COVID-19 in the endoscopy unit:How likely is transmission of infection?Results from an international,multicenter study

摘要

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)significantly affected endoscopy practice,as gastrointestinal endoscopy is considered a risky procedure for transmission of infection to patients and personnel of endoscopy units(PEU).AIM To assess the impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy during the first European lockdown(March-May 2020).METHODS Patients undergoing endoscopy in nine endoscopy units across six European countries during the period of the first European lockdown for COVID-19(March-May 2020)were included.Prior to the endoscopy procedure,participants were stratified as low-or high-risk for potential COVID-19 infection according to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy(ESGE)and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates(ESGENA)joint statement,and contacted 7-14 d later to assess COVID-19 infection status.PEU were questioned regarding COVID-19 symptoms and/or infection via questionnaire,while information regarding hospitalizations,intensive care unitadmissions and COVID-19-related deaths were collected.The number of weekly endoscopies at each center during the lockdown period was also recorded.RESULTS A total of 1267 endoscopies were performed in 1222 individuals across nine European endoscopy departments in six countries.Eighty-seven(7%)were excluded because of initial positive testing.Of the 1135 pre-endoscopy low risk or polymerase chain reaction negative for COVID-19,254(22.4%)were tested post endoscopy and 8 were eventually found positive,resulting in an infection rate of 0.7%[95%CI:0.2-0.12].The majority(6 of the 8 patients,75%)had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Of the 163 PEU,5[3%;(95%CI:0.4-5.7)]tested positive during the study period.A decrease of 68.7%(95%CI:64.8-72.7)in the number of weekly endoscopies was recorded in all centers after March 2020.All centers implemented appropriate personal protective measures(PPM)from the initial phases of the lockdown.CONCLUSION COVID-19 transmission in endoscopy units is highly unlikely in a lockdown setting,provided endoscopies are restricted to emergency cases and PPM are implemented.