2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
The SMW articles published 2020 sorted by number of citations are listed here.
Articles from our partner journals are listed here.
Klasen JM, Bingisser R, Meienberg A, Bogie B
Harnessing unique experiences to build competence: Medical student engagement in frontline care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Swiss Med Wkly. 2021;151:w20480
As countries experience subsequent pandemic waves and identified variants of SARS-CoV-2, the lessons learned from the current interventions may help guide medical education leaders across the globe in their decisions concerning how to promote medical student engagement in frontline care during a continuing public health crisis.
Thiabaud A, Iten A, Balmelli C, Senn L, Troillet N, Widmer A, et al.
Cohort profile: SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 hospitalised patients in Switzerland
Swiss Med Wkly. 2021;151:w20475
In cooperation with the Federal Office of Public Health, a surveillance database was set up in February 2020 to monitor hospitalised patients with COVID-19, in addition to their mandatory reporting system. The surveillance system has been successfully initiated and provides a robust set of data for Switzerland by including about 80% (compared with official statistics) of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 hospitalised patients, with similar age and comorbidity distributions. It adds detailed information on the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical course of these cases and, therefore, is a valuable addition to the existing mandatory reporting.
Gonçalves LC, Baggio S, Weber M, Gétaz L, Wolff H, Singh J, et al.
COVID-19 Inmate Risk Appraisal (CIRA): development and validation of a screening tool to assess COVID-19 vulnerability in prisons
Swiss Med Wkly. 2021;151:w20471
Although medical doctors make evaluations of COVID-19 mortality risk in certain custodial settings, there is no available tool to quantify prisoners’ vulnerability and classify them into risk categories. To address this gap and assist custodial staff taking early measures to protect detained persons, the present study collected data from the two largest prisons in Switzerland to develop a screening tool to identify prisoners at increased mortality risk and to classify them in risk categories and to test its validity when compared with national recommendations and clinical evaluation of COVID-19 vulnerability.
Baggio S, Samer C, Agoristas T, Calmy A, Jacquerioz F, Gayet-Ageron A, et al.
Co-medications administered with hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 inpatients: prevalence and ethical implications
From the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the off-label use of hydroxychloroquine to treat severe COVID-19 has been widely debated.
Op-ed
Wanner P.
A precise measure of the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on life expectancy: regional differences in Switzerland
The very sharp decrease in the average lifespan observed in two regions reflects an unfavourable health situation. The life expectancy at the age of 65 years observed at the end of March 2020 in Ticino corresponded to the average life expectancy observed in Switzerland forty years ago.
Op-ed
Seiler K, Tschan MPP
Autophagy and coronavirus infection – a Trojan horse or Achilles heel?
Swiss Med Wkly. 2021;151:w20468
Many of the more promising compounds currently investigated in clinical trials are autophagy modulators, thus substantiating the need for an understanding of how coronaviruses interact with and utilise components of the autophagy pathway.
Delaloye JR, Vernez D, Suarez G, de Courten D, Zingg W, Perret V, et al.
Distribution of low quality filtering facepiece respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic: an independent analysis of the situation in Switzerland
Swiss Med Wkly. 2021;151:w20459
The demand for FFP respirators exceeded the supply capacity from established suppliers of the Swiss market. New production and import channels emerged, as did the number of poor-quality FFP respirators. FFP respirators remaining in stocks should be checked for conformity before being used, or eliminated and replaced if quality does not meet standards.
Eberli FR, Kurz D
Cardiovascular aspects of COVID-19
Tessitore E, Meyer P
COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease: what have we learned?
Vernaz N, Agoritsas T, Calmy A, Gayet-Ageron A, Gold G, Perrier A, Picard F, Prendki V, Reny JL, Samer C, Stirnemann J, Vetter P, Zanella MC, Zekry D, Baggio S
Early experimental COVID-19 therapies: associations with length of hospital stay, mortality and related costs
Immer F, Benden C, Elmer A, Krügel N, Nyfeler S, Nebiker M, Wilhlem M, Hirzel C, National Committee for Organ Donation (CNDO), Medical Committee (CM) and Swisstransplant Infectious Diseases Working Group (STAI)
In the eye of the hurricane: the Swiss COVID-19 pandemic stepwise shutdown approach in organ donation and transplantation
Benden C, Haile S, Kruegel N, Beyeler F, Aubert JD, Binet I, Golshayan D, Hadaya K, Mueller T, Parvex P, Immer F
SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 in patients on the Swiss national transplant waiting list
Perrin N, Iglesias JF, Rey F, Benzakour L, Cimci M, Noble S, Degrauwe S, Tessitore E, Mach F, Roffi M
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute coronary syndromes
Salathé M, Althaus C, Anderegg N, Antonioli D, Ballouz T, Bugnon E, Čapkun S, Jackson D, Kim SI, Larus J, Low N, Lueks W, Menges D, Moullet C, Payer M, Riou J, Stadler T, Troncoso C, Vayena E, von Wyl V
Early evidence of effectiveness of digital contact tracing for SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20457
Chatzimanolakis M, Weber P, Arampatzis G, Wälchli D, Kičić I, Karnakov P, Papadimitriou C, Koumoutsakos P
Optimal allocation of limited test resources for the quantification of COVID-19 infections
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20445
Haag C, Höglinger M, Moser A, Hämmig O, Puhan M, von Wyl V
Social mixing and risk exposures for SARS-CoV-2 infections in elderly persons
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20416
Manríquez Roa T, Biller-Andorno N
Going first: the ethics of vaccine self-experimentation in coronavirus times
Nordmann P, Poirel L, Frey J
Crisis of emerging antibiotic resistances mirroring that of the COVID-19 in the age of globalisation
Staub K, Rühli F, loris J
The “Pandemic Gap” in Switzerland across the 20th century and the necessity of increased science communication of past pandemic experiences
Communication is a crucial element in preparedness for and control of health emergencies and includes communication not only with particular stakeholder groups but also with the general public. Both points call for more active science communication and for the active establishment of communication channels between science and authorities at different levels.
