Medical Specialties Commons^™

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy: An Analysis Of Caregiver Influences On Pediatric Covid-19 Vaccination Decisions, Neiki Rokni, Shu Zhao Md, Matthew Nguyen, David Liu, Harrison Jordan Do, Jory Parson, Sidharth Sahni Do, Tanner Walsh Md, Ashley Henderson Md, Jennifer Higgins Md

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Hypermetabolic Lymphadenopathy Following The Administration Of Covid-19 Vaccine And Immunotherapy In A Lung Cancer Patient: A Case Report, Shreya Tripathy, Nathaniel Alvarez, Shubham Jaiswal, Ryan Williams, Munaf Al-Khadimi, Sarah Hackman, William Phillips, Supreet Kaur, Sherri Cervantez, William Kelly, Josephine Taverna

Research Symposium

Background: Given the current climate of the pandemic, lung cancer patients are especially vulnerable to complications from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. As a high-risk population group, these patients are strongly advised to receive coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to minimize morbidity and mortality. In recent years, immunotherapy has taken a preeminent role in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with dramatic improvement in overall survival. Reactive lymphadenopathy following the administration of a coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination can confound the radiographic interpretation of positron emission tomography-computed tomography or …

Comparing The Trends Of Postpartum Depression Screening Scores During And Before The Covid-19 Pandemic, Elif S. Duran, Dung Dang, Tony Ogburn

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Postpartum depression includes major and minor depressive disorder affecting women in the time period after childbirth. The studies reviewed in our literature found that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of postpartum depression for women. Our study location, the Rio Grande Valley is one of the hardest hit locations by the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Our patient population is also one with the higher risk factors for postpartum depression. As such, we are expecting the psychological impact of the pandemic to be even more magnified and thus, actions need to be taken to support the vulnerable …

Acute Aseptic Meningoencephalitis Due To Covid-19 In An Otherwise Healthy Patient: A Case Report, Shyama Appareddy, Norma Moncayo, Ronkino T. Mccoy, Jared Sperling, George Huddleston, Raza L. Kahn

Research Colloquium

Several studies have shown the extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. Although extrapulmonary manifestation to the heart, kidney, blood, and skin are common, neurological and cerebrovascular manifestations are rare with most of these cases being described in patients who also have the pulmonary manifestation of the disease. Here we present the case of an 18 year-old male with no prior history of respiratory symptoms who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status. Neurology was consulted and the patient was started empirical on ceftriaxone, vancomycin, dexamethasone, and acyclovir for meningoencephalitis. Urine drug screen, head CT, …

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children (Mis-C): Is There A Relationship To Typhus?, Juliana Hager, Juliana Hager, Jacob Smith

Research Colloquium

The United Kingdom first reported in April 2020 a group of eight previously healthy children with a link to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that presented with systemic inflammation and multi-organ involvement, now named multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported over 1000 cases since the primary discovery as of October 2020 with 20 total deaths. [1] The clinical features of MIS-C have been previously compared to inflammatory syndromes including Kawasaki disease (KD) and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). We describe the clinical presentation and management for 3 pediatric cases with …

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: Patient Characteristics, Treatment, And Clinical Outcomes In One South Texas Acute Care Hospital, Kimberly A. Ambrosini, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) account for 40 percent of nosocomial infections worldwide. Their elimination is at the forefront of quality improvement in one South Texas acute care hospital.

Methods: Over a period of 6 months, five CA-UTIs occurred in one South Texas acute care hospital. These cases were identified via regular surveillance by Infection Prevention staff and the Laboratory Department of the hospital. This research reviews patient age, sex, length of stay, bacteria contracted, appropriate antibiotic use, patient characteristics, and overall outcomes.

Results: Between the months of July and December 2021, 5 CAUTIs were contracted. Patients ranged in …

E-Cigarette Or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (Evali) In A Hispanic Male During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Juan C. Naranjo, Muhammad Jamal, Aramide Tijani, Fatimah Bello

Research Colloquium

Background: Electronic cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury established the relationship between vaping products and lung injury. Overlapping clinical manifestations may mimic those of other respiratory conditions including COVID-19. Multiple radiographic findings including diffuse, bilateral, ground-glass infiltrates with lower-lobe predominance, eosinophilic pneumonia, and diffuse alveolar damage have been described. It is important to consider this as an alternative diagnosis, particularly in patients with respiratory symptoms and a history of vaping in the last 90 days due to increased risk of COVID-19 infection and worse outcomes.

