Preventing SARS-CoV-2 In-Hospital Infections in Cardiovascular Patients and Medical Staff: An Observational Study From the German Heart Center Berlin

Abstract

Objective: COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Preventing in-hospital infections is crucial to protect patients and hospital staff.Methods: At the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the German Heart Center initiated obligatory wearing of surgical face masks for patients and employees, SARS-CoV-2 screening for all patients, and symptom-based testing for employees. In addition, access restriction, closure of outpatient departments, and postponing non-urgent procedures were implemented with community-initiated regulations.Results: During the observation period (03/16/2020–04/27/2020), 1,128 SARS-CoV-2 tests were performed in 983 persons (1.1 tests/person; 589 in patients and 394 in hospital employees). Up to 60% of the clinical workforce was tested based on symptoms and risk (62.5% symptoms, 19.3% direct or indirect contact to known COVID-19, 4.5% returnee from risk area, 13.7% without specific reason). Patient testing for SARS-CoV-2 was obligatory (100% tested). The overall prevalence of positive tests during the observation period was 0.4% (n = 5 out of 1,128 tests performed). The incidence of new infections with SARS-CoV-2 was 0.5% (n = 5 out of 983 individuals; three healthcare workers, two patients). No nosocominal infections occurred, despite a mean number of 14.8 in-hospital contacts.Conclusion: Comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 testing and surgical face masks for patients and hospital staff, in addition to others measures, are key factors for the early detection of COVID-19 and to prevent spreading in the vulnerable hospital population.

Status epilepticus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cologne, Germany: data from a retrospective, multicentre registry

“…None of the SE patients developed a SARS-CoV-2 infection during the inpatient stay. Similar results were reported in an observational study from the German Heart Center in Berlin, in which 589 patients and 394 hospital employees were assessed for SARS-CoV-2 infections via PCR-testing, resulting in no nosocomial-acquired infection [ 37 ]. This effect is likely due to rigorous PCR screening of all patients for SARS-CoV-2.…”

Handlungsempfehlungen für SARS-CoV-2-Testkonzepte für asymptomatische Beschäftigte im Gesundheitswesen

“…In ihrer Untersuchung mittels umfassender SARS-CoV-2-PCR-Tests unter mehr als 1000 Beschäftigten bestätigten Schöppenthau et al. [ 24 ] deren Schlüsselrolle zur Früherkennung von Infektionen unter HCWs und zur Verhinderung einer weiteren Ausbreitung. Testungen gehören nach den Autor*innen zusammen mit dem konsequenten Einsatz von Schutzmasken für Personal und Patient*innen zu den wirksamsten Schutzmaßnahmen.…”