Pulmonary function testing during SARS-CoV-2: An ANZSRS/TSANZ position statement.

The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) commissioned a joint position paper on pulmonary function testing during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in July 2021. A working group was formed via an expression of interest to members of both organizations and commenced work in September 2021. A rapid review of the literature was undertaken, with a 'best evidence synthesis' approach taken to answer the research questions formed. This allowed the working group to accept findings of prior relevant reviews or societal document where appropriate. The advice provided is for providers of pulmonary function tests across all settings. The advice is intended to supplement local infection prevention and state, territory or national directives. The working group's key messages reflect a precautionary approach to protect the safety of both healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients in a rapidly changing environment. The decision on strategies employed may vary depending on local transmission and practice environment. The advice is likely to require review as evidence grows and the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. While this position statement was contextualized specifically to the COVID-19 pandemic, the working group strongly advocates that any changes to clinical/laboratory practice, made in the interest of optimizing the safety and well-being of HCWs and patients involved in pulmonary function testing, are carefully considered in light of their potential for ongoing use to reduce transmission of other droplet and/or aerosol borne diseases.

Effects of adopting the Global Lung Function Initiative 2017 reference equations on the interpretation of carbon monoxide transfer factor.

The recently published Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) carbon monoxide transfer factor (T LCO) reference equations provide an opportunity to adopt a current, all-age, widely applicable reference set. The aim of this study was to document the effect of changing to GLI from commonly utilised reference equations on the interpretation of T LCO results.33 863 T LCO results (48% female, 88% Caucasian, n=930 aged <18 years) from clinical pulmonary function laboratories within three Australian teaching hospitals were analysed. The lower limit of normal (LLN) and proportion of patients with a T LCO below this value were calculated using GLI and other commonly used reference equations.The average T LCO LLN for GLI was similar or lower than the other equations, with the largest difference seen for Crapo equations (median: -1.25, IQR: -1.64, -0.86 mmol·min-1·kPa-1). These differences resulted in altered rates of reduced T LCO for GLI particularly for adults (+1.9% versus Miller to -27.6% versus Crapo), more so than for children (-0.8% versus Kim to -14.2% versus Cotes). For adults, the highest raw agreement for GLI was with Miller equations (94.7%), while for children it was with Kim equations (98.1%). Results were reclassified from abnormal to normal more frequently for younger adults, and for adult females, particularly when moving from Roca to GLI equations (30% of females versus 16% of males).The adoption of GLI T LCO reference equations in adults will result in altered interpretation depending on the equations previously used and to a greater extent in adult females. The effect on interpretation in children is less significant.

Use of a Silicon Stoma Stent as an Interim Step in High-Risk Tracheostomy Decannulation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe use of a stoma stent to facilitate high-risk decannulation. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 14 consecutive patients who received a stent from March 2013 to December 2016 at a quaternary health care service. Primary outcome measures were decannulation outcome and adverse events. RESULTS: Decannulation outcome: 12 of 14 patients had their tracheostomy tube (TT) removal facilitated by stent use. Patients had the stent for a median of 6 days (interquartile range, 49). Reasons for use included medical instability, risk of sputum retention, uncertain airway patency, and the need for ongoing airway access. All patients survived to discharge. One patient residing in the community has retained a stoma stent. Adverse events: One patient removed the stent on the day of insertion, necessitating reinsertion of the TT. Granulation tissue at the stoma site was seen in 2 patients. DISCUSSION: A tracheostoma will normally close within 48 hours following decannulation, which is problematic if TT reinsertion is required. By using the stent, reversal of decannulation becomes a simple ward-based procedure. In comparison to a TT, which is secured with ties, the stoma stent proved unsuitable for use in an agitated patient. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Decreasing total cannulation time is of benefit as patients with tracheostomy are subject to high rates of complications and adverse events. A stoma stent poses little risk and a low morbidity burden to the patient in comparison to alternative management.