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BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are vulnerable against COVID-19 infection due to physiological and immunological changes. COVID-19 in pregnancy affects fetal well-being with a potential for vertical infection. AIM: This study aims to determine the incidence of vertical infection and anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in infants born to mothers with positive COVID-19 infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amniotic fluid, swabs of the newborn's nasopharynx and oropharynx, and swabs of the placenta were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. Serological examination was performed by Electro-Chemiluminescence Immunoassay on infant's blood. RESULT(S): Four of 33 pregnant women gave birth to infants positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. RT-PCR examination of all amniotic fluid and placental swabs was negative for SARS-CoV-2. Four of 33 infants (12.1%) showed negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results but positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, another 4 newborns (12.1%) showed positive PCR results, but no SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected. The remaining 25 babies (75.8%) showed both negative PCR and serologic results. CONCLUSION(S): No evidence of vertical transmission found in this study.Copyright © 2023 Cut Meurah Yeni, Zinatul Hayati, Sarjani M. Ali, Hasanuddin Hasanuddin, Rusnaidi Rusnaidi, Cut Rika Maharani.
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Objective. To assess the impact of obesity and overweight on the course of COVID-19. Patients and methods. This prospective study included 218 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection aged 18 to 94 years hospitalized between June 2020 and March 2021. We evaluated their clinical and laboratory parameters and their association with body weight. All patients were divided into 3 groups depending on their body mass index (BMI). Group 1 included 81 patients with grade 1-3 obesity (BMI >=30);group 2 comprised 71 overweight patients (BMI >=25 and <30);group 3 included 66 patients with normal body weight (BMI >=18.5 and <25). We analyzed clinical symptoms (including shortness of breath, fever, myalgia, headache, fatigue, changes in the oropharynx, cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat, anosmia, and diarrhea), prevalence of concomitant disorders and complications, findings of computed tomography and pulse oximetry, and findings of instrumental and laboratory examinations (complete blood count, urine test, electrocardiography, echo cardiography, biochemical assays, including C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin index, D-dimer, ferritin). Data analysis was performed using the Statistica 6.0 software. Results. We found that overweight and obese patients were more likely to have the main COVID-19 symptoms and comorbidities than those with normal weight. Overweight and obese patients also required respiratory support more frequently than patients with normal weight. Obese and overweight patients had more severe systemic inflammation (CRP, procalcitonin), cytolysis (ALT, AST), and thrombosis (D-dimer). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that obesity and overweight are the factors associated with a more severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, which should be considered when planning their treatment and developing resource strategies.Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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Hypertension is the most common concomitant disease in COVID-19. Although the increased mortality from a new coronavirus infection occurring against the background of concomitant hypertension has been proven many times, the greater problem is the search for prognostic factors that would allow predicting the risk of severe infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 and death at an early stage. The aim of the study was to determine the level of some markers of acute inflammation (ferritin, C-reactive protein, IL-6) in patients with a new coronavirus infection combined with hypertension. Material and methods. The study included 130 patients of two groups: the main group - patients with COVID-19, occurring against the background of hypertension (n=70), the control group - patients with COVID-19 of moderate severity without concomitant diseases (n=60). Criteria for inclusion in the main group: the presence of stage II hypertension (drug-controlled) and the absence of additional concomitant diseases, including severe obesity >II degrees (body mass index >35 kg/m2). Patients of the main group by age (from 38 to 65 years, average age 57.0+/-6.9 years) did not differ from patients of the control group (from 42 to 65 years, average age 53.6+/-6.6 years). Women prevailed in both groups - 61.4% in the main group and 70% in the control group, respectively. The criteria for excluding patients were: BDD no more than 30/min, SpO2 no lower than 93%, absence of a positive result of a study on SARS-CoV-2 RNA by PCR from the nasopharynx and oropharynx, CT changes characteristic of a viral lesion involving more than 50% of lung parenchyma (CT 3-4), IL-6 levels over 40 pg/ml, age over 65 years. Results. The ferritin index above 500 ng/ml was in 30% of patients of the main and 23.3% of the control group. Comparison of ferritin levels in the two groups showed that its indicators in patients of the main group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p=0.033;p<0.05). C-reactive protein (CRP) was also more often elevated in patients of the main group with arterial hypertension than in patients without a history of hypertension (55.7+/-5.1 and 45.3+/-4.6 mg/l, respectively), but the difference in the degree of its increase was not significant (p=0.132;p>0.05). The average value of IL-6 in both groups was within normal values: 8.9+/-1.2 pg/ml in the main group and 5.6+/-1.1 pg/ml in the control group (p=0.045;p<0.05). Conclusion. In patients with COVID-19, which occurred against the background of hypertension, there was a significant increase in the level of a number of markers of acute inflammation (ferritin, IL-6) compared with patients without concomitant hypertension. These changes may be associated with the effect of high blood pressure on the vascular wall, as well as with the tropicity of the virus to vascular endothelial cells.Copyright © 2021 Moscow State University of Psychology and Education. All right reserved.
