scholarly journals Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum in patients with COVID-19 disease; case series from a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Sethi ◽  
A. S. Ahmed ◽  
S. Hanif ◽  
M. Aqeel ◽  
A. B. S. Zubairi

Abstract Since December 2019, the clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its complications are evolving. As the number of COVID patients requiring positive pressure ventilation is increasing, so is the incidence of subcutaneous emphysema (SE). We report 10 patients of COVID-19, with SE and pneumomediastinum. The mean age of the patients was 59 ± 8 years (range, 23–75). Majority of them were men (80%), and common symptoms were dyspnoea (100%), fever (80%) and cough (80%). None of them had any underlying lung disorder. All patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome on admission, with a median PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 122.5. Eight out of ten patients had spontaneous pneumomediastinum on their initial chest x-ray in the emergency department. The median duration of assisted ventilation before the development of SE was 5.5 days (interquartile range, 5–10 days). The highest positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was 10 cmH2O for patients recieving invasive mechanical ventilation, while 8 cmH2O was the average PEEP in patients who had developed subcutaneous emphysema on non-invasive ventilation. All patients received corticosteroids while six also received tocilizumab, and seven received convalescent plasma therapy, respectively. Seven patients died during their hospital stay. All patients either survivor or non-survivor had prolonged hospital stay with an average of 14 days (range 8−25 days). Our findings suggest that it is lung damage secondary to inflammatory response due to COVID-19 triggered by the use of positive pressure ventilation which resulted in this complication. We conclude that the development of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and SE whenever present, is associated with poor outcome in critically ill COVID-19 ARDS patients.

Author(s):  
Elizabeth B. Habermann ◽  
Aaron J. Tande ◽  
Benjamin D. Pollock ◽  
Matthew R. Neville ◽  
Henry H. Ting ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: We evaluated the risk of patients contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during their hospital stay to inform the safety of hospitalization for a non–COVID-19 indication during this pandemic. Methods: A case series of adult patients hospitalized for 2 or more nights from May 15 to June 15, 2020 at large tertiary-care hospital in the midwestern United States was reviewed. All patients were screened at admission with the severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Selected adult patients were also tested by IgG serology. After dismissal, patients with negative serology and PCR at admission were asked to undergo repeat serologic testing at 14–21 days after discharge. The primary outcome was healthcare-associated COVID-19 defined as a new positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test on or after day 4 of hospital stay or within 7 days of hospital dismissal, or seroconversion in patients previously established as seronegative. Results: Of the 2,068 eligible adult patients, 1,778 (86.0%) completed admission PCR testing, while 1,339 (64.7%) also completed admission serology testing. Of the 1,310 (97.8%) who were both PCR and seronegative, 445 (34.0%) repeated postdischarge serology testing. No healthcare-associated COVID-19 cases were detected during the study period. Of 1,310 eligible PCR and seronegative adults, no patients tested PCR positive during hospital admission (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0%–0.3%). Of the 445 (34.0%) who completed postdischarge serology testing, no patients seroconverted (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0%–0.9%). Conclusion: We found low likelihood of hospital-associated COVID-19 with strict adherence to universal masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene along with limited visitors and screening of admissions with PCR.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 3285-3287
Author(s):  
Zubair Yousfani ◽  
Jabeen Atta ◽  
Khenpal Das ◽  
Madhu Bala ◽  
Shagufta Magsi ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate the consequent outcomes in the patients with rectal cancer endured laparoscopic surgical excision at Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Hyderabad and to review their curative resection and recurrence rates, postoperative morbidities and complete survival. Methods: This prospective case series study was done at the Department of General Surgery of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. All patients of 30-65 years ages with rectal cancer and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy either of gender were included. After removing the tumor, the specimen pinned out on a flat surface and placed in fixative solution to allow the orientation of the specimen and assessments of the exact margins. As the specimens had acceptable clear margins and limited invasion to the submucosa, no further surgical procedure was proceeded. Data was collected via study proforma. Results: A total of 40 patients were studied. Patients in the laparoscopic operation lost less blood with an amount of only 200mL during 190 minutes average operation time. The bowel functioning returned in 2 days averagely with 8 days average hospital stay. Conclusion: It is concluded that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is an effective, safe and feasible approach in terms of less post-operative complications and recovery time as well as Hospital stay. Key words: Rectal Cancer, laparoscopic surgery


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 2050313X2110100
Author(s):  
Duong T Hua ◽  
Farah Shah ◽  
Cherlyn Perez-Corral

