Effectiveness of non-invasive ventilation in patients with type 2 respiratory failure

Background: Assess the use of non-invasive ventilation as an alternative way for ventilation in acute respiratory failure, determine factors that can predict the successful use of NIV, evaluate factors hindering success of NIV.Methods: Thirty hospitalised patients fulfilling inclusion criteria, diagnosed with Type II Respiratory Failure on ABG were recruited after obtaining an informed written consent. Complete history and detailed physical examination were followed by routine investigations.Results: Comparison of the pH on admission with the pH after 1st hour of NIV, the latter showed statistically significant improvement. Drop in PaCo2 and rise in PaO2 on ABG from admission and after stopping NIV was statistically significant. Patients with lower MMRC grade and severe cough showed significant improvement in pH, however patient with higher emergency visits and past hospitalisation showed less improvement in pH, after 1 hour of NIV therapy. A total 4 patients were intubated, with mean pH of 7.22, 3 out of them had higher emergency visits, 2 out of them had ICU admission.Conclusions: NIV treatment for COPD with type II respiratory failure avoids intubation, reduces complications and should be considered as first line therapy instead of ET intubation. Lower mMRC grade, lesser hospitalizations, lesser emergency visits, higher BMI, symptoms like cough, can have a positive predictive value for the outcome of NIV

COVID-19 Awareness Among Healthcare Students and Professionals in Mumbai Metropolitan Region: A Questionnaire-Based Survey

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for the healthcare profession. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness of COVID-19 disease and related infection control practices among healthcare professionals and students in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1562 responders from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region completed a questionnaire-based survey on the awareness, knowledge, and infection control practices related to COVID-19 infection in the healthcare setting. The questionnaire was adapted from the current interim guidance and information for healthcare workers published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Convenient sampling method was used for data collection and the distribution of responses was presented as frequencies and percentages. Descriptive statistics were performed for all groups and subgroups based on the percentage of correct responses. Individual pairwise comparisons were done using the median test for the percentage of correct responses. RESULTS: The overall awareness for all subgroups was adequate with 71.2% reporting correct answers. The highest percentage of correct responses were from undergraduate medical students and the lowest was from non-clinical/administrative staff. Less than half of the total respondents could correctly define “close contact.” More than three-fourths of the responders were aware of the various infection control measures like rapid triage, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette and having a separate, well ventilated waiting area for suspected COVID-19 patients. However, only 45.4% of the responders were aware of the correct sequence for the application of a mask/respirator, and only 52.5% of the responders were aware of the preferred hand hygiene method for visibly soiled hands. CONCLUSION: There is a need for regular educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID-19 across all healthcare professions. Occupational health and safety are of paramount importance to minimize the risk of transmission to healthcare students and professionals and provide optimal care for patients