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Introduction: Orogastric tube insertion is a routine procedure in medical care. However, misplacement of the tube can cause a variety of complications, which can be life threatening in some instances. Case Description/Methods: 71-year-old male presented with dyspnea, fever, chills, cough, and myalgia for 2 weeks. He had tachycardia, tachypnea, and was hypoxic to 66% in room air. He was found to have acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 Pneumonia and was admitted to ICU. But, he continued to be hypoxic and was started on BiPAP. He eventually became altered, and was intubated. Post intubation orogastric tube (OGT) placement was unsuccessful on the first attempt due to resistance. On the second attempt, the nurse was able to advance partially (Figure). But, a chest XR showed OGT in the mediastinum, and OGT was removed. CT of neck and chest revealed pneumomediastinum with possible mid-thoracic esophageal perforation. The patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and thoracic surgery was consulted. Given his mechanical ventilation requirement, surgery deemed him unfit to tolerate thoracotomy and the endoscopic procedure was not available in the hospital. So, recommendation was to manage conservatively. His hospital course was complicated by hypotension requiring vasopressors and metabolic acidosis in setting of acute renal failure requiring CRRT. Code status was changed by the family to Do Not Resuscitate due to his deteriorating condition. Eventually, he had a PEA arrest and was expired. Discussion(s): OGT intubation is performed at hospitals for feeding, medication administration or gastric decompression. Although it is considered a safe procedure, complications can arise due to OGT misplacement or trauma caused by the OGT itself or the intubation process. OGT misplacement is typically endotracheal or intracranial. Misplacement within the upper GI lumen is usually detected by a kink in the oropharynx or esophagus. The subsequent complications are identified by the structure that is perforated (e.g., mediastinitis or pneumothorax). Regardless of whether counteraction is perceived, the physician must be careful not to apply excessive force. The location of the OGT tip should be determined by a chest radiograph;visualization of the tip below the diaphragm verifies appropriate placement. Complications of OGT insertion are uncommon;however, the consequences are potentially serious, and the anatomy of the upper GI tract should be understood by all who are involved in the care.
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BACKGROUND: Face masks have been critical in the COVID-19 pandemic, but supplies were sometimes limited and disposable masks contribute greatly to environmental waste. Studies suggest that filtration capacity is retained with repeated use, and surveys indicate many people re-use surgical masks. However, the impact of mask re-use on the host is under-studied. METHODS: We applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the bacterial microbiome of the facial skin and oropharynx of individuals randomized to wearing fresh surgical masks daily versus masks re-used for one week. RESULTS: Compared to daily fresh masks, re-use was associated with increased richness (number of taxa) of the skin microbiome and trend towards greater diversity, but no difference in the oropharyngeal microbiome. Used masks had either skin-dominant or oropharynx-dominant bacterial sequences, and re-used masks had >100-fold higher bacterial content but no change in composition compared to those used for one day. CONCLUSIONS: One week of mask re-use increased the number of low-abundance taxa on the face but did not impact the upper respiratory microbiome. Thus, face mask re-use has little impact on the host microbiome, though whether minor changes to the skin microbiome might relate to reported skin sequelae of masking ("maskne") remains to be determined.
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Objective. To comparatively assess the early toxicity of treatment, its tolerability, 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival, and local regional control rates in a group of patients receiving a radical cycle of accelerated or conventional fractionation chemoradiotherapy. Subjects and methods. The paper presents the interim results of a prospective study that included 115 patients with locally advanced cancer of the oropharynx, tongue root, and larynx who received a radical cycle of conformal chemoradiotherapy using accelerated (the single focal dose (SFD) was 2.4 Gy for 25-26 fractions) or conventional (SFD was 2.0 Gy for 32-33 fractions) fractionation in the period from 2015 to 2020. Results. An analysis comparing the study group with the control one revealed no statistically significant differences in the level of early toxicity of treatment (p=0.41). Complete tumor reversal was achieved in 57 (86.3%) patients in the study group and in 39 (79.5%) in the comparison group (p=0.23). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year local regional control rates in the accelerated fractionation group was 78.3+/-5.3%;65.9+/-6.8%, and 54.5+/-9.2%, respectively. The 3-year overall survival rate was 80.4+/-7.4%. These rates did not differ statistically from those in the conventional radiotherapy group (p=0.12-0.82);53 (80.3%) patients in the study group and 37 (75.5%) in the standard fractionation group received a radiation cycle without a forced interval. The treatment interval in the patients of both groups reduced the 2-year local regional control rates by 30.2% compared to that in the continuous cycle group (p=0.02). Conclusion. Accelerated fractionation chemoradiotherapy (SFD was 2.4 Gy for 25-26 fractions, the daily focal dose was 60.0- 62.4 Gy) is a procedure comparable with conventional radiation in its direct efficiency and safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this regimen can be considered to be a mainstay for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer in order to preserve the previous volumes of specialized healthcare.Copyright © A.V. SEMENOV I.A. GULIDOV O.G. LEPILINA M.U. RADZHAPOVA F.E. SEVRYUKOV K.B. GORDON.
