A simple method to predict which coronavirus patients are likely to require oxygen support or higher care during hospitalization has been proposed by a leading public hospital.
Doctors from KEM Hospital’s pulmonary medicine department, in a research paper published in the latest edition of JAPI said the assessment only requires one’s oxygen saturation readings to be taken once while lying down and immediately another reading while sitting up.
Moreover, if the readings differ quite a bit, it is possible the patient has COVID-induced platypnea-orothodeoxia syndrome (POS) — a condition in which breathlessness is alleviated when lying down and worsens while sitting or standing up.
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The doctors, led by the head of department Dr Amita Athawale, said POS could be an uncommonly common bedside sign. Normally it should be equal in sitting and lying down position. But in COVID-19, different readings while sitting and while lying down, then they should be checked early for hypoxia.
Even a fall in oxygen saturation in a sitting position as compared to a supine position can predict the need for oxygen therapy, said the study.
Meanwhile, amid the second wave of coronavirus crisis, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on May 14, had urged the sugar cooperative industry to produce oxygen, much needed for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.
However, at a time when oxygen cylinders are in short supply across several states, doctors suggest the concentrator among patients in home isolation and for hospitals running out of oxygen.
Also Read: Maharashtra Govt To Offer 100-150% Refund for Companies Building Oxygen Plants in the State
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