Hypoxemia After Endobronchial Valve Deployment for Persistent Air Leak.

Endobronchial valves (EBVs) are a novel, minimally invasive bronchoscopic management technique for persistent air leaks that fail conservative therapy. Currently, 2 EBVs are available in the United States: the Spiration Valve System (Olympus, Redmond, WA) and the Zephyr Valve (Pulmonx, Redwood, CA). These valves are Food and Drug Administration-approved to reduce hyperinflation in emphysematous patients via bronchoscopic lung-volume reduction. However, more recently, the Spiration Valve has been granted a compassionate use exemption through the Food and Drug Administration for persistent postsurgical air leaks. Despite their popularity, these devices are not free from side effects. As an anesthesiologist, it is vital to be aware of the pathophysiology of this patient population so that safe and effective anesthetics may be provided during valve placement. Here, the use of EBVs is discussed in a patient who presented with a persistent air leak after a transthoracic needle aspiration that failed treatment due to persistent hypoxemia, warranting EBV removal.

Inpatient treatment modalities of coronavirus disease 2019 in the Egyptian population: A bi-center retrospective observational study.

Background: Many protocols for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been published. In addition to an abundance of studies and meta-analyses on the treatment of COVID-19, different medications used in the intensive care unit will have a significant impact on mortality. The study attempted to highlight, compare, and quantify the impact on outcomes. Methods: Data were collected from subjects' files, encompassing all physiological parameters, hematological profiles, and available laboratory results. In addition, all treatment modalities administered to the subjects were documented in medical files. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards. Results: The study included 120 subjects with confirmed COVID-19. Subjects treated with systemic corticosteroids (hazard Ratio [HR 0.45, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.01-1.32; P = 0.01) and tocilizumab (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.49-1.98; P = 0.05) exhibited lower mortality, while those treated with remdesivir (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.53-2.43; P = 0.05) showed increased mortality. In patients with COVID-19, improved mortality was observed with early rather than late treatment with noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) (HR 0.01 vs. 1.72, P = 0.05) and tocilizumab (HR 0.45 vs. 1.50, P = 0.05). Conclusions: The early use of NIV is associated with decreased mortality compared to late use. Corticosteroids demonstrate a mortality-reducing effect. In addition, early administration of tocilizumab is associated with decreased mortality compared to late use.

Aortic Dysfunction in Mitral Regurgitation Due to Floppy Mitral Valve/Mitral Valve Prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Floppy mitral valve/mitral valve prolapse (FMV/MVP), a heritable disorder of connective tissue, often leads to mitral regurgitation (MR) and is the most common cause for mitral valve surgery in developed countries. Connective tissue disorders may affect aortic function, and a stiff aorta may increase the severity of MR. Aortic function, however, has not been studied in FMV/MVP with MR. METHODS: A total of 17 patients (11 men, 6 women) with FMV/MVP and significant MR were compared with 20 controls matched for age and gender. Aortic diameters (AoD) were measured from left ventriculograms at 2 and 4 cm above the aortic valve. Aortic pressures were measured directly using fluid-filled catheters. Aortic distensibility was calculated using the formula: 2(systolic AoD-diastolic AoD)/(diastolic AoD x pulse pressure). RESULTS: Aortic distensibility was significantly lower in FMV/MVP compared with control at 2 cm above the aortic valve (1.00 ± 0.19 versus 3.78 ± 1.10 10-3 mm Hg-1, respectively; p = 0.027) and 4 cm above the aortic valve (0.89 ± 0.16 versus 3.22 ± 0.19 10-3 mm Hg-1, respectively; p = 0.007). FMV/MVP patients had greater left ventricular (LV) end-systolic (88 ± 72 mL versus 35 ± 15 mL, p = 0.002) and end-diastolic (165 ± 89 mL versus 100 ± 41 mL, p = 0.005) volumes, and lower LV ejection fraction, compared with control (50 ± 12% versus 57 ± 6%, p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Aortic distensibility is decreased (consistent with a stiff aorta) in patients with FMV/MVP and MR. A stiff aorta may increase the severity of MR. Thus, abnormal aortic function, which also deteriorates with age, may play an important role in the natural history of MR due to FMV/MVP.