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Objective. To assess the impact of obesity and overweight on the course of COVID-19. Patients and methods. This prospective study included 218 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection aged 18 to 94 years hospitalized between June 2020 and March 2021. We evaluated their clinical and laboratory parameters and their association with body weight. All patients were divided into 3 groups depending on their body mass index (BMI). Group 1 included 81 patients with grade 1-3 obesity (BMI >=30);group 2 comprised 71 overweight patients (BMI >=25 and <30);group 3 included 66 patients with normal body weight (BMI >=18.5 and <25). We analyzed clinical symptoms (including shortness of breath, fever, myalgia, headache, fatigue, changes in the oropharynx, cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat, anosmia, and diarrhea), prevalence of concomitant disorders and complications, findings of computed tomography and pulse oximetry, and findings of instrumental and laboratory examinations (complete blood count, urine test, electrocardiography, echo cardiography, biochemical assays, including C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin index, D-dimer, ferritin). Data analysis was performed using the Statistica 6.0 software. Results. We found that overweight and obese patients were more likely to have the main COVID-19 symptoms and comorbidities than those with normal weight. Overweight and obese patients also required respiratory support more frequently than patients with normal weight. Obese and overweight patients had more severe systemic inflammation (CRP, procalcitonin), cytolysis (ALT, AST), and thrombosis (D-dimer). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that obesity and overweight are the factors associated with a more severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, which should be considered when planning their treatment and developing resource strategies.Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Earlier to SARS-CoV pandemic, coronaviruses were only thought to cause mild, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections in humans. COVID 19 presents across a spectrum of symptoms. WHO recommends detection of unique sequences of virus RNA by Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) such as real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). The aim of this cross sectional study was analysis and confirmation of Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab specimen by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Material & Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study that reviewed records of samples collected from June 2021 to March 2022. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab specimen were collected from suspected COVID-19 subjects of various districts of Punjab and referred to Viral Research Diagnostic Laboratory [VRDL], Government Medical College [GMC], Amritsar for laboratory analysis and confirmation by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: During the present study, a total of 11,27,005 samples were analyzed from June 2021 to March 2022 for SARS-CoV-2 detection by ICMR approved COVID-19 RT-PCR kits. Out of total 11,27,005 cases, 24,466 cases (2.17%) were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive while 11,02,539 cases (97.83%) were SARS-CoV-2 negative. Conclusions: Ever since the COVID-19 global pandemic emerged, the developing countries are facing challenges regarding its diagnosis. Isolation of the infected person will eventually decrease the Reproduction number i.e Ro which will further interrupt the transmission cycle leading to decrease in community spread.
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New coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is a modern global problem that requires the rapid development of diagnostic and treatment methods, as well as the study of pathological effects on body tissues. Due to severe damage to the respiratory organs, special attention is paid to the study of pneumothorax as a manifestation of gas syndrome, one of the complications of COVID-19. The purpose of the study was to assess the incidence of pneumothorax as a complication of COVID-19, the features of the development of the pathological process, and to determine the criteria for treatment tactics. Materials and methods. In total, for the period from April 2020 to May 2022 at the Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital named after. S.P. Botkin treated 31532 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. As part of this study, the case histories of 316 patients with clinical manifestations of gas syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, the diagnostic criterion of which was a positive result of the PCR test - the detection of RNA in a swab taken from the nasopharynx and oropharynx. Results. Analysis of case histories showed that severe COVID-19 occurs in all age groups. Collapse of half of the lung was observed in most cases (59 patients). The main treatment method for pneumothorax was Bulau drainage. At the same time, in 47 patients (32%) this method required active aspiration. In 37 patients (26%), drainage was corrected and the pleural cavity was re-drained. In 37 patients, the result of hospitalization was a fatal outcome, the main causes of which were severe pneumonia and/or severe immunodeficiency, 75 patients (52%) were discharged from the hospital in a stable condition. Conclusions. The occurrence of pneumothorax in patients with COVID-19 is characterized by late onset, protracted course, the formation of purulent complications and a high incidence of fatal outcomes, which do not always correlate with the severity of pneumonia.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.
