COVID-19 and the role of imaging: early experiences in Central Switzerland

The authors describe the first clinical experiences with 55 COVID-19 patients in Central Switzerland. They provide an illustrative and schematic description of typical COVID-19 imaging features and suggest that imaging plays an important role in the clinical work-up of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. 

Swiss newborn screening for severe T and B cell deficiency with a combined TREC/KREC assay – management recommendations

The recent introduction of newborn screening for severe primary T and B cell deficiencies in Switzerland allows rapid identification of patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The authors outline the screening procedure currently performed in Switzerland and give recommendations for diagnostic evaluations and precautionary measures against infection in children with abnormal screening test results.

Insulin under the influence of light

Recent evidence suggests that photic inputs regulate diurnal variations in the insulin sensitivity of metabolically relevant tissues via a previously unrecognised mechanism involving the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying photic control of insulin action is of paramount medical importance.

Venous thromboembolism in COVID-19: systematic review of reported risks and current guidelines

Venous thromboembolism very commonly complicates the clinical course of inpatients with COVID-19, despite thromboprophylaxis. The risk appears highest among critically ill inpatients. Many questions remain unresolved, as delineated by the heterogeneity of national and international guidelines.

Social, cultural and experiential patterning of attitudes and behaviour towards assisted suicide in Switzerland: evidence from a national population-based study

Switzerland has the longest history of the legal practice of non-physician assisted suicide of any country. Assisted suicide is not very tightly regulated in Switzerland, and almost all assisted suicides are supported by a right-to-die organisation.

Supporting health professionals after an adverse event in Swiss hospitals: a cross-sectional study

In Swiss hospitals, second victim support is generally prevalent, but often in an unstructured way. This lack of methodology increases the risk that, following adverse events, both the quantity and quality of support provided to health professionals will be insufficient. A firm commitment on the part of institutional leaders to implement related policies could foster the adoption of high-quality second victim guidelines in Swiss hospitals.

Deficiencies in paediatric research applications delaying ethics committee approval

Careful preparation of submission documents by the investigators and close adherence to formal and legal requirements have the potential to considerably optimise and expedite the ethics committee review process, and thus the commencement of the clinical research.

What interventions do general practitioners recommend avoiding? A nationwide survey from Switzerland

Most suggestions from GPs were concordant with previously published recommendations of interventions to avoid, independently of GPs knowledge of these and reflecting their high clinical relevance. In addition, our study revealed some more relevant topics and may help to develop future “Choosing Wisely” recommendations, with the final goal to reduce low-value care.

Clinical course of COVID-19 pneumonia in a patient undergoing pneumonectomy and pathology findings during the incubation period

The case presented here represents an “incidental” sampling of a lung infected with SARS-CoV-2, as a result of surgery for lung cancer at a time when the lung infection did not produce symptoms. This gave the opportunity to examine the pathology of COVID-19 pneumonia during the incubation period.

Patterns of cross-sectional and predictive physical activity in Swiss adults aged 52+: results from the SAPALDIA cohort

The high proportion of sedentary behaviour points to the need of physical activity promotion for the older part of the population in Switzerland. According to our data, behavioural changes in physical activity are possible and sustainable as we can see in the group of participants becoming active and this is essential for health promotion recommendations.

Frailty, underweight and impaired mobility are associated with institutionalisation after post-acute care

Frailty, low Short Physical Performance Battery score and being underweight at admission to PAC were significantly associated with a higher chance of subsequent institutionalisation. Strategies to improve these factors could improve post-acute care outcomes.

Parvimonas micra as a rare cause of spondylodiscitis – case series from a single centre

Parvimonas micra is a rare cause of spondylodiscitis. Nevertheless, recent dental procedures with subsequent back pain should lead to the consideration of possible anaerobic causes of spondylodiscitis. Heightened awareness of this pathogen and improvements in diagnostic methods might lead to higher detection rates.

Medical-ethical recommendations: preimplantation genetic testing PGT

The recommendations of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMS) are designed to draw attention, from an ethical perspective, to important aspects of the PGT counselling and decision-making situation, and to promote ethical awareness in the performance of PGT. In addition, they discuss how, for example, surplus information should be managed.