Pulmonary Dysfunction in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia and Response to Intensive Chelation Therapy

Objectives: To evaluate pulmonary functions in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, and its reversal (lung dysfunction) using intensive intravenous chelation with desferrioxamine (DFO) (4 weeks). Methods: This descriptive study enrolled 77 children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Pulmonary function test (PFT) and iron load (serum ferritin (SF) & T2* MRI of heart and liver) were done. PFT included spirometry, total lung capacity (TLC) by helium dilution test and diffusion capacity by carbon monoxide (DLCO). Follow-up PFT was available for 13 children with moderate to severe lung dysfunction given intravenous DFO. Results: 50 (68.8%) patients had lung dysfunction, most commonly diffusional impairment (48; 96%), and reduced TLC (11; 22%); and none had obstructive pattern. 9 (81.8%) patients with restrictive defect had moderate to severely deranged DLCO. PFT and T2* MRI values were inversely correlated with serum ferritin. Among 13 patients receiving intensive chelation for 4 weeks, significant improvement was noticed in forced expiratory volume in one minute/ forced vital capacity ratio (?FEV1/FVC) (P=0.009), ?DLCO (P=0.006) and ?SF (P=0.01). Conclusions: Pulmonary dysfunction is common in children with multi-transfused thalassemia, and routine screening by PFT needs to be part of the management guidelines.

Bakri postpartum balloon: an obstetrician’s armamentarium in managing post-partum haemorrhage

Background: Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), an obstetric emergency that can complicate vaginal or cesarean deliveries and associated with serious complications. Guidelines for the management of PPH involve a stepwise escalation of pharmacological and eventual surgical approaches. In women who do not respond to uterotonics or medical treatment, a variety of procedures, such as arterial embolization, surgical ligation of the uterine arteries or obstetric hysterectomy, may be used. The Bakri balloon is an intrauterine device indicated to reduce or control PPH temporarily when conservative treatment is warranted. Here, we are presenting case series of primary atonic PPH and which were managed by Bakri Balloon Tamponade (BBT).Methods: This case series included five women with PPH managed by Bakri balloon as a conservative therapeutic option.Results: All five women were in age group between 23 years to 34 years. The causes of PPH were uterine atony, retained placenta and central placenta previa. The Bakri balloon was successful in controlling hemorrhage in all women (five of five) who did not respond to medical uterotonic treatment.Conclusions: Bakri balloon is a simple, easy to use and effective method for conservative management of acute PPH. This device reduces bleeding, shortens the hospital stay and avoids the need for more aggressive procedures.