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This article provides information about a scientific study conducted to explore the possibility of using photohemotherapy (UV blood irradiation) to correct hemostasis in the complex treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The study included 21 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. The patients consisted of two groups: the main group (11 people), in which ultraviolet exposure to the blood was carried out in combination with the basic therapy, and the control group (10 people), where the treatment was used in accordance with the generally accepted basic therapy. The dynamics of stabilization of the parameters of the hemostasis system, the normalization of the acid-base durability of the blood, and the maximum saturation of erythrocyte hemoglobin were evaluated in comparison with the treatment results of patients in the control group. It was established that in patients with COVID-19 who underwent basic therapy in combination with intravenous UV irradiation of blood, in addition to improvement in the condition of the above systems, the following were noted: healing in CT scans of both lungs and negative PCR results in the study of swabs from the oropharynx and nasopharynx started 5-6 days earlier than in patients of the control group. Patients of the main group can be discharged after normalization of vital functions, CT scan of the lungs, and clinical and laboratory parameters 5-6 days earlier than patients in the control group.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.
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This article provides information about a scientific study conducted to explore the possibility of using photohemotherapy (UV blood irradiation) to correct hemostasis in the complex treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The study included 21 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. The patients consisted of two groups: the main group (11 people), in which ultraviolet exposure to the blood was carried out in combination with the basic therapy, and the control group (10 people), where the treatment was used in accordance with the generally accepted basic therapy. The dynamics of stabilization of the parameters of the hemostasis system, the normalization of the acid-base durability of the blood, and the maximum saturation of erythrocyte hemoglobin were evaluated in comparison with the treatment results of patients in the control group. It was established that in patients with COVID-19 who underwent basic therapy in combination with intravenous UV irradiation of blood, in addition to improvement in the condition of the above systems, the following were noted: healing in CT scans of both lungs and negative PCR results in the study of swabs from the oropharynx and nasopharynx started 5-6 days earlier than in patients of the control group. Patients of the main group can be discharged after normalization of vital functions, CT scan of the lungs, and clinical and laboratory parameters 5-6 days earlier than patients in the control group.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.
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Background. Vaccine attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) influence patient vaccine acceptance. We sought to characterize vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among HCPs in NYS. Methods. An electronic survey was developed to assess vaccine KAP among HCPs. The questionnaires were sent to members of various national medical organizations via local chapter administrators. Results. 864 surveys were returned from 672 (78%) physicians and 192 (22%) mid-level practitioners (MLPs). 624/724 (86%) of HCPs report always recommending routine vaccines to eligible patients, yet only 76% recommend influenza vaccine (IV) and 77% strongly recommend HPV vaccine at 11-12 yrs. MLPs had a higher mean agreement level that recommending vaccines (4.6 vs 4.2 p < 0.01) or promoting HPV vaccine (4.2 vs. 3.9 p < 0.05) is within their scope of practice. Physicians had a higher mean agreement level that: vaccine benefits outweigh risks (4.9 vs 4.6 p < 0.01), HPV vaccine prevents cancer (4.7 vs 4.5 p < 0.01), and COVID-19 vaccine is safe (4.8 vs 4.5 p < 0.01) and effective (4.8 vs 4.7 p < 0.01). 82% (680/825) of HCPs knew that vaccines should not be deferred for mild illness. 14/836 (2%) believed that HPV vaccine could increase sexual activity, while 273/705 (39%) knew that the most common HPV associated malignancy is oropharyngeal cancer. HCPs who correctly answered >= 5/7 questions (462/507 91%) were more likely to recommend all vaccines to eligible patients than HCPs with lower scores (22/40 50% p < 0.05). Routine IV recommendation was more likely among HCPs who: strongly disagree that influenza is not serious enough for vaccination (292/397 (74%) vs 137/249 (55%) p < 0.01), strongly agree that it prevents severe disease (267/352 (76%) vs 162/294 (55%) p < 0.01), and receive annual IV (423/629 (67%) vs 6/17 (35%)) p < 0.01). HPV vaccine recommendation at 11-12 years was more likely among HCPs who strongly agree that the vaccine prevents cancer (273/326 (84%) vs 48/86, 56% p < 0.01) and those who stated that vaccination does not increase risk of unprotected sex (316/392 (79%) vs 3/12 (25%) p < 0.01). Conclusion. Vaccine recommendation practices are influenced by HCP vaccine misperceptions and hesitancy. Interventions to reduce misperceptions and improve vaccine confidence are needed.
