-
Radiology and Oncology Jun 2024The aim of the study was to provide insight into the influence of the COVID-19 on the frequency and characteristics of urgent and emergent tracheostomies (TS), comparing...
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to provide insight into the influence of the COVID-19 on the frequency and characteristics of urgent and emergent tracheostomies (TS), comparing data collected both before and during the pandemic. Our two hypotheses were that and that .
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The research was retrospective. The study period included the two years before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in Slovenia. Forty-one patients in each period met the inclusion criteria. Their medical charts were reviewed. The anamnestic, clinical, surgical and anaesthesiological data were collected. The two groups of patients from corresponding time periods were statistically compared.
RESULTS
Predominantly men required the surgical resolution of acute upper airway obstruction (76% of patients). The causes for acute respiratory distress included head and neck cancer (62%), infections (20%), vocal cord paralysis (16%), and stenosis (2%). There were no statistically significant differences either in the (emergent/urgent) setting of TS or in the type of anaesthesia used. Both hypotheses were rejected. A statistically significant rise in use of the C-MAC laryngoscope during COVID-19 (from 3% to 15%) was reported.
CONCLUSIONS
The outbreak of COVID-19 did not have a statistically significant effect on the frequency of performing emergent and urgent tracheostomies nor on the use of general or local anaesthesia. It did, however, require a change of intubation technique. Consequently, a significant rise in the use of the C-MAC laryngoscope was noted.
PubMed: 38861690
DOI: 10.2478/raon-2024-0034 -
PloS One 2024Small airways obstruction (SAO) has been associated with occupational exposures. Whether exposure to harmful occupational agents impacts the survival of people with SAO...
BACKGROUND
Small airways obstruction (SAO) has been associated with occupational exposures. Whether exposure to harmful occupational agents impacts the survival of people with SAO is unknown. Our aim was to estimate the mortality risk associated with occupational exposures among people with SAO.
METHODS
We used data from UK Biobank participants with SAO, defined as a ratio of forced expiratory volume in three seconds to forced expiratory volume in six seconds (FEV3/FEV6) below the lower limit of normal. We assigned lifetime occupational exposures to participants with available occupational histories using the ALOHA+ Job Exposure Matrix. Mortality data were provided by the National Death Registries. We used Cox regression to assess the association of all-cause mortality with lifetime occupational exposures (vapours, gases, dusts, fumes-VGDF; solvents; pesticides; metals), adjusting for potential confounders.
RESULTS
The 13,942 participants with SAO had a mean age of 56±7 years, 59% were females and 94.2% were of White ancestry. Overall, there were 457 deaths over a median follow-up of 12.8 years. A greater mortality risk was associated with exposure to VGDF, with hazard ratios of 1.32 (95%CI: 1.04-1.78) for low levels and 1.41 (95%CI: 1.11-1.78) for moderate levels of cumulative exposure. There was no evidence of association for the other occupational exposures.
CONCLUSION
Lifetime occupational exposure to VGDF in people with SAO may have a detrimental effect on their survival. Future respiratory health surveillance programmes of people exposed to VGDF should consider assessment for SAO and focus on primary prevention through adequate exposure control.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Airway Obstruction; Risk Factors; Proportional Hazards Models; Aged; Adult; United Kingdom; Forced Expiratory Volume
PubMed: 38861560
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305125 -
Archivos Argentinos de Pediatria Jun 2024Stridor is a symptom of upper airway obstruction and may result from congenital or acquired causes. The diagnosis is usually clinical. If further investigation is...
Stridor is a symptom of upper airway obstruction and may result from congenital or acquired causes. The diagnosis is usually clinical. If further investigation is necessary for differential diagnosis, endoscopy is the method of choice in most cases. Imaging studies are complementary to endoscopy. They allow evaluation of laryngeal and tracheobronchial pathology and extrinsic airway compressions due to tumors or vascular malformations and define a lesion's location, extent, and characteristics. They are helpful in cases of diagnostic doubt and when endoscopy is unavailable. It is essential to understand the anatomy and pathophysiology of the respiratory tract and to be aware of the indications and limitations of complementary examinations for proper diagnosis. The different imaging modalities available to evaluate stridor in pediatrics are described, and their advantages are discussed.
