Objective During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the N95 mask is an essential piece of protective equipment for healthcare workers. However, the N95 mask may inhibit air exchange and odor penetration. Our study aimed to determine whether the use of N95 masks affects the odor discrimination ability of healthcare workers. Methods In our study, all the participants were asked to complete three olfactory tests. Each test involved 12 different odors. The participants completed the test while wearing an N95 mask, a surgical mask, and no mask. The score for each olfactory test was documented. Results The olfactory test score was significantly lower when the participants wore N95 masks than when they did not wear a mask (7 vs. 10, p < 0.01). The score was also lower when the participants wore N95 masks than surgical masks (7 vs. 8, p < 0.01). Conclusion Wearing N95 masks decreases the odor discrimination ability of healthcare workers. Therefore, we suggest that healthcare workers seek other clues when diagnosing disease with a characteristic odor.
Background To investigate the clinical characteristics of 21 death cases and evaluate potential factors of disease severity and mortality risk in COVID-19. Methods Retrospective analysis was used to study the clinical data of 21 death cases with COVID-19. The assessment of disease severity and mortality risk were conducted by APACHE II, SOFA, MuLBSTA and PSI scores. Results The age was 66±14 years-old and 15 (71.4%) were men. 16 (76.2%) patients had chronic medical illnesses. 12 (57.1%) patients were overweight. Decreased lymphocytes were observed in 17 (81.0%) patients on admission. Elevated D-dimer levels were noticed in 11 (52.4%) patients and increased much more when pneumonia deteriorated. The initial APACHE II and SOFA scores demonstrated 18 (85.7%) and 13 (61.9%) patients in middle-risk levels, respectively. MuLBSTA and PSI scores after admission showed high-risk mortality in 13 (61.9%) patients. Most patients developed sequent organ failure and finally caused death. Conclusion Older, male, overweight patients, combined with chronic medical histories, continuous decreased lymphocyte proportion and increased D-dimer might have a higher risk of death. The combination of general scoring (SOFA) and pneumonia specific scoring (MuLBSTA and PSI) after admission might be more sensitive to assess the mortality risk for critical patients in COVID-19.
Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of 21 deaths and evaluate potential factors affecting disease severity and mortality risk in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: This retrospective analysis assessed clinical data of 21 patients who died owing to COVID-19. Disease severity and mortality risk were assessed using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II); Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA); multilobular infiltration, hypo-lymphocytosis, bacterial coinfection, smoking history, hypertension and age (MuLBSTA); and pneumonia severity index (PSI) scores. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66 ± 14 years and 15 (71.4%) patients were men. Sixteen (76.2%) patients had chronic medical illnesses. Twelve (57.1%) patients were overweight. Decreased lymphocyte proportions were observed in 17 (81.0%) patients on admission. Elevated D-dimer levels were observed in 11 (52.4%) patients, and the levels significantly increased when pneumonia deteriorated. The initial APACHE II and SOFA scores demonstrated that 18 (85.7%) and 13 (61.9%) patients, respectively, were in the middle-risk level. MuLBSTA and PSI scores after admission were associated with higher risks of mortality in 13 (61.9%) patients. Most patients developed organ failure and subsequently died. Conclusions: Older, overweight, male patients with a history of chronic illnesses and continuously decreased lymphocyte proportions and increased D-dimer levels might have higher risks of death owing to COVID-19. The combination of general scoring (SOFA) and pneumonia-specific scoring (MuLBSTA and PSI) systems after admission might be sensitive in assessing the mortality risk of patients with COVID-19 who are in critical condition.
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