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Over two and a half years have passed since the WHO declared the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Thanks to the accumulated vast experience, especially in countries with a well-developed healthcare, systematized and reliable diagnostic approaches have been made available. Using such molecular biological methods, a current infection with SARS-CoV-2 can be diagnosed: either via sequencing viral nucleic acids or by using chromatographic tests demonstrating viral proteins (rapid antigen tests). Individuals presenting with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, should be tested for a SARS-CoV-2 infection and the sample should be taken from the upper respiratory tract (nasopharynx, nasal and/or oropharynx). It is generally accepted that RT-PCR is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic test. This method allows for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid, by specifically targeting ORF1ab, N and Edomain in the viral genome. The "rapid antigen tests" detect the virus as early as 3-7 days after infection. The sensitivity of the rapid antigen tests does not change compared to the variants of the virus discovered thus far, including the new subtypes of the "Omicron" variant. The principal of this test is based on the detection of the N-protein (nuclear protein). Since the N-protein has remained relatively stable with respect to structural changes, the sensitivity of rapid antigen tests remains high.
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Introduction: Anatomic assessment of the upper airway remains important in directing and monitoring of care for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Nasopharyngoscopy is routine in clinical practice, but it can be invasive and potentially less attractive in the post-COVID-19 care setting. It also only allows subjective assessment. Ultrasound imaging of the upper airway with backscattered imaging analyzed via machine learning algorithm is investigated as a potential alternative. Method(s): Sixty-three subjects (14 female) with a mean age of 39.4 (12.6) years, body mass index (BMI) of 26.4 (4.6) kg/m2, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 19.0 (16.1) were consented from Stanford sleep surgery (July 2020 to May 2021). A standardized ultrasound protocol was used to image the soft palate, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis. Via ultrasound device cleared by US Food and Drug Administation, backscattered ultrasound imaging (BUI) of the upper airway was performed and analyzed with machinelearning algorithms. Combined with B-mode measurements of airway muscular cross-sections, a logistic regression model was built to correlate with OSA severity. Result(s): The BUI of subjects with mild OSA was different from moderate-severe (AHI>=15) OSA at the soft palate (P=.0007). The axial-to-lateral ratio of upper airway length was reduced in the lower soft palate of the moderate-severe group (P=.0207). The logistic regression model with BUI, axial-to-lateral ratio at the soft palate, and BMI showed an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.726-0.920) in moderate-severe OSA. Conclusion(s): A noninvasive yet replicable technique to visualize and phenotype the upper airway is critical in the management of patients with sleep-disordered breathing. Sonographic BUI combined with B-mode airway measurements analyzed by machine learning show promise in characterizing the upper airway in patients with moderate-severe OSA.
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Introduction: Access to specialty care is challenging in rural health environments, and this has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Routes to establishing care for head and neck cancer patients are especially important. We sought to quantify our referral patterns and processes to identify opportunities for optimization. Method(s): Retrospective review was performed of patients with initial head and neck tumor board presentation between January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021. Assessed time points were date of referral, biopsy, pathological diagnosis, imaging order, imaging obtained, and initial presentation at head and neck tumor board. Result(s): A total of 429 patients were included. Squamous cell carcinoma (n=350, 81.6%) made up the majority, and most common primary sites were oropharynx (27.4%), oral cavity (20.3%), larynx (16.9%), and cutaneous (16.5%). At time of referral, 37.6% of patients had biopsy proven diagnosis. Average time to tumor board was 22 days, and significantly greater in those undiagnosed at referral (29 vs 14 days). Distance to provider did not correlate with time to tumor board. The period since the onset of the COVID crisis did not appear to affect access to care once in our system. However, there was evidence that patients presented with advanced locoregional disease during COVID-19. Conclusion(s): This study creates an approach to map access to care, evaluating critical time points and opportunities to expedite multiple steps that initiate therapy for head and neck cancer. There are both external (rural geography and the COVID-19 pandemic) and internal aspects that may pose barriers to access. Identification of these barriers allows for improved timely access to care in this susceptible population.