Case presentation: A 25-year-old male with a history of polysubstance abuse and frequent E-cigarette …

A Simple Case Of Viral Myopericarditis Or A Complication Of Monoclonal Antibody Infusion?, Jose A. Rivera, Michael Menowsky

Research Colloquium

Background: Myocarditis has been a rare, but well-documented side effect of the mRNA-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 as well as a complication of viral infections including SARS-CoV-2. However, myopericarditis as a complication of monoclonal antibody infusion or as complication of allergic reaction to antibody infusions might be and underreported.

Case presentation: In this case, we report a 30-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of COVID infection 1 week prior to presentation, unvaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 who was referred from a monoclonal infusion center where he received casirivimab and imdevimab and 15 minutes after infusion began to complain of chills, chest pain, shortness …

Pediatric Covid-19 Encephalitis, Nelson D. Gonzalez, Dustin Paul, Ana Almeda, Samuel Serna, Linette Linsangan

Research Symposium

Background: Neurologic complications of COVID-19 in the pediatric population have been reported in a limited number of reports. There have been reports of COVID-19-associated encephalitis in pediatric cases along with neuroimaging findings revealing involvement of some parts of the nervous system. We present the first case of pediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - associated encephalitis targeting the parietal lobes.

Case: A 14-year-old morbidly obese Hispanic male with no past medical history presented to the hospital for new onset seizures. Family reported exposure to his COVID-19 positive mother, a one-week history of fever, and a three-month history of …

A Survival Analysis Of High-Grade Gliomas In Sub-Himalayan Population Including The Times Of Lockdown During Covid 19 Pandemic: A Single Institutional Experience, Pooja Kalra, Meenu Gupta, Vipul Nautiyal, Ranjeet Kumar, Sanjeev Pandey, Nazia Shirazi, Brijesh Tiwari, Mushtaq Ahmad

Research Symposium

Background and Objectives: High Grade Gliomas are categorised as Grade III and IV and have high mortality rate with poor prognosis. How we should adopt clinical practice in neuro-oncology during Covid 19 Pandemic is another area of scientific exploration . Hypofractionated radiotherapy protocols can be easily utilised in high grade gliomas during Covid 19 pandemic .

Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 147 patients with diagnosis of high-grade gliomas between January 2009 till December 2020 including Covid-19 pandemic lockdown time was done. Age , gender , KPS , symptoms , extent of surgery and use of concurrent temozolamide , were …

Clinical Characteristics And Risk Factors For Mortality During The 'First Wave' Of Covid-19 In Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Luis G. Vargas Garcia, Francisco E. Díaz Cisneros, Antonio Gutiérrez Sierra, Juan Rosales Martínez, Manlio F. Lara Duck, Netzahualcoyotl Mayek Pérez

Research Symposium

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted public health in Mexico. As of February 2020, there have been at least four "waves" of contagion that resulted in 5.82 million positive cases and more than 325 thousand deaths. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital and population-based information was available, frequently with non-specific symptoms. Little was known about the risk factors for mortality in specific conditions. We described the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas during 2020 and identified the risk factors for mortality.

Methods: The COVID-19 cases registered from March to November 2020 in Reynosa were divided …

Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Patients With Depression In Different Socioeconomic Status In Different Age Groups, Alexander Kowalski, Harsh Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on depression and how different age groups and socioeconomic classes were affected. The PHQ-9 survey was used to assess depression levels amongst 64 individuals of different age groups and socioeconomic statuses. Results indicated that the higher socioeconomic class had less impact on depression symptoms compared to lower socioeconomic classes. Younger age groups and lower socioeconomic classes were found to have a bigger impact on depression symptoms. However, the study acknowledges that numerous factors, such as lifestyle factors, financial stability, and social support, need to be considered while interpreting the results. Overall, …

Case Report And Brief Review: Co-Infection Covid-19 Virus And Influenza A Virus, James Espinosa, Umar Sannoh, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 45 year old male who presented to the an emergency department with a complaint of myalgias, chills and sore throat of a two day duration. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 virus as well as Influenza A virus. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss what is known about co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza A.

Case Report: Facial Mask-Induced Acne ("Maskne"), Gabriel Meister, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A 42 year old male health care worker presented with complaints of severe mask related acne vulgaris predominately to the cheeks, chin and nose Here we present the case of a N95 and surgical facial mask use has been a requirement for many occupations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Patient states their current position requires use of an N95 respirator to be worn throughout their shift which can range from 9-14 hours, 6 days per week. Extended daily use of such masks may lead to changes in the skin which can induce irritation and precipitate infection.

