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Doctors try pressurized oxygen chambers in COVID fight

As a New York University medical researcher who works once a week in an emergency room, Dr. David Lee had the luxury of time to think like a scientist while also treating coronavirus patients whose lungs kept giving out. In every case, he saw the same thing: Their blood was starved of oxygen.As a New York University medical researcher who works once a week in an emergency room,

Dr. David Lee had the luxury of time to think like a scientist while also treating coronavirus patients whose lungs kept giving out. In every case, he saw the same thing: Their blood was starved of oxygen.

One day an idea hit him: Could hyperbaric oxygen therapy, best known for treating divers with the bends, help stave off the need for ventilators and perhaps reduce deaths?

Physiologically it made sense to him, but he soon learned it was also complicated. The therapy, which involves delivering 100% oxygen straight to patients inside a pressurized chamber, is often met with skepticism by the wider medical community because fringe supporters have long touted it as a virtual cure-all without scientific evidence.

So much so that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wrote a consumer update a few years ago, explaining that the therapy is only approved for 13 types of treatment, ranging from burns to deep wounds and carbon monoxide poisoning. The agency warned patients not to be misled by claims on the Internet that it works for conditions such as cancer or autism.

Still, with medical teams worldwide having little success at saving lives despite throwing everything they had at COVID patients — testing old drugs, trying new ones — Lee believed doctors should be more open to exploring different types of treatments. He brought his theory to Dr. Scott Gorenstein, a colleague at NYU Winthrop Hospital on Long Island with a decade of experience in the field.

Though the treatment is non-invasive, with a long history of safety, both men knew they faced major obstacles. Chief among them: finding funding, and overcoming skepticism about the treatment fueled by hyperbaric spas as well as videos of celebrities like Justin Bieber and LeBron James using portable chambers. 

“If we were to promote hyperbaric without a rigorous scientific trial, because of the fringe community that’s already doing that, the likelihood that it would be accepted by mainstream medical communities is close to zero,” said Gorenstein.

 Within two weeks, the doctors had approval from an NYU institutional review board for a small, case-control trial that would allow them to compare COVID-19 patients treated with hyperbarics to a control group matched with similar characteristics, such as age, sex, health conditions and oxygen requirements, that did not get it.

Twenty hyperbaric patients, predominantly men age 30 to 79, received up to five 90-minute treatments during the month-long study. Gorenstein said almost all experienced relief of symptoms once sealed inside the clear tube, similar in shape to the old iron lungs once used to treat polio.

Some went from having unresponsive “deer-in-the-headlights” dazes to being alert and engaged, while others reported being able to sleep afterward for the first time in days. Eighteen of those patients recovered and were discharged within days or weeks.

Two people died, and the death of one of them halted the study and prompted a hospital safety assessment. It concluded hyperbaric treatment was not the cause, Lee said. The FDA also was asked to review the case, but he said there has not yet been a response.

The control group saw a significantly higher rate of intubations, deaths, and long-term hospitalizations. However, both Gorenstein and Lee stressed that the trial, which will soon be published, was too small to draw any solid conclusions.

“What we’ve been able to do, I think, is demonstrate that this therapy deserves to be studied in a large way,” Gorenstein said, adding the next step would be to secure funding for a larger, randomized control trial at multiple centers.

Scientists remain baffled by the complex nature of COVID-19, its range of victims, its acute and long-haul symptoms, and even the accuracy of tests used to confirm infections. With more than 660,000 people succumbing globally — nearly a quarter of them in the U.S. — there’s been little time for robust scientific studies in the race to find effective treatments.

as a silver bullet. There’s also been excitement over steroids, experimental convalescent plasma, and even antibodies from a Belgian llama named Winter.

What many of those treatments do have is financial backing from pharmaceutical companies, giving them an advantage over hyperbaric and other non-drug therapies. Oxygen, however, is not something that can be patented, and doctors say there are no big profits to be made from using the pressurized pods.

One of the biggest risks in hyperbarics is transporting patients to and from the chamber, given how sick they are and their absolute dependence on supplemental oxygen. There are also questions about how the treatment might affect blood-clotting disorders or if too much oxygen could lead to toxicity and, possibly, seizures.

