Prasanna Purna K

Abstract

Introduction: Undiagnosed pleural effusion constitutes nearly 25% of all exudative pleural effusion. Pleural biopsy is essential in this situation. In this study we assessed the diagnostic utility of rigid thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in undiagnosed pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study done at tertiary care center. Data from June 2018 to May 2019 was analysed. All patients underwent the procedure with 30? rigid thoracoscope under local anaesthesia. Data was analyzed using MS Excel 2010. Results: 25 patient’s data was analyzed. Of these 19 were males and 6 were females. Mean age of study group was 54.8 years. In 19 patients diagnosis was confirmed. 11 were malignancies and 8 were tuberculosis. 6 patients had nonspecific chronic inflammation. No mortality related to procedure occurred. Conclusion: Rigid thoracoscopy is a safe procedure for pleural biopsy. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy not only confirms diagnosis but also avoids delay in diagnosis. Keywords: Pleural biopsy, Rigid thoracoscope, Undiagnosed, Pleural effusion, Tertiary care.

View Article

Abstract

Background: 6 minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple routine exercise test. This test provides information about functional capacity of COPD patients. Though 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) is most commonly used outcome measure, it is influenced by various physical factors like body weight. So, we tried to assess the correlation between 6 minute walk work (6MWW) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Methodology: A cross sectional study done at a tertiary care hospital in Nellore. Institutional ethical committee approved the study. All patients with COPD attending Respiratory medicine OPD were recruited. Detailed history was taken and physical examination was done after taking informed consent. Patients underwent chest x-ray, Arterial blood gas analysis, Electrocardiogram, Transthoracic 2-D Echo, Spirometry and 6 MWT. Data was analysed using MS Excel 2007. Results: Total of 154 subjects were included.122 were males and 32 were females. 49(31.81%) walked a distance of ? 350 meters, 91(59.09%) walked ? 250 to 349 meters, and 14(9.09%) walked < 250meters> 22000kg.m, 32(20.77%) had ?15000kg.m, 90(58.44%) had 15001-22000kg.m. 6MWW correlated better with FEV1 and FVC. Conclusions: 6MWW is a better outcome measure of 6MWT and can be used to assess functional capacity of COPD patients and monitoring where spirometry cannot be done. Keywords: Six minute walk work, Six minute walk distance, Forced expiratory volume in 1 second, Forced vital capacity, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

View Article