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

Acute lung injury following exposure to nitric acid

We present a series of three cases of survival following inhalation of nitric acid fumes, which resulted in acute respiratory distress. Inhalation of nitric acid fumes and its decomposition gases such as nitrogen dioxide results in delayed onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Intensive respiratory management, ventilatory support, and steroids can help in survival

The adequacy of inhaler technique in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma attending a tertiary care hospital in Navi Mumbai

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are major concerns to health-care system. Improper inhaler device used (metered dose inhaler/dry powder inhaler) is one of the major causes associated with inadequate control of the disease. This study was performed to evaluate the inhaler technique among patients and to investigate factors associated with improper use and whether age or gender was associated with poor inhaler technique. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of all patients who visited the chest outpatient department with asthma and COPD over a 6-month-period in a tertiary care hospital in Navi Mumbai. Information was collected about demographic data and inhaler technique was assessed using a standard checklist. Results: There were 107 patients, 71 with asthma and 36 with COPD. Inhaler techniques of 95% of patients were found to be inadequate in some form or the other as per checklist. Of all the patients interviewed, only about 60% of patients recalled that demonstration was done by doctors or other health-care professionals. Twelve percent were instructed by pharmacists and remaining followed their friend′s or relative′s suggestions along with insert literature. Conclusions: The inhaler technique is inadequate among most patients. On every visit, patient′s inhaler technique should be observed and adequate suggestions should be given to correct any deficiency

Bloom syndrome with lung involvement

We report a case of a 24-year old male presented with cough and breathlessness with diabetes mellitus and diagnosed as a case of bloom syndrome. He was a product of consanguineous marriage, having short stature, dolicocephaly, polydactyly, prominent nose with telangiectasia face. The respiratory system examination revealed bilateral coarse crepitations and wheezes and the chest X-ray revealed emphysema with right middle zone inhomogenous opacity. Also, CT thorax examination revealed bilateral cystic bronchiectasis with bronchiolitis obliterans. Bloom's syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features

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