“My feeling about any kind of intervention, it’s really important that that be done through clinical trials. If such data existed, then perfect, it’s worth a try,” said Mitchell Levy, medical director of the intensive care unit at Rhode Island Hospital and a professor of medicine at Brown University.

“But we want to be really careful that we’re not just acting out of desperation, giving things that may be harmful ... or spending a lot of money on ineffective therapies. And that’s the challenge of entering this uncharted territory,” Levy said.

The treatment was first given to a handful of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, with promising results.

A study in Sweden plans to recruit 200 participants. Israel, France and Italy are among others trying it. It’s also being tested out at several U.S. hospitals, including at the Opelousas General Health System in Louisiana.

Kathy Fuselier, 62, who works in the pharmacy there, said she felt it helped her. “I didn’t have to be put on the vent,” she said. “Came close, but didn’t need the vent.” 

With a virus as mysterious and cunning as COVID, Lee said it’s essential to raise questions. But he added it’s just as important to keep an open mind.

“There’s a lot of people trying to find solutions," he said, adding hyperbarics could just be one piece of a larger puzzle. “This is not going to be an end-all, be-all.” 

Reference: By MARGIE MASON and ROBIN McDOWELL, Associated Press 5 hrs ago: 31st July 2020

Electrician was told to finish shift after having heart attack at work

An electrician who suffered a heart attack at work was asked by his boss to continue his shift, a tribunal heard.An electrician who suffered a heart attack at work was asked by his boss to continue his shift, a tribunal heard.

Rob Craggs has now been awarded a £12,000 payout after his employers failed to contact him for six months while he was off work recovering.

The father was working on site for Tyne and Wear-based BMS Electrical Services when he had a heart attack. He asked to go to hospital but his boss, Ian Derbyshire, 'indicated he would prefer it if he finished his shift first', Mr Craggs told the tribunal.Mr Derbyshire said he did not remember saying that. A few hours later another director at the company, William Storey, visited the hospital and gave Mr Craggs money. 

The tribunal heard Mr Craggs believed it was 'hush money' because the company had tried to stop him going to hospital straight away. Mr Storey strongly denied this and during Mr Craggs' evidence stood up and and called his former employee a 'lying b******'.

Following the heart attack, Mr Craggs developed depression and anxiety. He was unable to walk down the street without stopping frequently and was scared of driving alone in case he had another heart attack.He was off work for eight months but the tribunal heard that during his recovery Mr Craggs' bosses never tried to contact him apart from the initial visit.

He eventually resigned after getting in an argument where he was told GPs give out sick notes for people to sit and 'play games on the computer'.He eventually resigned after getting in an argument where he was told GPs give out sick notes for people to sit and 'play games on the computer'.

At the hearing, the panel said his employers 'were under a duty of care as his employer to look after his welfare'. 

Mr Craggs' complaint of breach of working time regulations and disability discrimination on the basis of unfavourable treatment were well-founded but his claim of unfair dismissal was dismissed.

At a remedy hearing, Mr Craggs was awarded £12,095 in compensation for disability discrimination.

Reference: Daily Mail: 30th July 2020

12 symptoms a gynaecologist says you should never ignore

There's no such thing as a 'normal vagina', we are all different and the same applies when it comes to our genitals. However, that being said, it is worth knowing and understanding what is abnormal for you and where you might need to seek further help or advice.There's no such thing as a 'normal vagina', we are all different and the same applies when it comes to our genitals. However, that being said, it is worth knowing and understanding what is abnormal for you and where you might need to seek further help or advice.

Every year more than 21,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer and being aware of the symptoms and seeking help early could save your life (it sounds dramatic but it's true). To help us get to grips with what to look out for, we spoke to Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology, about the symptoms and 'red flags' you should never ignore when it comes to our vaginas.

If you do experience any of the symptoms outlined below, it’s important not to panic, they may well be caused by something far less serious, however the only way to be certain is to consult a doctor. 5 symptoms of gynaecological cancer you shouldn't ignore

1.Abnormal bleeding/discharge Any type of abnormal bleeding should be investigated but bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse or post-menopausal bleeding could be a sign of cervical or uterine cancer and can occur with other gynaecological cancers as well. These symptoms should be investigated without delay.

2.Lumps, bumps & ulcers Vulval cancers often present as lumps and bumps or ulcers which are easily felt without searching, so you may feel something unusual whilst going to the toilet or during daily activities such as walking and sitting. If your lump is persistent and won’t go away it’s time to get it checked out.

