A Proof of Concept Study on the Comfort and Usability of a Supportive Pillow for Pregnant Patients with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Background: The prone position has been seen to benefit patients experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, performing this position in pregnant patients has been difficult and raises safety concerns.

Objective: The current study aimed to test the use of a supportive pillow (Prone Pillow for Pregnant Patients or 4P) to address concerns regarding pregnant patients in prone position.

Intravenous Tocilizumab versus Standard of Care in the Treatment of Severe and Critical COVID-19-related Pneumonia: A Single-center, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase 3 Trial.

Background: Severe and critical COVID-19 disease is characterized by hyperinflammation involving pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6. Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-6 receptors.

Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy of tocilizumab in Filipino patients with severe to critical COVID-19 disease.

Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Findings from the Philippine CORONA Study.

Background: The global pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in many deaths from fulminant respiratory failure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There has been great concern regarding the impact of COPD on the COVID-19 illness.

Utility of laboratory and immune biomarkers in predicting disease progression and mortality among patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease at a Philippine tertiary hospital.

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the clinical biomarkers and cytokines that may be associated with disease progression and in-hospital mortality in a cohort of hospitalized patients with RT-PCR confirmed moderate to severe COVID-19 infection from October 2020 to September 2021, during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic before the advent of vaccination.

Patients And Methods: Clinical profile was obtained from the medical records. Laboratory parameters (complete blood count [CBC], albumin, LDH, CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and procalcitonin) and serum concentrations of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, IFN-γ, IP-10, TNF-α) were measured on Days 0-3, 4-10, 11-14 and beyond Day 14 from the onset of illness.

Body Composition of Filipino Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients in Relation to Their Lung Function, Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life.

Background And Objectives: The loss of muscle or fat free mass (FFM) as a result of systemic inflammation and poor nutrition in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is recognized as an important factor that influences symptoms and disease-related outcomes. To date, there are no data on body composition among Filipino COPD patients and how it impacts COPD disease severity. This paper examined the relationship of Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI = FFM/height) and sarcopenia with COPD disease severity variables.