Incidence and Risk Factors for Deep Venous Thrombosis and Its Impact on Outcome in Patients Admitted to Medical Critical Care.

Objectives: This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) while on thromboprophylaxis, in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU), and to assess its impact on outcomes.

Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to the MICU underwent compression ultrasound of the jugular, axillary, femoral, and popliteal veins at admission, day 3 and 7 to screen for DVT. All patients were on pharmacological and/or mechanical thromboprophylaxis as per protocol.

Fogging of Protective Eyewear in Intensive Care Unit and a Comparative Study of Techniques to Reduce It.

Background: Fogging of protective eyewear (PEW) can hinder routine work in the intensive care unit (ICU). The prevalence of fogging impairing vision (FIV) and the technique that reduces fogging have not been evaluated previously.

Methods: After donning personal protective equipment (PPE) with an N95 mask, the healthcare workers (HCWs) sequentially tried plain PEW, soap-coated PEW, PEW worn at a distance over the PPE hood, and the use of tape over a mask.

Tuberculous ARDS is associated with worse outcome when compared with non-tuberculous infectious ARDS.

Background: Patients with tuberculosis (TB) developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may have a higher mortality when compared with ARDS of other infectious etiology.

Methodology: In this single-centre retrospective cohort study spanning 5-years (2012 to 2016), TB-ARDS patients were age and gender matched (1:2) with non-TB infectious ARDS and followed up until death or hospital discharge. Clinical profile, treatment and outcomes were compared using t-test and Chi-square as appropriate.

Cytomorphometric Neutrophil and Monocyte Markers May Strengthen the Diagnosis of Sepsis.

Background:: The diagnosis of sepsis is challenging in the absence of a gold standard test. Recent studies have explored the role of neutrophil and monocyte volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS), derived from automated hematology analyzers, in diagnosing sepsis. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of VCS parameters in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Spectrum of cardiac manifestations and its relationship to outcomes in patients admitted with scrub typhus infection.

Aim: To study the spectrum of cardiac manifestations in scrub typhus infection and assess its relationship to outcomes.

Methods: Demographic data, electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, myocardial injury (defined as troponin T > 14 pg/mL), and pericardial effusion were documented. Myocarditis was diagnosed when myocardial injury was associated with global LV systolic dysfunction.

COST OF INTENSIVE CARE IN INDIA.

Objectives: The majority of patients in India access private sector providers for curative medical services. However, there is scanty information on the cost of treatment of critically ill patients in this setting. The study evaluates the cost and extent of financial subsidy required for patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in India.

Severe scrub typhus infection: Clinical features, diagnostic challenges and management.

Scrub typhus infection is an important cause of acute undifferentiated fever in South East Asia. The clinical picture is characterized by sudden onset fever with chills and non-specific symptoms that include headache, myalgia, sweating and vomiting. The presence of an eschar, in about half the patients with proven scrub typhus infection and usually seen in the axilla, groin or inguinal region, is characteristic of scrub typhus.