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as having an etiology that is not related to surgery, trauma, or mechanical ventilation. Precipitating causes of spontaneous pneumomediastinum include coughing, exercise, vomiting, infection, underlying lung diseases such as asthma, and illicit drugs. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dysphagia. A 54-year-old man presented with 2 weeks of shortness of breath, cough, and fever. He was admitted for severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring non-rebreather mask. Chest imaging on admission showed bilateral peripheral consolidations and pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema. No precipitating event was identified. He did not require initiation of positive pressure ventilation throughout his admission. On hospital day 7, chest imaging showed resolution of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, and he was successfully discharged on oxygen therapy. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is typically benign and self-limiting, requiring only supportive treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. e239489
Author(s):  
Tarig Sami Elhakim ◽  
Haleem S Abdul ◽  
Carlos Pelaez Romero ◽  
Yoandy Rodriguez-Fuentes

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and pneumothorax (PNX) unrelated to positive pressure ventilation has been recently reported as an unusual complication in cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The presumed pathophysiological mechanism is diffuse alveolar injury leading to alveolar rupture and air leak. We present a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated on day 13 post admission by SPM, PNX and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with no identifiable risk factors for such complication. The patient received medical treatment for his COVID-19 infection without the use of an invasive or non-invasive ventilator. Moreover, he is a non-smoker with no lung comorbidities and never reported a cough. He was eventually discharged home in stable condition. A comprehensive literature review revealed 15 cases of SPM developing in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S260-S260
Author(s):  
Cristian E Espejo Ortiz ◽  
Yamile G Serrano Pinto ◽  
Juan G Sierra Madero ◽  
Alvaro Lopez Iñiguez ◽  
Brenda Crabtree-Ramírez

Abstract Background The main risk factors for severe COVID-19 described are diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, chronic lung and renal disease. HIV infection has not been found to be an independent factor for severe COVID-19, however, only small case series of HIV and COVID-19 have been reported. The aim of this study is to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of HIV positive patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City. Methods A single-center review of HIV-infected patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was performed using medical records from March 1st, 2020 to May 20th, 2020. We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes Results A total of 11 PLWH were diagnosed with COVID-19, only 9 were hospitalized and are described here. One died, 6 were discharged and 2 remain hospitalized (table 1). Overall, the median age was 46 years, all males and most (7/9) were on INSTI based ART regimen and undetectable HIV viral load (9/9), with a median of CD4 counts of 581 cell/mm3. The median days since onset of COVID19 symptoms was 7 days. 6/9 had at least one comorbidity: hypertension (3/9) and chronic kidney disease (3/9). 7/9 had body max index >25. 7/9 had moderate to severe lung disease, evidenced by computed tomography. 4/9 required invasive mechanical ventilation, and all were successfully extubated. Table 1. Characteristics and outcomes * Conclusion Most of the HIV patients who required hospitalization due to COVID19 had comorbidities. In spite of severe and critical presentations, most patients have recovered. Outcomes appear no different from those seen for non-HIV infected patients, however larger studies to determine the risk that HIV infection confers to COVID19 outcomes are needed. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikisha Hazariwala ◽  
Hind Hadid ◽  
Denise Kirsch ◽  
Cecilia Big

Abstract Background Spontaneous pneumomediastinum unrelated to mechanical ventilation is a newly described complication of COVID-19 pneumonia. The objective of this case presentation is to highlight an important complication and to explore potential predisposing risk factors and possible underlying pathophysiology of this phenomenon. Case presentation We present two patients with COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema without positive pressure ventilation. Both patients had multiple comorbidities, received a combination of antibiotics, steroids and supportive oxygen therapy, and underwent routine laboratory workup. Both patients then developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum and ultimately required intubation and mechanical ventilation, which proved to be challenging to manage. Conclusions Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a serious complication of COVID-19 pneumonia, of which clinicians should be aware. Further studies are needed to determine risk factors and laboratory data predictive of development of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 pneumonia.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662110197
Author(s):  
Kartikeya Rajdev ◽  
Alan J. Spanel ◽  
Sean McMillan ◽  
Shubham Lahan ◽  
Brian Boer ◽  
...  

