ABSTRACT
Intro CORONA virus disease -19 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The outbreak started from Wuhan, China in Dec'2019 and became a pandemic. Human to human transmission occurs through droplet, fomites, aerosol and contaminated surfaces.This study shows that use of portable air purifier in patient's room can actually reduce the viral load in the room air that might minimize the risk of acquiring COVID through air-borne transmission by heath care professional taking care of the COVID patients. Methods The study was carried out in room/cabins of special ward in LN Hospital, New Delhi where recently detected (within 48 Hr of RT-PCR +Ve results) COVID-19 patient with cough were admitted for treatment.The COVID-19 patients were asked to cough on the petri dish fixed with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane filter (80 mm in diameter and 3 um pore size) keeping it within 2 feet distances from his/her nose for 15 mins. Then the membrane was then removed and added to falcon tube (15ML) containing 3 ML of viral transport medium (VTM). The tube were sent to PCR lab in an ice box. Air sampler was run for 1Hr keeping it at 3 Meter distance from recently diagnosed COVID-19 patient. RT-PCR done from particulate matters collected in VTM from the air sampler.Air sampler was run similarly and RT-PCR was done from PM collected in the filter of air sampler. Findings The primary air suction was done at two different air flow 16.7 and 27 litre per minute (LPM), after which both RDRP and E gene were positive, after the use of purifier both the genes were still positive but with increased Ct values. Conclusion With continous use of the air purifier the viral load of COVID-19 present in the air of ICU with paitents is primarily reduced but not completely eliminated.
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SESSION TITLE: COVID-19 Case Report Posters 2 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Pneumomediastinum is the presence of air or other gas in the mediastinum which can be due to trauma related to mechanical ventilation or spontaneous in preexisting lung diseases. Here, we present the case of Covid-19 pneumonia, who developed pneumomediastinum without any trauma or other risk factors. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old male COVID unvaccinated with a history of essential hypertension presented to the ED with shortness of breath and worsening cough for one week. He was living with his father, who was admitted to the ICU and receiving treatment for COVID pneumonia. The patient appeared to be in respiratory distress. His initial vital signs were temperature of 99.6 F, respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute, blood pressure 125/71 mm Hg, heart rate 109 beats per minute with a regular rhythm, and oxygen saturation of 50% while he was breathing ambient air. Pulmonary examination revealed use of respiratory accessory muscle and widespread bilateral coarse rhonchi on auscultation. The rest of the physical examination was within normal limits. RT- PCR COVID -19 test was positive. The blood gas analysis reported respiratory alkalosis. Inflammatory markers were elevated: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (35.2 mg/L), C-Reactive Protein (17.70 mg/dL), Ferritin (1108.1 ng/mL), Lactate Dehydrogenase (813 U/L), Lactate (2.4 mg/dL), D-Dimer (35.20 mg/L) and Troponin High Sensitivity-236.6 ng/L. His CBC, electrolytes, and kidney function were normal. Chest X-ray showed Pneumomediastinum with dense basilar predominant consolidation. CT Angio Chest with contrast reported Pneumomediastinum likely from the left central airway source and bilateral dense ground glass consolidation. An echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 60-65%, no valvular abnormalities. He was placed on vapotherm(Oxygen 40L/min) with 100% FiO2. He was given Dexamethasone 6mg for ten days, Remdesivir, Barcitinib, and a 7-day course of Azithromycin and Ceftriaxone for community-acquired pneumonia. He was advised to practice prone positioning for 12 hours or more per day. Pulmonology, Infectious Disease, and Cardiology were consulted. Gradually, his oxygen requirement was weaned down and Pneumomediastinum resolved on serial chest x rays. He was discharged on home oxygen in a clinically stable condition. DISCUSSION: Pneumomediastinum in viral pneumonia is rare. The exact mechanism is unknown. Covid-19 pneumonia causes diffuse alveolar wall damage, which might cause air leakage into the mediastinum. The development of pneumomediastinum is an ominous sign in these patients. Fortunately, our patient did not worsen and was weaned off high flow oxygenation requirement. CONCLUSIONS: Few isolated reported cases of pneumomediastinum in a COVID-19 patient have been associated with life-threatening complications. It should be used as a prognostic marker, and close monitoring of these patients is advisable. Reference #1: Damous, S.H.B., dos Santos Junior, J.P., Pezzano, Á.V.A. et al. Pneumomediastinum complicating COVID-19: a case series. Eur J Med Res 26, 114 (2021) DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Saad Ansari No relevant relationships by Akshit Chitkara No relevant relationships by Sudeshna Ghosh No relevant relationships by Femina Patel
ABSTRACT
JUSTIFICATION: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has had a formidable impact on Indian health care. With no sight of its end as yet, various establishments including the smaller clinics and nursing homes are restarting full operations. Hence, there is the need for recommendations to allow safe practice ensuring the safety of both the heath care worker (HCW) and patients. PROCESS: Indian Academy of Pediatrics organized an online meeting of subject experts on 27 July, 2020. A committee was formed comprising of pediatricians, pediatric and neonatal intensivists, and hospital administrators. The committee held deliberations (online and via emails) and a final consensus was reached by November, 2020. OBJECTIVES: To develop recommendations to provide a safe and practical healthcare facility at clinics and small establishments during COVID times. RECOMMENDATIONS: The key recommendation to practise safely in this setting are enumerated. Firstly, organizing the out-patient department (OPD). Secondly, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide protection to the individual. Thirdly, decontamination/disinfection of various common surfaces and equipment to prevent transmission of infection from fomites. Next, maintaining the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to provide a stress-free, comfortable, and safe environment for patients and HCWs. Finally, steps to effectively manage COVID-19 exposures in a non-COVID-19 facility. All these measures will ensure safe practice during these unprecedent times in clinics and smaller establishments.