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They get to lung of the matter
Nirmala M Nagaraj, TNN 17 November 2009, 06:19am IST
BANGALORE: A lung biopsy of influenza A H1N1 victims will be conducted in Karnataka soon. In lung biopsy, small tissue of infected lung is removed
from a dead person's body using an ultrasound guided needle. Also, it can be done through administering anaesthesia to the patient, followed up with open lung biopsy. This method can be used to examine a living person, too.
Recently, the autopsy report of flu patients in the US revealed multiple clots in the lungs. Based on this, anti-coagulant along with Tamiflu were used on some patients and the method saved their lives.
However, lung biopsy -- being done for the first time in flu cases -- is expected to reveal more about the disease and treatment.
Autopsy and biopsy recommended
According to Dr H Paramesh, MD and respiratory disease expert at Lakeside Hospital and Medical Centre, they decided on five areas of the lung for biopsy. "But only autopsy can reveal more about the disease. Since private hospitals have reservations about conducting an autopsy, we recommended both lung biopsy and autopsy. This is being done for the first time in India," Dr Paramesh explained.
According to sources familiar with the procedure, four hospitals have been identified for the biopsy -- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD), Victoria Hospital, Lakeside Hospital and Manipal Hospital. Biopsy will be done in select cases with family consent.
The state integrated disease surveillance programme shows that 20,000 influenza cases are reported every week in Karnataka. The clinical audit report of death reveals that 20% influenza cases are at risk of contracting the disease. As a preventive measure, the health department is considering tracking influenza cases.
Since 60% of H1N1 flu deaths also suffered from a co-morbid condition, lung biopsy is likely to reveal more about cause of death and improve treatment.
On the rampage
Till date, there have been 118 H1N1 flu deaths in the state, with the last case reported on October 23. But with the virus at large in the community, positive cases continue to occur regularly. With 1,469 confirmed cases, 6,695 suspected cases have been tested and treated in Karnataka.
Status of preparedness
* Risk period is from November 20 till December-end and the challenge is to prevent the second wave
* Nimhans' testing capacity has been doubled from 80 to 160 and testing is now available at Command Hospital, KIMS in Manipal and at Narayana Nethralaya
* The state has a capacity to test 400 to 500 samples at a time
* To create awareness, the Sound and Drama division will conduct 1,000 programmes and workshops across the state
* 231 Schedule X outlets are selling Tamiflu; of these, 59 are in Bangalore
* State health and family welfare department has initiated a sensitization programme for health professionals at district level
Nirmala M Nagaraj, TNN 17 November 2009, 06:19am IST
BANGALORE: A lung biopsy of influenza A H1N1 victims will be conducted in Karnataka soon. In lung biopsy, small tissue of infected lung is removed
from a dead person's body using an ultrasound guided needle. Also, it can be done through administering anaesthesia to the patient, followed up with open lung biopsy. This method can be used to examine a living person, too.
Recently, the autopsy report of flu patients in the US revealed multiple clots in the lungs. Based on this, anti-coagulant along with Tamiflu were used on some patients and the method saved their lives.
However, lung biopsy -- being done for the first time in flu cases -- is expected to reveal more about the disease and treatment.
Autopsy and biopsy recommended
According to Dr H Paramesh, MD and respiratory disease expert at Lakeside Hospital and Medical Centre, they decided on five areas of the lung for biopsy. "But only autopsy can reveal more about the disease. Since private hospitals have reservations about conducting an autopsy, we recommended both lung biopsy and autopsy. This is being done for the first time in India," Dr Paramesh explained.
According to sources familiar with the procedure, four hospitals have been identified for the biopsy -- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD), Victoria Hospital, Lakeside Hospital and Manipal Hospital. Biopsy will be done in select cases with family consent.
The state integrated disease surveillance programme shows that 20,000 influenza cases are reported every week in Karnataka. The clinical audit report of death reveals that 20% influenza cases are at risk of contracting the disease. As a preventive measure, the health department is considering tracking influenza cases.
Since 60% of H1N1 flu deaths also suffered from a co-morbid condition, lung biopsy is likely to reveal more about cause of death and improve treatment.
On the rampage
Till date, there have been 118 H1N1 flu deaths in the state, with the last case reported on October 23. But with the virus at large in the community, positive cases continue to occur regularly. With 1,469 confirmed cases, 6,695 suspected cases have been tested and treated in Karnataka.
Status of preparedness
* Risk period is from November 20 till December-end and the challenge is to prevent the second wave
* Nimhans' testing capacity has been doubled from 80 to 160 and testing is now available at Command Hospital, KIMS in Manipal and at Narayana Nethralaya
* The state has a capacity to test 400 to 500 samples at a time
* To create awareness, the Sound and Drama division will conduct 1,000 programmes and workshops across the state
* 231 Schedule X outlets are selling Tamiflu; of these, 59 are in Bangalore
* State health and family welfare department has initiated a sensitization programme for health professionals at district level