PubMed: 38861380
DOI: 10.5546/aap.2024-10328.eng -
Clinical & Translational Immunology 2024This analysis assessed disease characteristics and response to dupilumab treatment in male and female patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps...
OBJECTIVES
This analysis assessed disease characteristics and response to dupilumab treatment in male and female patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (SINUS-52 study; NCT02898454).
METHODS
Patients received dupilumab 300 mg or placebo every 2 weeks for 52 weeks on background intranasal corticosteroids. Efficacy was assessed through Week 52 using nasal polyp score (NPS), nasal congestion/obstruction score, loss of smell score and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test score. Disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22).
RESULTS
The analysis included 192 male and 111 female patients. Female patients had higher mean SNOT-22 total score (56.6 vs. 49.1, < 0.01) and more coexisting asthma (78.4% vs. 46.4%, < 0.0001) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NSAID-ERD) (38.7% vs. 18.8%, = 0.0001) than male patients, but other baseline characteristics were similar. Dupilumab significantly improved CRSwNP outcomes vs. placebo at Week 52, regardless of gender: least squares mean differences (95% confidence interval) for NPS were -2.33 (-2.80, -1.86) in male and -2.54 (-3.18, -1.90) in female patients (both < 0.0001 vs. placebo), and for SNOT-22 were -19.2 (-24.1, -14.2) in male and -24.4 (-31.5, -17.3) in female patients (both < 0.0001 vs. placebo). There were no significant efficacy-by-gender interactions.
CONCLUSION
Female patients had greater asthma, NSAID-ERD and HRQoL burden at baseline than male patients. Dupilumab treatment significantly improved objective and subjective outcomes compared with placebo, irrespective of gender.
PubMed: 38854740
DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1511 -
Cureus May 2024Subcutaneous emphysema is a common complication of thoracic surgery. Tension subcutaneous emphysema that causes airway obstruction is rare but life-threatening. This...
Subcutaneous emphysema is a common complication of thoracic surgery. Tension subcutaneous emphysema that causes airway obstruction is rare but life-threatening. This report presents a patient who developed tension subcutaneous emphysema after recurrent secondary pneumothorax surgery which was treated with minimally invasive open-window thoracostomy. A wound protector/retractor and three-sided taping were successfully used to prevent air from entering the subcutaneous space via the wound while draining trapped air without creating an open pneumothorax. This approach is an option for managing subcutaneous and intrathoracic air leakage in emergency situations.
PubMed: 38854324
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59920 -
Sleep Science (Sao Paulo, Brazil) Jun 2024Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep....
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep. Floppy Eye Syndrome (FES) is a condition in which the upper eyelids easily evert with upward traction due to underlying tarsal plate laxity and is associated with chronic, reactive papillary conjunctivitis; this causes the eye to be vulnerable to discomfort and visual symptoms. A 49-year-old man with an 8-year history of snoring, sleep fragmentation, and daytime sleepiness was admitted as an outpatient in our sleep clinic. The patient had complied ocular symptoms such as burning eyes, redness, and irritative ocular symptoms in the past five years, arising upon waking up. The symptoms did not regress with the use of artificial tears and proper ointment. The patient was diagnosed with OSA and began using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP therapy significantly corrected the symptoms of FES associated with OSA . This would help to sensibilize ocular findings in patients with OSA and identify hidden sleeping diseases needing a more appropriate investigation and possible treatment. We must look beyond our approach to sleep clinic patients and avoid being kept to the common symptoms patients represent.
PubMed: 38846583
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777784 -
Cureus May 2024Managing gross maxillofacial injuries poses significant challenges due to potential complications such as airway obstruction, cervical spine injuries, and damage to...
Managing gross maxillofacial injuries poses significant challenges due to potential complications such as airway obstruction, cervical spine injuries, and damage to cranial structures. The resultant deformities from these injuries can have enduring psychological effects, which, if left unaddressed, can be devastating. This report outlines an approach for a patient with a history of a bull gore injury wherein a 49-year-old male presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, reporting an alleged animal attack. The patient had experienced avulsion of the left eye and degloving injuries affecting the lower eyelids, nose, left cheek, and upper and lower lips, along with skin over the chin, coupled with a left zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture. Subsequently, a comprehensive single-stage primary reconstruction and repair procedure was performed. Immediate single-stage reconstruction has shown success in achieving excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes. Preserving original tissue during debridement is crucial in preventing infection and minimizing flap loss.
