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Topical preparations to reduce SARS‐CoV ‐2 aerosolization in head and neck mucosal surgery
Author(s) -
Parhar Harman S.,
Tasche Kendall,
Brody Robert M.,
Weinstein Gregory S.,
O'Malley Bert W.,
Shanti Rabie M.,
Newman Jason G.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.26200
Subject(s) - aerosolization , medicine , covid-19 , pandemic , airway , coronavirus , viral load , virology , virus , surgery , anesthesia , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , inhalation , outbreak
Aim The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has put health care workers at risk when exposed to aerosolized viral particles during upper airway mucosal surgery. The objective of this review was to discuss topical preparations that could be utilized preoperatively to help to decrease viral load and potentially reduce the risks of viral transmission. Methods A PubMed/MEDLINE database review of articles was performed querying topical preparations with virucidal activity against coronaviruses. Results Povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) solutions ranging from 0.23% to 7% have been found to demonstrate highly effective virucidal activity against a broad range of viruses including several coronaviruses responsible for recent epidemics including SARS‐CoV‐1 and MERS‐CoV. Conclusions While specific evidence regarding SARS‐CoV‐2 is lacking, PVP‐I‐based preparations have been successfully demonstrated to reduce viral loads of coronaviruses. They are relatively safe to use in the upper airway and may reduce risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 aerosolization during upper airway mucosal surgery.