3.Persistent itching Persistent itching ‘down below’ could be a sign of thrush but without the accompanying symptoms could be a pre-cancerous sign of vulval cancers. This may also present as tenderness of the vulva, pain or burning sensation.

4.Abdominal bloating / distention We all have our days of feeling bloated, especially at certain times during our cycle, but if you feel constantly bloated or have tummy distention (where the tummy is visibly bigger) then this may be a sign of ovarian cancer. Some ladies with these symptoms describe that they can’t fit into their jeans or trousers, but they haven’t noticed any weight gain, in fact there may be weight loss.

5.New onset of abdominal pain As ladies we are all used to a bit of tummy pain, but after 45 a new onset of abdominal pain could be a sign of ovarian cancer and medical attention should be sought. Before the age of 45, abdominal pain is more likely to be far less sinister such as an infection or other gynaecological issue such as endometriosis which of course may also require a doctor. Other gynaecological symptoms you shouldn't ignoreWhilst the following symptoms may not indicate cancer, these symptoms can sometimes be significant and — though they aren't necessarily cause for major concern — are worth seeking early advice on.

1.Sudden onset of lower abdominal pain In young women, acute and severe lower abdominal pain can have many causes which can include important ones such as an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) and ovarian cyst complications. Always do a pregnancy test to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and see your doctor for an assessment.

2.Heavy and painful periods Heavy or painful periods can sometimes be caused by conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis. Whilst these conditions are not life-threatening, they can affect the quality of life in a major way. Seeking medical attention and early diagnosis can help with planning an appropriate treatment pathway.

3.Urinary frequency and stingingUrinary frequency and stinging can indicate a bladder infection and can be easily ruled out or treated, but these symptoms can sometimes indicate a pelvic mass such as a fibroid uterus or an ovarian cyst.

4.Urinary leakage or incontinence Urinary leakage or incontinence is a common symptom in women and as many as 40% of women suffer from it particularly after childbirth and menopause. Simple measures such as physiotherapy with pelvic floor exercises can make a huge difference.

5.Pain during intercourse Pain during intercourse can indicate conditions such as endometriosis and if persistent, you should seek medical attention.

6.Acute onset of vulval blisters and sores (ulceration) Sores, yellowish copious vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and bleeding after intercourse can sometimes indicate a sexually transmitted infection. It is always a good idea to get a sexual health check done if you are embarking on a new relationship.

7.Symptoms of menopause Symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, poor quality of sleep, anxiety and mood swings can affect your work and life in a major way. Hormone replacement therapy can be useful and there are also other nutritional and non-medical ways of helping these symptoms.

If you are experiencing these symptoms contact your GP or book an appointment at London Gynaecology on 020 7101 1700.

a group of people looking at each other: Being aware of your own health is one of the most important things you can do. When your body is giving signs that something is wrong, that usually means it’s time to go to a doctor and get a professional opinion before it’s too late. Here are 20 signs that should never be ignored.

Reference: 30th July 2020 ; Anya Meyerowitz 22 hrs ago

Brazilian president Bolsonaro has 'mould' in his lungs after coronavirus infection

cantibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak - having spent weeks in isolation after catching coronavirus.He appeared during a live broadcast and chuckled as he told viewers that he had "mould" in his lungs.

The leadercro added: "After 20 days indoors, I have other problems. I have mould in my lungs."
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He specnt nearly three weeks in isolation at the presidential palace after being diagnosed with the coronavirus on 7 July.He tested negative for the virus last Saturday but his wife Michelle, 38, tested positive on Thursday.

Mr Bolsoncaro, 65, gave no further details about his infection.

Even after he was infected, the politician - who has previously dismissed the disease as a "little flu" - downplayed the severity of the virus.

He has regularly said that restrictions on businesses will be more damaging than the illness, but most Brazilians disagree with his approach, according to recent opinion polls.

Meanwhile, Brazil's science and technology minister Marcos Pontes, 57, has become the latest politician and the fifth cabinet minister to announce he has the coronavirus.

On Thursday night, Brazil's health ministry confirmed a total of 2,610,102 cases of coronavirus, up from 2,552,265 the previous day.

Some 91,263 people have died in the country after testing positive for the disease.Reference: Sky News: 30th July