PubMed: 38846196
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59777 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice May 2024Tracheostomy is an important life-saving surgical procedure that could be used to secure the lower airway. It can however serve as a source of airway compromise when...
BACKGROUND
Tracheostomy is an important life-saving surgical procedure that could be used to secure the lower airway. It can however serve as a source of airway compromise when fragments from it are deposited. This condition must be diagnosed early enough, and appropriate intervention should be done to forestall potential morbidity and mortality.
CASE REPORT
A 56-year-old tracheostomized patient presented to the accident and emergency department with a 4-hour history of sudden onset choking cough and labored breathing. The shaft of his tracheostomy tube (TT) was fractured and subsequently aspirated while he was attempting to remove and clean the inner tube that morning. He has used the TT for about 6 years and lost to follow-up clinic visits. The chest radiograph showed the metallic foreign body lodged within the trachea. He had an emergency rigid bronchoscopy via the tracheostomy stoma, and the object was retrieved. All respiratory symptoms subsequently resolved, and a check radiograph showed normal findings.
CONCLUSION
Tracheostomy tube fracture and aspiration should be ruled out in every tracheostomized patient with sudden onset acute respiratory symptoms. Otolaryngologists must always emphasize the need for proper handling of TT, regular follow-up, and tube replacement when due.
Topics: Humans; Tracheostomy; Foreign Bodies; Male; Middle Aged; Bronchoscopy; Bronchi; Equipment Failure; Airway Obstruction
PubMed: 38842719
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_541_23 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024Airway management of a pediatric patient with cervical cystic hygroma can be challenging as the large neck mass may extend in the oral cavity, result in tracheal...
Airway management of a pediatric patient with cervical cystic hygroma can be challenging as the large neck mass may extend in the oral cavity, result in tracheal deviation, and cause possible upper airway obstruction. This is a case of a 4-year-old female admitted due to sudden enlargement of neck mass associated with dysphagia and sialorrhea. Patient was intubated under sedation while maintaining spontaneous ventilation with a pediatric flexible fiberoptic scope through a nasopharyngeal airway serving as a passage guide for ease of scoping and a protective device against trauma.
PubMed: 38836084
DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i9.8809 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It may present as airway obstruction in a patient with endobronchial masses. Endobronchial brachytherapy...
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It may present as airway obstruction in a patient with endobronchial masses. Endobronchial brachytherapy (EBBT) has been shown to provide palliative therapy. It is the insertion of a radioactive material near the mass to reduce tumor size, thereby improving airway obstruction. This is the first case of EBBT done in our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 53-year-old male, 60 kg, ASA Physical Status 2 for hypertension, smoker, malignancy, and previous pulmonary tuberculosis patient, presented with a cough and dyspnea. An endobronchial mass almost obstructing the right mainstem bronchus was seen on a computed tomography (CT) scan. He was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and underwent radiotherapy and erlotinib chemotherapy. On repeat CT scan, there was no noted decrease in the size of the mass. EBBT was suggested, and a multi-disciplinary team was formed for the planned procedure. Pulmonology, radiation oncology, and anesthesiology teams were identified, and thorough planning was done prior to the actual procedure. Three fractions of EBBT were done under sedation using midazolam, fentanyl, and dexmedetomidine infusion. Lidocaine spray and transtracheal block were also performed as adjuncts prior to sedation. The procedure went as planned, and points for improvement were discussed for subsequent fractions. Due to persistent cough and discomfort from the catheter, additional ipratropium nebulization for minimization of secretions, and oral dextromethorphan for cough suppression were incorporated. After each fraction, the patient was monitored post-procedure for any side effects both from the radiotherapy and anesthetic technique. Qualitative reduction in mass size was noted in subsequent fractions. The patient was able to complete 3 fractions and was advised to follow-up after a month. EBBT is an emerging palliative and treatment modality for lung cancer, especially for intraluminal masses. Anesthetic considerations will depend on each case's characteristics such as airway anatomy, patient comfort and capacity, and procedural requirements. Conscious sedation with topical anesthesia is an adequate and appropriate anesthetic option, especially in cases where severe airway obstruction may compromise ventilation if airway reflexes are blunted. A multidisciplinary approach with different services and stakeholders is important for the proper planning, execution, and management of such patients.
PubMed: 38836083
DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i9.8839