Chromosomal aberrations among Filipino health workers at the chemotherapy oncology wards/ clinics of a tertiary government hospital

Introduction. Chromosomal mutations are causal events in neoplasia development. Biomarker cytogenetic assays can determine exposure to mutagenic agents in occupational settings. This study assessed early biological marker chromosomal aberrations among health workers in the chemotherapy oncology wards/ clinics, exploring its association to the subjects\u27 occupational, environmental and baseline profile. Methods. This was an IRB approved cross-sectional exploratory study among hospital personnel working in the chemotherapy oncology facility of a tertiary government hospital, who underwent structured interview and blood extraction for cytogenetic assay after informed consent. Study funds only permitted assay of 44 specimens of 144 planned sample size, hence, Stata 6.0 only analyzed data from 44 subjects. Results. All 44 subjects had varying exposure to chemotherapy drug infusions. Of these, 79% had 1.0 breaks per cell (hypersensitive). Predominantly chromatid breaks (CTB), chromatid gaps (CTG), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were seen. No significant association was shown between mutagenic sensitivity and baseline characteristics, but with small sample size. Conclusion. 21% borderline to hypersensitive mutagenic sensitivity among oncology workers at the tertiary government hospital is relatively significant, despite small sample size, connoting a must preventive promotive practice of chemotherapy administration in the workplace

Early experience with COVID-19 patients in a private tertiary hospital in the Philippines: Implications on surge capacity, healthcare systems response, and clinical care

Background: Our healthcare institution was one of the first to see SARS CoV-2 cases in the country. We describe the early COVID-19 experience of a private hospital in the Philippines and discuss the healthcare system response in the setting of surge capacity. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of adult COVID-19 hospitalized patients admitted in March 2020. We reported their demographic and clinical characteristics using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 40 patients admitted, 23 (57.5%) were male and 19 (47.5%) were aged <60 years. Most (n = 27, 67.5%) had moderate-risk, 9 (22.5%) had high-risk, and 4 (10%) had low-risk COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 testing took 5.5 (range 1–10) days. Overall mortality rate was 6/40 (15.0%). Clinical cure was documented in all low-risk patients, 25 (92.6%) moderate-risk patients, and only 1 (11.1%) high-risk patient. In response to the surge, the hospital rapidly introduced one-way traffic systems, dedicated screening, triage and Emergency Department areas for COVID-19, a clinical pathway, engineering controls, patient cohorting, and strict infection prevention and control measures. Conclusion: Majority of patients recovered from COVID-19. Older age and high-risk pneumonia were associated with poor outcomes. Adaptations to hospital structure and staff were quickly made in response to surge capacity, although our response was hampered by prolonged time to COVID-19 confirmation. Our study underscores the urgent need for rapid adaptive response by the healthcare system to address the surge of cases