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Patients with Chiari I malformations present with tonsillar herniation below the foramen magnum causing abnormal spinal anatomy. Anesthesia challenges in this population include difficult airway management, monitoring intraoperative autonomic dysfunction, avoiding increased intracranial pressure, and accommodating sensitivity to neuromuscular blockade. We present a case with an additional airway management challenge due to morbid obesity with a BMI of 62. A 23 year old female with a history of Covid pneumonia and morbid obesity who presented with syringomyelia and Chiari I malformation. She initially presented with bilateral numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in her hands. Imaging with MRI at the time showed downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils with the tips reaching the lower portion of C1 and overall 10-12 mm displacement below the level of the foramen magnum. Syrinx was also visualized from the level of C1-C2 extending down to the level of T5-T6. Repeat MRI a year later showed no significant changes. However, she has worsening symptoms of pain in her right arm preventing her from working. She is agreeable to surgical decompression of the posterior fossa through a suboccipital craniotomy with resection of the posterior arch of C1 with duraplasty. Significant findings on the physical exam include Mallampati III, shorter thyromental distance, and limited range of motion of her cervical spine due to pain in her arms. We chose awake fiberoptic intubation due to difficult airway from morbid obesity and limited cervical spine range of motion and the consideration of hypercapnia induced from brief apnea the patient may not tolerate. She was premedicated with versed, glycopyrrolate, and dexmedetomidine, and given a 5% lidocaine paste lollipop to topicalize oropharynx. She was also started on a low dose remifentanil infusion for sedation during the awake fiberoptic approach. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate with continuous end-tidal capnography, and pulse oximetry were monitored during the awake fiberoptic intubation. A 7.0 endotracheal tube was lubricated with viscous lidocaine and placed over a fiberoptic scope. Once there was visualization of the vocal cords, additional 2% lidocaine was administered directly at the vocal cords. She was intubated smoothly on the first attempt. She was then immediately induced to general anesthesia with propofol and non-depolarizing muscle relaxant to avoid using succinylcholine due to the possible hypersensitivity caused by denervation. Intraoperatively, a conventional air warmer was used to prevent hypothermia. Invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring was applied. Normotensive blood pressure and normocapnia were maintained throughout the surgery. Muscular blockade was reversed with sugammadex at the end of surgery to ensure adequate ventilation especially with the patient's body habitus. Upon extubation, the patient had acute hypertension which was managed by nicardipine infusion and hydralazine boluses. Patient was taken to a neurosurgical intensive unit and monitored for two days. She was discharged home without any complication. In conclusion, anesthetic considerations for patients with Chiari I malformation include airway management, monitoring for autonomic dysfunction, avoiding increase in ICP, and optimizing postoperative neurological status with balanced anesthetic management.
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SESSION TITLE: Close Critical Care Calls SESSION TYPE: Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pm INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has resulted in many patients presenting in severe hypoxemic respiratory failure without the ability to achieve adequate oxygenation despite non-invasive positive pressure ventilation prior to attempting endotracheal intubation. Recently, the American Academy of Anesthesiology (AAOA) released an updated 2022 guideline addressing difficult airway management. Though evidence is limited, the use of a combination maneuvers with a supraglottic airway and lighted stylet yielded a greater than 75% intubation success rate after failed direct laryngoscopy [1]. The following case emphasizes a novel definitive airway rescue option for an anatomically and physiologically difficult airway, complicated by an inability to ventilate and oxygenate in the setting of severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 58 year old, morbidly obese (BMI-58) female with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and severe refractory hypoxemia on Bi-Level non-invasive ventilation (inspiratory pressure 20, expiratory pressure 15, 100% fraction inspired oxygen) complicated by an acute complete opacification of the left hemi-thorax and right pneumothorax with oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 80%. Rapid sequence induction was attempted, however failed despite multiple maneuvers. Due to continued deterioration of the patient's oxygenation, a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was placed with improvement of the patient's oxygen saturation. A single-use disposable bronchoscope was then placed through the LMA with successful navigation through the vocal cords and direct visualization of the tip within the right main-stem bronchus. Using trauma shears, the handle of the bronchoscope was cut away from the insertion tube. The LMA was then retracted (Fig. 1) and forceps were utilized to maintain position of the insertion tube (Fig. 2) during this maneuver. The video laryngoscope blade was then reinserted into the oropharynx for visualization of the insertion tube coursing through the vocal cords. Using the insertion tube