Nehme M, Stringhini S, Guessous I, SEROCoV-POP study team
Perceptions of immunity and vaccination certificates among the general population: a nested study within a serosurvey of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (SEROCoV-POP)
Forni R, Besana T, Amitrano A, Voinea C, Ogna A
Ventilatory weaning and early rehabilitation in COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: the experience at Locarno hospital, canton of Ticino, Switzerland
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20397
Suter P, Pargger H
Strong second COVID-19 wave calls for a second look at ICU triage guidelines
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20407
Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences
COVID-19 pandemic: triage for intensive-care treatment under resource scarcity (3rd, updated version)
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20401
Othenin-Girard A, Regamey J, Lamoth F, Horisberger A, Glampedakis E, Epiney JB, et al.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome with refractory cardiogenic shock due to acute myocarditis and mononeuritis multiplex after SARS-CoV-2 infection in an adult
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20387
Thiel SL, Weber MC, Risch L, Wohlwend N, Lung T, Hillmann D, et al.
Flattening the curve in 52 days: characterisation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Principality of Liechtenstein – an observational study
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20361
Quanadli SD, Rotzinger DC
Management of non-COVID-19 patients should not be the dark side of the pandemic
Beretta A
Obesity, inflammation and COVID-19
Hautz WE, Sauter TC, Exadakytlos AK, Krummrey G, Schauber S, Müller M
Barriers to seeking emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to higher morbidity and mortality – a retrospective study from a Swiss university hospital
Ashcroft P, Huisman JS, Lehtinen S, Bouman JA, Althaus CL, Regoes RR, Bonhoeffer S
COVID-19 infectivity profile correction
Karnakov P, Arampatzis G, Kičić I, Wermelinger F, Wälchli D, Papadimitriou C, Koumoutsakos P
Data-driven inference of the reproduction number for COVID-19 before and after interventions for 51 European countries
von Wyl V, Bonhoeffer S, Bugnion E, Puhan MA, Salathé M, Stadler T, Troncoso C, Vayena E, Low N
A research agenda for digital proximity tracing apps
Gregoriano C, Koch D, Haubitz S, Conen A, Fux CA, Mueller B, Bernasconi L, Hammerer-Lercher A, Oberle M, Burgermeister S, Reiter H, Kutz A, Schuetz P
Characteristics, predictors and outcomes among 99 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in a tertiary care centre in Switzerland: an observational analysis
Pellaud C, Grandmaison G, Hoa Phong PHT, Baumberger M, Carrel G, Ksouri H, Erard V, Chuard C, Hayoz D, Sridharan G
Characteristics, comorbidities, 30-day outcome and in-hospital mortality of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in a Swiss area – a retrospective cohort study
Petermann M, Wyler D
A pitfall in estimating the effective reproductive number Rt for COVID-19
Rigamonti E, Salera D, Gheorghiu AC, Fratila C, Gianella P
The many faces of interstitial pneumonia: a case of presumed SARS-CoV-2 infection
Beretta A
Unexpected liaisons between old cytokines and new deadly virus
Rosca A, Krones T, Biller-Andorno N
Shared decision making: patients have a right to be informed about possible treatment options and their risks and benefits
Fontana P, Casini A, Robert-Ebadi H, Glauser F, Righini M, Blondon M
Venous thromboembolism in COVID-19: systematic review of reported risks and current guidelines
Fechner C, Strobel K, Treumann T, Sonderegger B, Azzola A, Fornaro J, Schrading S, Roos JE
COVID-19 and the role of imaging: early experiences in Central Switzerland
Çınar HU, İnce Ö, Çelik B, Saltabaş F, Özbek M
Clinical course of COVID-19 pneumonia in a patient undergoing pneumonectomy and pathology findings during the incubation period
Lemaitre JC, Perez-Saez J, Azman AS, Rinaldo A, Fellay J
Assessing the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Switzerland
Breakey N, Escher R
D-dimer and mortality in COVID-19: a self-fulfilling prophecy or a pathophysiological clue?
