Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latin American anesthesiologists. Observational study

Abstract

Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, causing a global impact on economic, social and public health aspects. This public health situation alerted the international community of anesthesiologists because of the high occupational hazards due to the frequent exposure to patients with COVID-19.  Objective. To identify the impact of this pandemic on Latin American anesthesiologists - in a setting with shortage of vaccines – identifying the professionals infected with SARS-CoV-2 and demises, and their geographical distribution. Methods. An observational study was conducted in Latin American anesthesiologists infected SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020. The data was collected from the societies, associations and federations members of the Latin American Confederation of Anesthesia Societies in March 2021. Results. 2,170 anesthesiologists infected with SARS-CoV-2 were identified.  Of these, 1,550 were from South America and 620 cases were from Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Among the 2,170 anesthesiologists infected with SARS-CoV-2, 165 deaths were reported in Latin America, with a mean age of 58 years; 79% were males and the mortality rate was 7.6%.  Conclusions. COVID-19 is an emerging disease with significant impact on the population of anesthesiologists. The reports from the societies, associations and federations members of the Latin American Confederation of Anesthesia Societies show the impact in terms of infection and number of deaths associated with the pandemic.