A study of the utility and safety of bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated COVID19 ARDS: Transgressing the conventional guidelines

Abstract

Background: Bronchoscopy has been done sparingly in COVID19 patients due to the risk of aerosol generation. We describe a study on targeted bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated (MV) COVID-19 patients outlining the procedural, clinical, utilitarian and safety aspects. Methods: Bedside bronchoscopy was performed in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases on MV for specific indications. Demographic, clinical, bronchoscopic and laboratory findings were analysed. Results: 98 procedures were performed on 61 patients, mean age 62.1 years, 51 (83.6%) males. 42 patients (69%) had at least 1 co-morbidity. Major indications were new radiographic infiltrates with clinical deterioration, increased endotracheal tube (ETT) secretions and haemorrhagic secretions/hemoptysis. Common findings were copious secretions in 87 (88.8%), purulent in 61%, mucoid in 18%, haemorrhagic in 7% and frothy in 14% cases. On the management front, antibiotics were changed in 31 (31.6%) cases based on bronchoscopic findings. Other significant changes included reduction/stopping steroids and anticoagulation and ETT repositioning. The incidence of bacterial superinfection was high (54% culture positivity), a significant number (94%) with multi-drug resistant organisms. Fungi were seen in 7 cases (7.1%). Pneumocystis jiroveci was not seen and cytology did not show any viral inclusions. Therapeutic mucus plug removal was done in 30 cases (30.6%), and hemoptysis control in 4% cases. The procedures were safe and none of the HCW developed any COVID19 disease. Conclusion: Bronchoscopy in critically ill MV COVID-19 patients contributes on both diagnostic and therapeutic fronts and impacts management decisions. With adequate precautions and standard protocols, it is safe for both HCW and patients.