Background: We experienced a high incidence of pulmonary barotrauma among patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at our institution. In current study, we sought to estimate the incidence, clinical outcomes, and characteristics of barotrauma among COVID-19 patients receiving invasive and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Methodology: We conducted this retrospective cohort study of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and requiring oxygen support or positive airway pressure for ARDS who presented to our tertiary care center from March through November, 2020. Results: A total of 353 patients met our inclusion criteria, of which 232patients who required heated high-flow nasal cannula, continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure were assigned to non-invasive group. The remaining 121 patients required invasive mechanical ventilation and were assigned to invasive group. Of the 353 patients, 32 patients (65.6% males) with a mean age of 63 ± 11 years developed barotrauma in the form of either subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, or pneumomediastinum. The incidence of barotrauma was 4.74% (11/232) and 17.35% (21/121) in non-invasive group and invasive group, respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 22 (15.7 −33.0) days with an overall mortality of 62.5% (n = 20). Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 ARDS have a high incidence rate of barotrauma. Pulmonary barotrauma should be considered in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who exhibit worsening of their respiratory disease as it is likely associated with a high mortality risk. Utilizing lung-protective ventilation strategies may reduce the risk of barotrauma.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Chattopadhyay ◽  
Karnika Saigal Kalra ◽  
Diganta Saikia ◽  
Varshanjali Yadav ◽  
Juhi Chouksey ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: We aim to describe our experience in terms of clinical and laboratory attributes in children with Multi – inflammatory syndrome in children temporally related to COVID-19 (MISC) presenting amidst other prevalent tropical infections.Design: Prospective case series.Setting: A tertiary care hospital pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).Patients: Seventeen children with severe MIS-C managed in PICU.Methods: We did a prospective case series of children (aged ≤ 12 years), admitted to PICU betweenMay 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, fulfilling the case definition of MIS-C published by World Health Organization (WHO) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We analysed routinely collected demographic, clinical, laboratory data and echocardiographic findings. We also plotted the variation in trends between survivors and nonsurvivors.Results: 17 critically ill children with no previous comorbidities fulfilled the WHO/CDC classification of MIS-C. Median age at admission was 4 years (range 1y 6 mo-8 years). Fever, rash and conjunctival redness were most prominent symptoms. Myocardial involvement was seen in 70.5% while 76.4% developed shock; Invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 64.7% cases. Inflammation markers were highly raised - median C- reactive protein (mg/L) showed serial reduction in levels - from (median/IQR) 210 (132.6, 246.9) at admission to PICU to 52.3 (42, 120) on Day 3. Median Ferritin (ng/ml) (n=12) was 690 (203, 1324), serum LDH (IU/L) (n=12) was 505 (229.5, 1032) and Mean D-dimer (ng/ml) (n=7) was 5093.85 (1991.65), suggestive of hyperinflammatory syndrome. Although neutrophilia was seen in 16 patients [Mean (SD) - 14,952.9/μl (7175.2)], lymphopenia was uncommon and seen in only 4/17, median (IQR) [3000/μl (2245, 4508)]. 12 patients received intravenous immune globulin, with adjunctive steroid therapy used in two third of the cases. Six patients expired.Conclusions: With our case series we wish to highlight the pattern of clinical and laboratory features in a cohort of severe MISC who were positive for SARSCOV2 antibody. We suggest refining the spectra of phenotypes of MIS-C for tropical countries keeping other exanthematous infections that present with fulminant myocarditis and refractory shock in perspective.


Author(s):  
Fakhreddine S ◽  
◽  
Jaber R ◽  
Skaff E ◽  
Salloum S ◽  
...  

Introduction: Pneumomediastinum is rare in viral infection of the lung however in COVID-19 patients it is more common. Study Design: Case series of 14 moderate to severe COVID cases complicated by Pneumomediastinum admitted to Saint George Hospital over 4 months. Data was collected retrospectively from medical charts of the patients. Results: Most of the patients were males. Average hospital stay was 15.21 days. Five patients (35.72%) developed pneumomediastinum without any kind of mechanical ventilation during hospitalization. Around 35.72% of the patients were discharged and the average time till death was 8.8 days. Conclusion: Pneumomediastinum can develop without any positive pressure ventilation in COVID-19 infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110002
Author(s):  
Gayathri Thiruvengadam ◽  
Marappa Lakshmi ◽  
Ravanan Ramanujam

Background: The objective of the study was to identify the factors that alter the length of hospital stay of COVID-19 patients so we have an estimate of the duration of hospitalization of patients. To achieve this, we used a time to event analysis to arrive at factors that could alter the length of hospital stay, aiding in planning additional beds for any future rise in cases. Methods: Information about COVID-19 patients was collected between June and August 2020. The response variable was the time from admission to discharge of patients. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the factors that were associated with the length of hospital stay. Results: A total of 730 COVID-19 patients were included, of which 675 (92.5%) recovered and 55 (7.5%) were considered to be right-censored, that is, the patient died or was discharged against medical advice. The median length of hospital stay of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized was found to be 7 days by the Kaplan Meier curve. The covariates that prolonged the length of hospital stay were found to be abnormalities in oxygen saturation (HR = 0.446, P < .001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (HR = 0.742, P = .003), levels of D-dimer (HR = 0.60, P = .002), lactate dehydrogenase (HR = 0.717, P = .002), and ferritin (HR = 0.763, P = .037). Also, patients who had more than 2 chronic diseases had a significantly longer length of stay (HR = 0.586, P = .008) compared to those with no comorbidities. Conclusion: Factors that are associated with prolonged length of hospital stay of patients need to be considered in planning bed strength on a contingency basis.


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