from the single-use bronchoscope as a stylet, intubation was successfully accomplished by inserting a 7.5mm ETT over the insertion tube under direct visualization with the video laryngoscope (Fig. 3). DISCUSSION: Single use bronchoscope devices have been successfully used for planned awake intubations [2] as well as confirmation of endotracheal tube placement [3] after emergent intubation. The novel technique described above can be a useful measure to facilitate intubation under direct visualization in complicated airway scenarios without the need for a surgical airway. CONCLUSIONS: This technique offers a number of advantages to include direct visualization of the airway, navigational capability of bronchoscopy and confirmation of placement with video laryngoscopy. The combination of these techniques can be considered as an alternative prior to pursuing an invasive surgical option. Reference #1: Jeffrey L. Apfelbaum, Carin A. Hagberg, Richard T. Connis, Basem B. Abdelmalak, Madhulika Agarkar, Richard P. Dutton, John E. Fiadjoe, Robert Greif, P. Allan Klock, David Mercier, Sheila N. Myatra, Ellen P. O'Sullivan, William H. Rosenblatt, Massimiliano Sorbello, Avery Tung;2022 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Management of the Difficult Airway. Anesthesiology 2022;136:31–81 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/ALN.0000000000004002 Reference #2: Kristensen MS, Fredensborg BB. The disposable Ambu aScope vs. a conventional flexible videoscope for awake intubation – a randomised study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2013 Aug;57(7):888-95. doi: 10.1111/aas.12094. Epub 2013 Mar 15. PMID: 23495767 Reference #3: Mitra A, Gave A, Coolahan K, Nguyen T. Confirmation of endotracheal tube placement using disposable fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the emergent setting. World J Emerg Med. 2019;10(4):210-214. doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2019.04.003. PMID: 31534594;PMCID: PMC6732169 DISCLOSURES: No relevant r lationships by John Levasseur No relevant relationships by Lauren Sattler No relevant relationships by Tyson Sjulin
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SESSION TITLE: Management of COVID-19-Induced Complications SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (ANCA-AV) is an autoimmune mediated inflammation of small and medium sized vessel walls. The occurrence of this autoimmune vasculitis is typically associated with underlying infection, medications, and genetic predisposition.(1) The objective of this case report is to describe a rare presentation of ANCA-AV in the setting of COVID-19 infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old male presented to the hospital with a three-week history of cough productive of brown sputum, epistaxis, fatigue, decreased appetite, and unintentional weight loss. During the previous week, he experienced worsening dyspnea and bilateral lower extremity swelling. On physical examination, he was hypoxic requiring 4L of supplemental oxygen to maintain saturations greater than 90%. Diffuse and bilateral wheezes were heard on auscultation of his lungs. A tender petechial rash was dispersed over his limbs, trunk, oropharynx, and nasopharynx. A basic metabolic panel revealed a mild, acute renal impairment. Urinalysis showed new onset proteinuria and hemoglobinuria. Nasopharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-COV-2. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed diffuse, bilateral ground glass opacities and interstitial changes. Therapy with piperacillin-tazobactam was started for presumed superimposed bacterial community acquired pneumonia in the setting of COVID-19 infection. On day three of hospitalization, the petechial rash progressed to hemorrhagic blisters. His oral petechiae were now ulcerated. A punch biopsy of the affected skin showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Anti-Proteinase 3 (PR3) antibodies were positive. Subsequent renal biopsy showed pauci-immune focal necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis consistent with ANCA-AV. Therapy with intravenous pulse dose corticosteroids led to improvement in his rash and body aches, and he was discharged home on oral steroids ten days after admission. DISCUSSION: This report describes a rare case of ANCA-AV in the setting of recent COVID-19 infection. Differentiation of ANCA-AV, bacterial and COVID-19 pneumonia can be challenging on chest imaging alone.(1) New onset renal impairment, hematuria, proteinuria and the presence of the petechial rash were suspicious for co-existing ANCA-AV in this patient. COVID-19- associated cytokine storm and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is postulated to be the underlying cause.(1-3) NETs present myeloperoxidase (MPO) and PR3 antigens to the immune system. Formation of auto-antibodies to MPO and PR3 lead to the development of ANCA-AV. The findings of NETs on kidney biopsy specimens in patients with ANCA-AV supports this hypothesis.(1,2) CONCLUSIONS: To avoid the misdiagnosis of COVID-19-induced vasculitis, a low threshold to investigate co-existing vasculitis in patients with COVID-19 and associated clinical findings is highly recommended. Reference #1: Izci Duran T, Turkmen E, Dilek M, Sayarlioglu H, Arik N. ANCA-associated vasculitis after COVID-19. Rheumatol Int. 2021;41(8):1523-1529. Reference #2: Uppal NN, Kello N, Shah HH, et al. De Novo ANCA-Associated Vasculitis With Glomerulonephritis in COVID-19. Kidney Int Rep. 2020;5(11):2079-2083. Reference #3: Cobilinschi C, Cobilinschi C, Constantinescu A, Draniceanu I, Ionescu R. New-Onset ANCA-Associated Vasculitis in a Patient with SARS-COV2. Balkan Med J. 2021;38(5):318-320. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Andrei Hastings No relevant relationships by Jason Lane No relevant relationships by Tanya Marshall No relevant relationships by Palak Rath No relevant relationships by Sterling Shriber No relevant relationships by inderprit Singh No relevant relationships by Samuel Wiles
