and (ii) identify the associated factors with quality of life. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines previously registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021253075). The searched in Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases included original articles published till May 2021. Results: We found 19 articles and 14,352 professionals in total, the median age ranged from 29 to 42.5 years and 37% of the studies used the WHOQOL-BREF instrument to assess the outcome. The report was heterogeneous, 7 studies described global scores and 9 by domains. Depression, anxiety and stress were commonly reported factors affecting professional's quality of life and this was significantly lower among professionals working with COVID-19 patients compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: COVID-19 frontline workers perceived lower quality of life, which was mainly associated with psychological states such as the aforementioned besides to working conditions like not being previously trained in COVID-19 cases. On the other hand, social support, resilience and active coping could improved their quality of life.

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha agravado los problemas de salud del personal sanitario, lo que a su vez repercute en su calidad de vida. Objetivo: Esta revisión tiene como objetivo: (a) Analizar el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en la calidad de vida de los profesionales sanitarios y (2) Identificar los factores asociados a su calidad de vida. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática utilizando las pautas PRISMA previamente registradas en PROSPERO (CRD42021253075). La búsqueda en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE y EMBASE incluyó artículos originales publicados hasta mayo de 2021. Resultados: Se encontraron 19 artículos y 14.352 profesionales en total, la mediana de edad osciló entre 29 y 42,5 años y el 37% de los estudios utilizaron el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF para evaluar el resultado. El informe fue heterogéneo, 7 estudios describieron puntuaciones globales y 9 por dominios. La depresión, la ansiedad y el estrés fueron los factores comúnmente reportados que afectan a la calidad de vida del profesional, y esta fue significativamente menor entre los profesionales que trabajan con pacientes de COVID-19 en comparación con sus homólogos. Conclusión: Los trabajadores de primera línea de COVID-19 percibieron una menor calidad de vida, que se asoció principalmente a estados psicológicos como los mencionados, además de a condiciones de trabajo como no haber recibido formación previa en casos de COVID-19. Por otro lado, el apoyo social, la resiliencia y el afrontamiento activo mejoraron su calidad de vida.

Improvement in Olfaction in Patients With CRSwNP and Severe Asthma Taking Anti-IgE and Anti-IL-5 Biologics: A Real-Life Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), which is characterized by partial loss of smell (hyposmia) or total loss of smell (anosmia), is commonly associated with asthma and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD). CRSwNP worsens disease severity and quality of life. The objective of this real-world study was to determine whether biological treatments prescribed for severe asthma can improve olfaction in patients with CRSwNP. A further objective was to compare the improvement in in olfaction in N-ERD and non-N-ERD subgroups. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective, observational study of 206 patients with severe asthma and CRSwNP undergoing biological treatment (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, or reslizumab). RESULTS: Olfaction improved after treatment with all 4 monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab [35.8%], mepolizumab [35.4%], reslizumab [35.7%], and benralizumab [39.1%]), with no differences between the groups. Olfaction was more likely to improve in patients with atopy, more frequent use of short-course systemic corticosteroids, and larger polyp size. The proportion of patients whose olfaction improved was similar between the N-ERD (37%) and non-N-ERD (35.7%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first real-world study to compare improvement in olfaction among patients undergoing long-term treatment with omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, or benralizumab for severe asthma and associated CRSwNP. Approximately 4 out of 10 patients reported a subjective improvement in olfaction (with nonsignificant differences between biologic drugs). No differences were found for improved olfaction between the N-ERD and non-N-ERD groups.

Exacerbations Among Patients With Asthma Are Largely Dependent on the Presence of Multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Comorbidities can influence asthma control and promote asthma exacerbations (AEs). However, the impact of multimorbidity in AEs, assessed based on long-term follow-up of patients with asthma of different degrees of severity, has received little attention in real-life conditions. To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and predictors of AEs in patients who had presented at least 1 AE in the previous year in the MEchanism of Genesis and Evolution of Asthma (MEGA) cohort. METHODS: The work-up included a detailed clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood counts, induced sputum, skin prick-tests, asthma questionnaires, and assessment of multimorbidity. The number of moderate-severe AEs in the preceding year was registered for each patient. RESULTS: The study population comprised 486 patients with asthma (23.7% mild, 35% moderate, 41.3% severe). Disease remained uncontrolled in 41.9%, and 47.3% presented ≥1 moderate-severe AE, with a mean (SD) annual exacerbation rate of 0.47 (0.91) vs 2.11 (2.82) in mild and severe asthma, respectively. Comorbidity was detected in 56.4% (66.6% among those with severe asthma). Bronchiectasis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, atopy, psychiatric illnesses, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were significantly associated with AEs. No associations were found for FeNO, blood eosinophils, or total serum IgE. Sputum eosinophilia and a high-T2 inflammatory pattern were significantly associated with AEs. Multivariable regression analysis showed a significant association with asthma severity, uncontrolled disease, and low prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a high frequency of AE in the MEGA cohort. This was strongly associated with multimorbidity, asthma severity, poor asthma control, airflow obstruction, higher sputum eosinophils, and a very high-T2 inflammatory pattern.