Introduction and Objectives: Lenalidomide is considered a standard of care in multiple myeloma (MM) Some MM patients will develop delayed hypersensitivity to lenalidomide, which can lead to treatment discontinuation. Desensitization to lenalidomide can help these patients to complete treatment courses. Here, we aimed to review lenalidomide-treated MM patients who developed delayed hypersensitivity-induced rash and were treated with desensitization.Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical files of MM patients, who were desensitized to lenalidomide due to delayed hypersensitivity rash. Patients were treated between 2018 and 2022 at
Background
During the corona virus disease (COVID-19) epidemic, many healthcare workers (HCWs) were exposed to infected persons, leading to suspension from work. We describe a dynamic response to exposures of HCWs at the Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, to minimize the need for suspension from work.
Methods
We performed an epidemiological investigation following each exposure to a newly diagnosed COVID-19 patient or HCW; close contacts were suspended from work. During the course of the epidemic, we adjusted our isolation criteria according to the timing of exposure related to symptoms onset, use of personal protective equipment and duration of exposure. In parallel, we introduced universal masking and performed periodic SARS-CoV-2 screening for all hospital personnel. We analyzed the number of HCWs suspended weekly from work and those who subsequently acquired infection.
Results
In the 51 investigations conducted during March-May 2020, we interviewed 1095 HCWs and suspended 400 (37%) from work, most of them, 251 (63%), during the first two weeks of the outbreak. The median duration of exposure was 30 minutes (IQR, 15-120). Only 5/400 (1.3%) developed infection, all in the first two weeks of the epidemic. After introduction of universal masking and despite loosening the isolation criteria, none of the exposed HCWs developed COVID-19.
Conclusions
Relatively short exposures of HCWs, even if only either the worker or the patient wore a mask, probably poses a very low risk for infection. This allows us to perform strict follow-up of exposed HCWs in these exposures, combined with repeated testing, instead of suspension from work.
A 49-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with acute onset of painful swelling in the left breast. An unusual diagnosis of breast abscess was made using ultrasound scan, incision and drainage were performed followed by antibiotics, with full recovery.
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