Validity of ROX index in prediction of risk of intubation in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Introduction: One important concern during the management of COVID-19 pneumonia patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is early anticipation of the need for intubation. ROX is an index that can help in identification of patients with low and those with high risk of intubation. So, this study was planned to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the ROX index for prediction of COVID-19 pneumonia outcome (the need for intubation) and, in addition, to underline the significant association of the ROX index with clinical, radiological, demographic data.

Low cost biological lung volume reduction therapy for advanced emphysema.

Background: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), using biological agents, is one of the new alternatives to lung volume reduction surgery.

Objectives: To evaluate efficacy and safety of biological BLVR using low cost agents including autologous blood and fibrin glue.

Methods: Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: group A (seven patients) in which autologous blood was used and group B (eight patients) in which fibrin glue was used.