[Correspondence] The vaccinated proportion of people with COVID-19 needs context
We read the Correspondence by Günter Kampf1 with surprise, as it appears to argue that the base-rate fallacy2 is, in fact, not a fallacy. In the context of COVID-19 vaccines, the base-rate fallacy is often described as the illusion that vaccines are ineffective because, in highly vaccinated populations, the majority of COVID-19 cases occur among vaccinated people. For example, if a population is 99% vaccinated against a hypothetical virus and 51% of infected individuals have been vaccinated, the base-rate fallacy (falsely) implies that the vaccine is ineffective at preventing infection.
[Comment] Another piece in the COVID-19 treatment puzzle
A new study1 from the RECOVERY Collaborative Group adds another piece to the puzzle of severe COVID-19 therapy. The RECOVERY trials have been pivotal in providing evidence on the efficacy of compounds within current treatment guidelines for COVID-19, such as dexamethasone, tocilizumab, and the casirivimab and imdevimab combination.1–3 In previous randomised trials, these monoclonal antibodies4 were effective in preventing infection and clinical progression when given in the early phase of infection.
[Editorial] Health and health care in Ukraine: in transition and at risk
The crisis in Ukraine continues to intensify. Russian troops are massing near the Ukrainian border and the US military is reinforcing its NATO allies in Europe. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks are loaded with accusations but little resolution, and Ukrainian forces are already fighting Russia-backed separatists in the east. With the world’s attention on the geopolitical situation in the region, there is a danger that the ordinary lives and health of Ukrainians are forgotten.
[Correspondence] The Global Drug Policy Index: its rationale and the role of civil society
One of our goals in creating the inaugural Global Drug Policy Index (GDPI) was to encourage debate about how to best measure and compare states’ drug policies, and we therefore welcome well informed critical commentary. Although such commentary did feature in the World Report1 (for example, Harry Sumnall offered lucid and insightful criticism), we felt that this was not true across the piece.
[Comment] The overlooked pandemic of antimicrobial resistance
As COVID-19 rages on, the pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues in the shadows. The toll taken by AMR on patients and their families is largely invisible but is reflected in prolonged bacterial infections that extend hospital stays and cause needless deaths.1 Moreover, AMR disproportionately affects poor individuals who have little access to second-line, more expensive antibiotics that could work when first-line drugs fail.
[Comment] The overlooked pandemic of antimicrobial resistance
As COVID-19 rages on, the pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues in the shadows. The toll taken by AMR on patients and their families is largely invisible but is reflected in prolonged bacterial infections that extend hospital stays and cause needless deaths.1 Moreover, AMR disproportionately affects poor individuals who have little access to second-line, more expensive antibiotics that could work when first-line drugs fail.
[Comment] Supporting bereaved family members: three steps in the right direction
The focus of intensive care unit (ICU) care is usually on cure and prolongation of life. Nevertheless, a substantial number of ICU patients die, and ICU clinicians have an important role in supporting their family members across all phases of an ICU stay, including at the end of life and in bereavement. This last phase of support, extending after the death of the patient, is particularly important in the ICU setting, where family members are at increased risk of developing severe grief reactions marked by persistent, distressing symptoms that cause functional impairment and long-term health consequences.
[Comment] Supporting bereaved family members: three steps in the right direction
The focus of intensive care unit (ICU) care is usually on cure and prolongation of life. Nevertheless, a substantial number of ICU patients die, and ICU clinicians have an important role in supporting their family members across all phases of an ICU stay, including at the end of life and in bereavement. This last phase of support, extending after the death of the patient, is particularly important in the ICU setting, where family members are at increased risk of developing severe grief reactions marked by persistent, distressing symptoms that cause functional impairment and long-term health consequences.
[Correspondence] Breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2 omicron despite mRNA vaccine booster dose
The most recent SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern to emerge has been named omicron.1 Its immune evasion potential was predicted by genomic data and has been preliminarily confirmed by observations of an increased incidence of reinfections and breakthrough infections.2 This has triggered calls to intensify vaccination programmes including provision of vaccine booster doses.3
[Correspondence] Breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2 omicron despite mRNA vaccine booster dose
The most recent SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern to emerge has been named omicron.1 Its immune evasion potential was predicted by genomic data and has been preliminarily confirmed by observations of an increased incidence of reinfections and breakthrough infections.2 This has triggered calls to intensify vaccination programmes including provision of vaccine booster doses.3