Biopsychosocial Impacts Of Social Distancing Due To Covid-19 In People Over 65: A Literature Review, Nicole Lacap

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020, elderly populations aged 65+ have been deemed at-risk for severe symptoms and poor prognosis. Because it is important to protect this vulnerable population, policies such as social distancing and shelter-in-place orders have been implemented in the United States in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, many older citizens may live alone or may not have access to technology, and therefore may be limited in their ability to maintain important relationships and social interactions throughout shelter-in-place orders and social distancing. Therefore, it is important to understand the cost …

Development Of Schizophrenia In A Genetically Predisposed Individual Following Covid-19, Sung Kang, Jonathan Yuh, Timothy Wong

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We present a patient who is a 56-year-old female with a psychiatric history of anxiety disorder and a medical history of hypercholesterolemia and hyperthyroidism, who was admitted to the hospital after a witnessed seizure at an inpatient psychiatric facility. This patient’s family history is significant for her mother experiencing unspecified psychotic disorder that required psychiatric hospitalization. Our patient was first admitted to the psychiatric hospital after exhibiting worsening paranoid delusions and hallucinations that began several months prior. The patient had reportedly begun locking herself in the restroom and screaming “get out, they’re spying on me”, referring to her next-door neighbors …

Trends In Opioid Usage And The Covid-19 Pandemic, Priya Brahmbhatt, Jeffery Powers

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected individuals in the United States in various capacities, and new avenues to reduce the harmful effects of both public health crises must be explored. It has been found that those with substance use disorders have an increased risk for COVID-19 (Wang 2021). There have been more visits to emergency rooms for substance overdose during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (Holland 2021). This research project attempted to understand the trends amongst opioid users during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, in …

Whole Body Cryotherapy As A Novel Treatment For Long Covid Syndrome Associated Brain Fog, James Mack, Brandon Goodwin, Paras Patel, Kyra Herman, Daniel Casal, Emily Levenson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China when adults began presenting with severe pneumonia of an unknown cause. SARS-CoV-2 can cause a wide range of clinical manifestations. SARS-CoV-2 can penetrate the olfactory mucosa and may enter the brain through the cribriform plate along the olfactory tract, through vagal or trigeminal pathways, or pass through the blood-brain barrier. Once inside the brain, levels of inflammatory cytokines are increased and can lead to altered learning, memory, neuroplasticity, hallucinations, nightmares, cognitive and attention deficits, new-onset anxiety and depression, and psychosis. A theoretical treatment for …

Outcomes In Type Ii Diabetes Patients Through The Covid 19 Pandemic A Retrospective Chart Review, Zurwa Nishat, Tara Pellegrino, Robert Steer

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Context: The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity for urgent expansion of telemedicine services as providers continued to supply longitudinal care to patients. Patients with type II diabetes were vulnerable to serious infection with COVID-19 as well as disruption in management of their chronic disease.

Objective: To delineate the outcomes in type II diabetes patients through the COVID-19 pandemic by a retrospective chart review in which disease management was evaluated through HbA1c levels and BMI.

Methods: This retrospective chart review included adult T2DM patients receiving care from five university family medicine offices in NJ. HbA1c levels and BMI values were …

Factors That Influence The Decision To Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19, Rhea Bhargava, Meghan H. Foos, Brandy M. Gotti, Alexandra L. Mulvenna, Taylor O. Smith, Danielle Cooley, Venkateswar Venkataman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of the vaccine, healthcare workers have been encouraging people to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus. However, there is a significant number of people who are vaccine hesitant, or uncertain about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and its booster. Vaccine hesitancy represents a state of opportunity to make positive change; therefore, it is crucial for healthcare workers to identify those who are in this population. When factors contributing to the vaccine hesitancy, including gender, age, ethnicity, education level, and income were studied, it was found that women, those …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Post-Recovery Memory, Chelsea Mcnamara, Alison Mancuso

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the covid-19 pandemic, has had profound effects on countries worldwide. As the pandemic progressed, clinical and patient data continued to mount. A subset of symptoms named “Long Covid Syndrome” persisted in patients after recovering from infection. One commonly reported but understudied symptom was a deficit in memory function. Although commonly reported, prevalence of ‘brain fog’ has yet to be characterized using patient data. Using Rowan Medicine electronic patient data, we were able to collect information on patients before and after the emergence of the coronavirus. Data was collected on reported memory-related symptoms as well as …

Wellness Study: Functional Visual Outcomes In Eye Disease Patients Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Andrew Maher

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in health services and medical appointments, affecting approximately one in three Canadian adults. Elderly eye disease patients experienced delays in treatment for eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. The impact of these delays on functional visual outcomes and general health rating of elderly patients is not well understood. As part of the Wellness Study, we aimed to investigate the pandemic-related impacts on functional vision and general health rating in an elderly eye patient population in London, Ontario.

