The Prevalence of Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Experience From Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background: The prevalence of programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1) expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) within unselected populations remains a research topic, though PD-L1 expression is important in guiding treatment decisions.

Objectives: The study objective was to ascertain the prevalence of PD-L1 expression in patients of NSCLC and its association with clinicopathological characteristics and other gene mutations.

Methods: Samples from patients with NSCLCs were analyzed in the study to determine the expression of PD-L1 through immunohistochemistry (IHC) using rabbit anti-human PDL-1/CD274 monoclonal antibody.

Tuberculosis presenting as uncontrolled hypertension.

We analyzed the issue of a young woman who wanted our opinion regarding uncontrolled hypertension. Her hypertension was discovered to have a highly unusual origin, but it is fairly prevalent in nations like India. A 19-year-old woman who complained of blurred vision was presented to an ophthalmologist, who diagnosed her with grade IV hypertensive retinopathy.

A man having 'cyst' in the 'cyst'!

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic infestation caused by tapeworms, particularly . The lung is the second most site followed by liver accounting for 10%-30% of the cases. Rupture of hydatid cyst can occur into pleura or bronchus.

A case of tracheobronchopathia ostochondorplastica.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a disorder caused by the accumulation of calcium phosphate in the submucosa of large airways. Benign proliferation of bone and cartilage lead to the narrowing of airways. Bronchoscopy is the diagnostic test for TO.

Validation of MuLBSTA score to derive modified MuLB score as mortality risk prediction in COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19pandemic was started in December 2019. It has variable presentation from mild sore throat to severe respiratory distress. It is important to identify individuals who are likely to worsen.

Performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay on thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay in diagnosing tuberculosis on thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in exudative pleural effusion.

Methods: Patients who underwent thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in the defined period were included in the study. Histopathology was done for all and Xpert MTB RIF assay and AFB culture of pleural biopsy specimen and pleural fluid were done as per the clinician's discretion.

Impact of early pulmonary rehabilitation in postacute COVID Disease: A single-center experience from India - A quasi-experimental study.

Background: It was observed that post-COVID patients reported persistent exertional dyspnea, cough, fatigue, or chest pain. About 10%-20% of patients may progress to pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been proven to be useful in improving effort tolerance and quality of life in chronic respiratory diseases.

Retrospective observational study to compare Xpert MTB/RIF assay with other diagnostic tests in lymph node tuberculosis.

Background: Lymph node tuberculosis (TB) is the most common form of extrapulmonary TB in India. Standards for TB care in India recommend microscopy/culture/CBNAAT/molecular test/histopathology examination and drug sensitivity testing on appropriate specimens from the presumed sites of involvement for all patients with presumptive extrapulmonary TB.

Objectives: To analyze the utility of Xpert MTB/Rif assay in lymph node TB.

Prevalence of overlap syndrome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea in a quaternary care center of Kerala.

Background: The coexistence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is termed "Overlap syndrome (OS)."

Objectives: The present study aimed at estimating the prevalence of OS among patients diagnosed with OSA.

Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted on patients presenting to respiratory medicine outpatient department (sleep clinic) with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and was found to have OSA by overnight polysomnography.

Study on factors associated with post bronchodilator reversibility among patients presenting with dyspnea: An experience at a tertiary care academic hospital in Kerala.

Background: The change in FEV after administration of a short-acting bronchodilator has been widely used for diagnosis of obstructive airway diseases. Many factors can influence the post bronchodilator reversibility.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to estimate the presence of reversibility among the patients of obstructive airway disease and to identify the factors affecting it.

Clinical Profile of Lung Cancer in Females- A Single Institution Study.

The global incidence of lung cancer among women is rising. By 2030, lung cancer in women is expected to increase by 43%. The factors thought to predispose women to lung cancer are exposure second hand smoke, air pollution and biofuels used for cooking.

Case series of concurrent occurrence of sarcoidosis and breast cancer - A diagnostic dilemma.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system granulomatous disorder characterized by involvement of multiple systems with or without lymphadenitis. Pulmonary complications are common and may lead to morbidity. Breast cancer is one of the commonest malignancy among women across the world.

Prognostic role of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide for patients in the medical intensive care unit with severe sepsis.

Background: Sepsis is an important cause of mortality in intensive care units worldwide. The increased levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) are related with dysfunction of the cardiovascular system and systemic inflammation. It is uncertain whether this increase reflects sepsis-related cardiac dysfunction that translates to poorer outcomes.

EGFR analysis on scrapings from cytology smears in lung carcinoma, an effective alternative to testing on trucut biopsies.

Background: Lung carcinomas are a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Many cases present at an advanced stage of disease where definitive treatment by surgical resection is not feasible. Molecular testing using materials derived from minimally invasive procedures aid in targeted therapy with least iatrogenic burden to the patient.

Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease: report of two cases.

Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis (DM) displays unique cutaneous and pathologic features. We describe two cases of myositis-associated rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). The patients were two women from Kerala, India.

A systematic review of clinical and laboratory parameters associated with increased severity among COVID-19 patients.

Background And Aims: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been an extremely difficult pandemic to contain and it has affected more than 148 countries worldwide. The main aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive summary of clinical and laboratory parameters that are associated with and indicative of increased severity among COVID-19 patients.

Material And Methods: All the available data from high-quality research articles relevant to the epidemiology, demographics, trends in hospitalization and outcomes, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment methods of COVID-19 were retrieved and evaluated for inclusion.

Diagnostic utility of pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with exudative pleural effusion.

Background: Pleural effusion (PE) is presenting symptoms of many different diseases and is often a diagnostic challenge. Negative cytology in the malignant PE requires more complicated diagnostic procedures, such as closed pleural biopsy or thoracoscopic pleural biopsy. Not all the patients will be fit for such invasive procedures due to high risk.

Diagnostic utility of medical thoracoscopy in T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma presenting with pleural effusion.

Adult lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurring among predominantly adolescent and young adult men, accounting for 1%-2% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In contrast to B-LBL, T-cell LBL is much more common, accounting for up to 90% of disease in adults. Mediastinal mass, pleural and/or pericardial effusions are the major characteristics of T-LBL.

Assessing the Utility of GeneXpert MTB/Rif Assay in a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India with Established Microscopy and Liquid Culture Facilities.

Background: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the detection of M. tuberculosis in pulmonary and extra pulmonary specimens and to compare it with conventional techniques.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted with the introduction of GeneXpert in a tertiary care hospital which relied on microscopy and culture for diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Predictors of mortality of severe sepsis among adult patients in the medical Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Sepsis is an important cause of mortality in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) worldwide. Information regarding early predictive factors for mortality and morbidity is limited.

Aims And Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to estimate the mortality of severe sepsis among adult patients admitted into the medical ICU.

Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience.

Introduction: Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM) is an uncommon developmental deformity affecting the terminal respiratory structures. It is characterized by broncho pulmonary foregut malformations. The reason behind it is an arrest in lung development between 4 and 7 week of fetal life.