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Purpose : To evaluate the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the safety of the corneal donation process in an Eye Bank in Southern Brazil. Methods : This is a cross-sectional, observational, retrospective study involving 771 potential corneal donors and their respective RT-PCR COVID-19 results. The tests were performed by collecting secretions from the oropharynx and nasopharynx and processed in a laboratory at the University Hospital of Londrina-PR, from March 2020 to November 2021. The individuals were submitted to a complementary check list to the traditional one for clinical and epidemiological screening of potential corneal donors against coronavirus (SARS-Cov2). Patients not tested for COVID-19 in this first step were excluded using the main clinical screening criteria already routinely used. The criteria used for further validation of potential donors were: donor who had COVID-19 with complete remission of symptoms for more than 28 days, donor with no clinical suspicion, and no suspected or confirmed contact of COVID-19. Donors diagnosed with COVID-19, donor with COVID-19 suspected by clinical and epidemiological evaluation, contacts of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 less than 14 days ago, and donor with clinical suspicion less than 28 days ago but negative molecular test were discarded in this evaluation. Results : Among the 771 potential corneal donors, 710 individuals performed the RT-PCR test. A total of 689 (97.04%) individuals tested negative for COVID-19. The average age of suitable donors was 52.52 ± 18.10 years, 289 (41.9%) were female and 400 (58.1%) were male. However, 21 (2.96%) individuals tested positive for COVID-19 and were discarded, even after the complementary screening implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic. Among the positives, 9 (1.2%) cases were female and 12 (1.6%) were male;the average age was 55.10 ± 23.10. Conclusions : Despite the complementary exclusion criteria for potential organ and tissue donors in the pandemic, the use of RT-PCR for COVID-19 proved to be essential to maintain safety in the corneal donation process.
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The appointment of antibacterial agents for the treatment of pneumonia that develops with COVID-19 is one of the treatment regimens. Antibacterial agents are prescribed only in the case of the presence of confirmed bacterial co-infec-tion but can be appointed empirically. This approach promotes the development of antibiotic resistance of opportunistic and saprophytic microflora of almost all habitats, including the oropharynx, which can lead to dysbiosis with activation of fungal flora. The aim of the study was to analyze the composition of the oropharyngeal microbiome of patients with viral and bacterial pneumonia who took antibiotics, as well as the sensitivity of fungi of the genus Candida to antifungal drugs for effective treatment of the underlying disease. Methods. The results of the bacteriological examination of 113 patients treated with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were analyzed. Microbiological examination of oropharyngeal swabs was performed by the classical bacteriological method with dosed seeding of suspended material on differential diagnostic media (in particular Sabouraud agar was used for selection of fungi of the genus Candida) and genus identification by morphological, cultural, biochemical properties. Results. PCR tests were performed for all patients in the clinical trial to confirm the diagnosis of viral and bacterial pneumonia. According to the results of the bacteriological examination, fungi of the genus Candida were found in 52 (46.0%) patients with pneumonia associated with COVID-19. The analysis of prescriptions showed that only 14 (26.9%) patients were treated with one antibiotic, two antibiotics were prescribed to 31 (59.6%) patients, and three — to 7 (13.5%). In the structure of antibiotic therapy, the lion’s share were cephalosporins of the third generation (ceftriaxone, hepacef) — 33 (63.5%), and macrolides (azithromycin) — 16 (30.8%) patients. In the structure of the oropharyngeal microbiome, according to the results of the bacteriological research, fungi of the genus Candida significantly prevailed, which were found in 52 (46.0%), and in 29 patients (25.7%) S. pneumonia was found. The sensitivity of fungi of the genus Candida to antifungal agents was analyzed, and the maximum number of resistant strains was detected to nystatin and amphotericin — 38.5% and 26.9%, with only 8 (15.3%) fungi of the genus Candida sensitive to nystatin. Conclusions. All patients with viral-bacterial pneumonia associated with COVID-19 received antibiotic therapy with the lion’s share of third-generation cephalosporins (63.5%) and macrolides (30.8%). According to the results of the bacteriological examination of the oropharyngeal microbiome after antibiotic therapy, fungi of the genus Candida predominated (46.0%), followed by S. pneumoniae (25.7%). Isolated strains of fungi of the genus Candida showed resistance to nystatin (38.5%) and amphotericin (26.9%). Antifungal agents of the imidazole subgroup have shown high efficiency and a low percentage of resistant strains, which allows us to recommend them for the treatment of complications of COVID-19 caused by fungi of the genus Candida. © Publisher PH «Akademperiodyka» of the NAS of Ukraine, 2022. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).