Vokinger KN, Nittas V, Witt CM, Fabrikant SI, von Wyl V
Digital health and the COVID-19 epidemic: an assessment framework for apps from an epidemiological and legal perspective
Nittas V, von Wyl V
COVID-19 and telehealth: a window of opportunity and its challenges
Roth JA, Ballouz T, Kouyos RD, Battegay M
Early off-label treatment during pandemics? A dilemma
Zhao C, Tepekule B, Criscuolo NG, Wendel Garcia PD, Hilty MP, RISC-19-ICU consortium Investigators in Switzerland, Fumeaux T, Van Boeckel T
icumonitoring.ch: a platform for short-term forecasting of intensive care unit occupancy during the COVID-19 epidemic in Switzerland
Scire J, Nadeau S, Vaughan T, Brupbacher G, Fuchs S, Sommer J, Koch KN, Misteli R, Mundorff L, Götz T, Eichenberger T, Quinto C, Savic M, Meienberg A, Burkard T, Mayr M, Meier CA, Widmer A, Kuehl R, Egli A, Hirsch HH, Bassetti S, Nickel CH, Rentsch KS, Kübler W, Bingisser R, Battegay M, Tschudin-Sutter S, Stadler T
Reproductive number of the COVID-19 epidemic in Switzerland with a focus on the Cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft
Lapadula G
Five reasons why data on compassionate use of remdesivir deserved publication (and are worth reading)
Nickel CH, Rueegg M, Pargger H, Bingisser R
Age, comorbidity, frailty status: effects on disposition and resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Intson K, Kumar S, Botta A, Neckles R, Leung C, Jawaid A
An independent appraisal and re-analysis of hydroxychloroquine treatment trial for COVID-19
Marando M, Tamburello A
Immunoglobulins or convalescent plasma to tackle COVID-19: buying time to save lives – current situation and perspectives
Brandenberger JR, Baauw A, Kruse A, Ritz N
The global COVID-19 response must include refugees and migrants
Stürchler D
Coronaviruses: old and new
Op-ed
Canova V, Lederer Schläpfer H, Piso RJ, Droll A, Fenner L, Hoffmann T, Hoffmann M
Transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 to healthcare workers –observational results of a primary care hospital contact tracing
Qanadli SD, Zech CJ, Monnard E, Binkert C, Denys A, Pfammater T
Interventional radiology workflow during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations of the Swiss Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Negro F
Is antibody-dependent enhancement playing a role in COVID-19 pathogenesis?
Sanchez-Mazas A
HLA studies in the context of coronavirus outbreaks
Little is known at the moment about specific immune mechanisms that would work against SARS-CoV-2, although such knowledge is expected to play a vital role. In this context, a particular focus has to be given to the human leucocyte antigen system that governs our adaptive immunity.
Spezzani V, Piunno A, Iselin HU
Benign COVID-19 in an immunocompromised cancer patient - the case of a married couple
Casini A, Alberio L, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Fontana P, Gerber B, Graf L, Hegemann I, Korte W, Kremer Hovinga J, Lecompte T, Martinez M, Nagler M, Studt JD, Tsakiris D, Wuillemin W, Asmis L
Thromboprophylaxis and laboratory monitoring for in-hospital patients with COVID-19 - a Swiss consensus statement by the Working Party Hemostasis
Peloso A, Moeckli B, Oldani G, Triponez F, Toso C
Response of a European surgical department to the COVID-19 crisis
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20241
Ngyen HA
Vitamin D and SARS-CoV-2
Op-ed
Gharebaghi R, Heidary F
COVID-19 and Iran: swimming with hands tied!
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20242
Suter P
Good rules for ICU admission allow a fair allocation of resources, even in a pandemic
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20230
Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences
COVID-19 pandemic: triage for intensive-care treatment under resource scarcity
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20229
Swiss Society of Intensive Care Medicine
Recommendations for the admission of patients with COVID-19 to intensive care and intermediate care units (ICUs and IMCUs)
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20227
Borasio GD, Gamondi C, Obrist M, Jox R, for the COVID-19 task force of palliative ch
COVID-19: decision making and palliative care
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20233
Kunz R, Minder M
COVID-19 pandemic: palliative care for elderly and frail patients at home and in residential and nursing homes
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20235
Nickel CH, Bingisser R
Mimics and chameleons of COVID-19
Swiss Med Wkly. 2020;150:w20231
Salathé M, Althaus CL, Neher R, Stringhini S, Hodcroft E, Fellay J, Zwahlen M, Senti G, Battegay M, Wilder-Smith A, Eckerle I, Egger M, Low N
COVID-19 epidemic in Switzerland: on the importance of testing, contact tracing and isolation
Neher RA, Dyrdak R, Druelle V, Hodcroft EB, Albert J
Potential impact of seasonal forcing on a SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Bischof E, Chen G, Ferretti MT
Understanding COVID-19 new diagnostic guidelines – a message of reassurance from an internal medicine doctor in Shanghai
Hodcroft EB
Preliminary case report on the SARS-CoV-2 cluster in the UK, France, and Spain
Battegay M, Kuehl R, Tschudin-Sutter S, Hirsch HH, Widmer AF, Neher RA
2019-novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): estimating the case fatality rate – a word of caution