What are the mental health changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in people with medical conditions? An international survey.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health worldwide but there is paucity of knowledge regarding the level of change in mental health in people with a medical condition (physical/psychiatric). The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the change in mental health in people with and without medical conditions, (2) to assess the change in various types of medical conditions, (3) to evaluate the association between change in mental health and number of comorbidities, and (4) to investigate the influence of receiving treatment and activity limitation imposed by the medical condition(s).

Design: Cross-sectional.

Nitrous Oxide for the Management of Labor Analgesia.

This article reviews nitrous oxide and explores current practice standards for use of nitrous oxide in managing labor analgesia. Inhaled nitrous oxide is used in the labor process for analgesia as well as for anxiolysis in many countries but is rarely offered in the United States. Because of its minimal invasiveness, highsafety index, effectiveness, and relatively low cost, it is reemerging as a consideration for use during labor and is worthy of further research.