A Collaborative Approach To Caring For Refugees In The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sara Mojdehi

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

With higher cases rates, it is clear that newcomer and refugee populations in Ontario have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These vulnerable populations generally work in settings that increase their risk of infection and do not offer sick leave (ICES, 2021). In addition, overcrowded and multigenerational housing make it difficult for these individuals to adhere to self-isolation guidelines. Language and cultural barriers among refugee populations have also limited their access to information about the virus, making it challenging to follow public health measures (ICES, 2021).

The increased likelihood of an outbreak in these communities manifested itself in London, …

Assessing The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Adolescent Mental Health, Vanessa Pizutelli, Yanil Morales, Christina Copeland, Archana Salek

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Adolescence is a crucial period in which adverse childhood experiences, social relationships, and habits can influence mental wellbeing. According to the CDC, the onset of mental illness is 14.5 years old, which is why it is imperative that individuals with mental health conditions receive early intervention. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, research has shown a dramatic decline in adolescent mental health. Specifically in New Jersey, it has been reported that individuals ages 18-23 have the highest levels of stress and depressive symptoms since the start of the pandemic. In light of these findings, it is vital that more …

Case Report: Covid Arm (Covid Vaccine Arm), Joseph Pagano, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 38-year-old male physician who was vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. He experienced arm pain and swelling on the vaccinated arm as well as systemic symptoms, including fever, chills, headache and weakness. The systemic symptoms improved after the use of oral prednisone. A review of the literature on the COVID vaccine is presented.

Investigation Of Emergency Department Visits And Hospitalization Rates Of Child Physical Abuse At Cooper University Hospital Prior To And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Afeerah Ahmad, Rachel Silliman Cohen, Laura Brennan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental for children. Many families have experienced stressors, including unemployment, financial hardship, and familial illness. These factors all pose increased risk for child physical abuse. Limitations in child welfare services affected investigations and provision of services to high-risk families. The extent to which the rates of physical abuse in NJ have been affected is unknown. We sought to answer the question of whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the severity of physical abuse and the incidence of physical abuse presenting to Cooper University Hospital.

We hypothesized that there would be a higher proportion of severe child …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Pediatric Obesity In School-Aged Children, Amaani Faizal, Maryanna Schweininger, Suzanna Hosein

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The prevalence of childhood obesity in those aged 2-19 in the United States was 19.3% in 2017-2018. Childhood obesity is a major health concern with growing rates of incidence. Being overweight or obese put children at risk for developing several chronic conditions such as coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and asthma at a younger age. Studies have shown that higher BMI numbers in childhood added an increased risk of being obese as an adult.

The pathophysiology of developing obesity includes several complex factors ranging from nutrition, physical activity, genetic background and lifestyle preferences. Among children, nutrition and …

Effect Of Covid On Postpartum Depression (Ppd), Reshma Thomas, Karen Krieg, Joanna Petrides

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose:

1. To determine if the rates of postpartum depression have changed during COVID
2. To identify differences in characteristics of women with postpartum depression during COVID

The Effects Of The Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Orders On Pain And Mental Health In Omm Patients, Sylvia Orozco Silberman, Philip Collins, Danielle Cooley, James Bailey, Steven M. Brunwasser Phd, Nicholas Averell

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

New Jersey was placed in a state of emergency and a statewide stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic

Very little has been published examining the effects of chronic pain after stopping osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), although it seems unethical to stop a treatment shown to work so well that is both minimally invasive and cost effective

We hypothesized OMM patients experienced an increase in pain since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic and closure of OMM/Family Medicine offices

The Impact On Adolescent Mental Health In South Jersey Due To The Cancelation And Return Of Sports, Tara Pellegrino, Tara Young

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many organized sports programs have been canceled or limited in participation. While research prior to the pandemic has strongly suggested that participation in organized sports has benefits for mental and physical health, especially in adolescence, there have been minimal studies on how the removal of organized sports affects mental health outcomes. Additionally, studies have found that the stress of the pandemic and its associated life changes has greatly decreased mental health outcomes in our target population. These findings may indicate the importance of return to organized sports in a time where mental health outcomes are …